Model year record

1996 Kia Sephia

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 203 owner complaints on file.

Kia Sephia, 1994–2001 generation
Pictured: the 1994–2001 generation. Spanish Coches, CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V216000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
189,706
Reported to NHTSA
2002-08-16
Owners notified
2002-12-20

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Unknown or other1840,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline12—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip12—
Air bags: frontal9—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components9—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly7—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads7—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor7—
Structure720,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash6—
Power train: automatic transmission6—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator5—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc5—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood4—
Engine and engine cooling: engine472,864 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage4—
Interior lighting3—
Power train: clutch assembly3—
Power train: manual transmission3—
Structure: body: door3—
Structure: frame and members3—
Suspension: front3—
Vehicle speed control3—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system317,000 mi
Air bags2—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2—
Electrical system: ignition: switch2—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner2—
Exterior lighting2—
Seat belts: front2—
Service brakes, hydraulic2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper2—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2—
Electrical system13 mi
Electrical system: ignition1—
Electrical system: ignition: module1—
Electrical system: wiring1—
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1—
Engine and engine cooling1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1—
Fuel system, gasoline1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1—
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical1—
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1—
Power train: axle assembly1—
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1—
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator1—
Seat belts1—
Seat belts: rear/other1—
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1—
Structure: body: bumpers1—
Suspension1—
Tires1—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1—
Vehicle speed control: linkages1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1—
Visibility: power window devices and controls1—
Visibility: windshield1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1—

The 1995 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Kia Sephia model years

All Kia Sephia recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.