1996 KIA Sephia
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sephia › 1996
These records cover every 1996 KIA Sephia. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1996 KIA Sephia. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
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
118 complaints9 involved a crash4 involved a fire17 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Dt: the consumer stated that on december 1, 2003 the dashboard lifted up in the front when turning on the defroster . It did not defog the window, it will work somewhat but not like it should. Can see the inside dashboard where wiring and foam was. It has progressively gotten worse since…
Dt: the consumer stated that on december 1, 2003 the dashboard lifted up in the front when turning on the defroster . It did not defog the window, it will work somewhat but not like it should. Can see the inside dashboard where wiring and foam was. It has progressively gotten worse since december 2003. Consumer had tried to push the dashboard down with her hands, but the dashboard will not move. Consumer has not had a dealer look at vehicle. *Ak
- Structure
I purchased a 1996 KIA sephia and have the same problam as alot of other owners. the dashboard IS lifting and peeling away from the frame.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer noticed while applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated. *Ak
- Structure
It IS unbelieveable that there IS no recall on the dashboards for KIA vehicles. I own a KIA sephia and it seems like the dashboard cracks and peels off. I have seen other models and it faces the same problems. Matter of fact I visited KIA dealerships and there IS no warranty on this items. The…
It IS unbelieveable that there IS no recall on the dashboards for KIA vehicles. I own a KIA sephia and it seems like the dashboard cracks and peels off. I have seen other models and it faces the same problems. Matter of fact I visited KIA dealerships and there IS no warranty on this items. The dealerships also mentioned that they have alot of complaints on that same issue. I strongly believe that there must be a recall on this issues. *Ak
- Structure
Dashboard IS separating from the frame of the interior of the vehicle. dealer has examined the vehicle on four occasions, and was unable to resolve the problem. *ak
- Structure · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The dashboard IS rising and the defroster doesn't work, causing poor visibility to the driver. *Ak *mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
When vehicle has been started engine light would come on and remain illuminated. Had taken vehicle to dealership, and mechanic failed to resolve the problem.*ak
- Structure
Consumer states that dashboard IS peeling off from the car's foundation.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states that body mounts separated from the frame, resulting in loss of steering function while driving. related recall 98v323000, consumer's vehicle not included due to vin. *Ak
- Structure
The dash board buckled to the point where the consumer had to cut off portions of it. The consumer was concerned it may affect the performance of the air bag. *jb
- Electrical system
"Check engine" light has been on since I baught the car. I have tried several times to have it fixed but the light still comes on. My car will not pass california smog with the light on which means that I cannot renew my registration the next time the dmv requires a smog check.
- Unknown or other
Dashboard has curled up in front (against windshield). Because of this the defroster will not defrost the driver side of the windshield. As a result I am unable to see adequately to drive anytime my windshield IS foggy. This may also cause problems with airbag deployment but I'm not sure.
- Unknown or other
The center of the dashboard near the windshield vents has peeled away over the last year or so from the dash frame. right now it IS standing around 3" from the frame and I am afraid that it will continue to transgress into my line of sight. I have also noticed that the defrost/defogger on the…
The center of the dashboard near the windshield vents has peeled away over the last year or so from the dash frame. right now it IS standing around 3" from the frame and I am afraid that it will continue to transgress into my line of sight. I have also noticed that the defrost/defogger on the car does not work well anymore since the peeling has occurred. the dash IS also lifting away from the frame just above and to the right of the instrument panel. my car IS equipped with dual front air bags and I believe that this warping of the dash may in some way either cause a premature release of the passenger air bag or prevent the release of the bag when it may be needed. I have noted this same phenomenon on other KIA sephias in the city where I live.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Consumer was driving the vehicle when the whole dash board came off. Dealer was not contacted at the time of this. Ts
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer states while driving going 30mph the vehicle was in a head on accident with another vehicle. Consumer states the seat belt never locked and both airbags never deployed. Ts
- Seat belts › Front
Consumer states that the front seat belt buckles will not lock properly causing the consumer not to have a seat belt on while driving. Dealer notified. Ts
- Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk
The first wiring harness that was ordered for this car on 10/29/02 was defective. They ordered a second one. I went to pick up my car they say was ready and everything IS working. Before I drove off the lot I noticed my door ajar light on. However all of the doors were closed including the trunk.…
The first wiring harness that was ordered for this car on 10/29/02 was defective. They ordered a second one. I went to pick up my car they say was ready and everything IS working. Before I drove off the lot I noticed my door ajar light on. However all of the doors were closed including the trunk. so tomorrow I am taking more time off from work so they can install a third wiring harness. I have taken off 2 days 3 hours so far. The nearest dealership IS about 45 miles away. I only have that one car. The car was towed over there the last time because the gear shift would not move. With all the complaints that I have seen tonight on this web site you would think they would call a recall. I will not rest until someone takes responsiblity for the car that has been in and out the shop every since I had it. dt
- Electrical system › Wiring
This IS the third wiring harness they are ordering. dt
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Seat belts are untreading without being used excessively.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
The seams that join the body in the rear have separated, this caused a leak in the trunk of the vehicle. Separation IS significant enough to cause free flowing water to be seen entering the trunk compartment. Some of the separation of the seam IS not visible due to being located underneath the rear bumper.
- Unknown or other
Dashboard was warping. dashboard began discoloring a year 1/2 ago, and currently was falling apart. dealer advised that it was simply wear and tear. consumer feels that passenger's side airbag may deploy. *Ak *slc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Only 9 month old break, rotors has become too thin, needs to be replaced. *Ak
- Unknown or other
The dashboard on my KIA IS folding and buckling preventing the defrost system to blow correctly. thus, make it a hazardous condition when it IS raining and the windshield fogs up. the blower cannot reach the windshield due to the buckling of the dash.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
While driving in dark it IS impossible to see due to headlights lamps, where cover IS turning yellow, and isn't iluminating like before.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Brake pads and rotors need to be replaced every 8000 miles. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Safety belt buckle malfunction
By letter dated august 25, 2002, KIA advised nhtsa that the subject vehicles will be recalled.specific corrective action to be taken by KIA has not been reported to nhtsa at this time.the safety recall program has been assigned campaign no. 02V-216.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10000033This bulletin provided information related to recall campaign 027 to replace the front seat belt buckles.
- 10000032Recall campaign 027 to replace front seat belt buckles. Notification letter to dealers.
- 609808This techinical service bulletin outlines the new sephia remanufactured automatic transmission program.
- 608137Recall campagin on evaporative fuel vapor hose replacement for vehicles equipped with 1.8 liter bpd engines.
- 607703Replacement repairs of all evaporative fuel vapor hoses and pipes at the fuel tank.
- 52287A/c suction hose.
Every KIA Sephia model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.