2000 KIA Sephia
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sephia › 2000
These records cover every 2000 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 2000 KIA Sephia. Newest first.
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles may emit a "click" sound during the buckling process that IS similar to the sound emitted when a buckle IS being latched, when it IS not.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The latch can then pull out of the buckle when tension IS applied.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles. the recall began august 16, 2004. owners should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
266 complaints42 involved a crash3 involved a fire39 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sephia. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart…
The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sephia. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart after being jumpstarted. The contact continued to drive; however, the failure recurred 5 times while driving and depressing the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal. After each failure, the vehicle was able to be restarted when jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys and diagnosed; however, no fault code was retrieved. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Electrical system · Seat belts
The seatbelt pretensioners IS locked up & they (both driver/passenger) seatbelts "do not" reel back 2 provide securement of the passenger(s). Also, the electrical issue IS the horn does not work even when there's a new fuse & horn. There's a defect in the steering wheel horn button.
- Electrical system · Seat belts
I 🅾wn a 2000 KIA sephia & the front drivers seatbelt retracts slow& does not lock. The passenger seatbelt does not retract @ all. additionally, the passenger front door lock does not lock as if the lock actuator has seized up.
- Unknown or other
The stupid passenger door wont close this just so darn frustrating it's also very dangerous and I am not a very happy person right now. You should make cars more safe if some one had been hurt with that stupid door I would have sued youi
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2000 KIA sephia. While driving approximately 40 mph, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle causing significant damage to the front end. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver suffered injuries to the right shoulder, head, and jaw bone. The front passenger…
TL* the contact owned a 2000 KIA sephia. While driving approximately 40 mph, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle causing significant damage to the front end. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver suffered injuries to the right shoulder, head, and jaw bone. The front passenger sustained injuries to the right shoulder, head, and neck injuries. The rear seat passenger suffered a neck injury. All the occupants were transported to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages
The locks freeze up in cold temps, enough to twist and bend my key. Even trying to force it open from the inside does not work. I almost broke my thumb trying to force it open unless you put a heater in the car for a long time. *tr
- Air bags · Service brakes
Nearly fatal car accident, air bags did not deploy, the breaks did not lock up. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. While driving approximately 45 mph the contact noticed the turn signal lights failed. The hazard lights would not function and the instrument panel lighting functioned intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages
2000 KIA sephia door latches do not work when weather IS freezing and dashboard curled up not allowing defrost of front windshield. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine would race first and then the vehicle would move forward. The over drive light stayed on and the engine light would blink. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine would race first and then the vehicle would move forward. The over drive light stayed on and the engine light would blink. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the dealer changed the sensors for the lights. however, the over drive and check engine lights were constantly illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000. The current mileage was 162,384. Updated 11/03/10. *Lj
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. When the temperature dropped below 25 degrees none of the doors latches function properly and its difficult to close the door. The failure mileage was 25000 and the current mileage was 41000. updated 03/01/10 *bf the consumer stated when temperature…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. When the temperature dropped below 25 degrees none of the doors latches function properly and its difficult to close the door. The failure mileage was 25000 and the current mileage was 41000. updated 03/01/10 *bf the consumer stated when temperature dropped, the door locks did not latch. The consumer stated she has to hold door while driving. Also, the dash board was falling apart. updated 08/20/10.*jb
- Latches/locks/linkages
In normally opening the driver's side door from the inside in cold weather, the plastic door handle broke became inoperative. the only way to open the door was by rolling down the window and operating the door using the outside door handle. obviously this IS a safety problem if the car needs to be exited quickly. *Tr
- Air bags
My wife owns a 2000 KIA sephia,we were in a head on collision at 40mph and the airbags did not deploy. I was asked to mail pictures of this accident to KIA and just received a phone call back saying the impact was too high for airbag deployment,are you kidding me,the whole frontend of the car IS totaled and that's the best answer you can give me,oh yeah he said he was sorry. *Tr
- Visibility
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. while driving less than 60 mph, the windshield wipers stopped working. the failure occurred during heavy rain conditions and the wiper motor continued to activate; however, the wipers went into a vertical position and would no longer operate. the failure and current mileages were 138,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Replaced the rear brake shoes ,because of a noise when the brakes were applied. When the brake drum was removed the on the right side the brake lining fell on the floor. It had separated from the brake shoe. The brake drum showed no sign of over heating such as if the emergency brake was left…
Replaced the rear brake shoes ,because of a noise when the brakes were applied. When the brake drum was removed the on the right side the brake lining fell on the floor. It had separated from the brake shoe. The brake drum showed no sign of over heating such as if the emergency brake was left on.(,checking)all the shoes appear to be failing. .The vehicle has front disc and has 64000 miles on it . The brake shoes appear to be factory. The defective parts are available. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Hit a light pole/air bags did not inflate. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. the brakes make a banging and knocking noise when they are applied. the contact stated that all of the brakes were changed, but the noise still persists. the current mileage was 129,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. updated 01/29/08 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle will not stop. Updated
- Structure
I have a 2000 KIA sephia and the vents started to crack. Now the whole dashboard IS curling up to where the vents won't even work. It IS a safety issue because the defroster will not work because of the deformation of the dash. And with this car just being 6 years old when it happened I believe it…
I have a 2000 KIA sephia and the vents started to crack. Now the whole dashboard IS curling up to where the vents won't even work. It IS a safety issue because the defroster will not work because of the deformation of the dash. And with this car just being 6 years old when it happened I believe it should be recalled. It may cause me to wreck from not being able to clear the fog off of the window. Every KIA sephia that I have seen has this problem now. Which IS a very serious problem with a car that IS not even 10 years old. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Structure
Right front (passenger) door will not open. door latch will not unlock. first time it happened, I had to cut a hole in the inside door panel to access the interior of the door. the lock mechanism was rusted due to a poorly designed window seal that drains into the interior of the door--right…
Right front (passenger) door will not open. door latch will not unlock. first time it happened, I had to cut a hole in the inside door panel to access the interior of the door. the lock mechanism was rusted due to a poorly designed window seal that drains into the interior of the door--right onto the lock. this IS dangerous-- many complaints about this on bulletin boards all over the net. there IS a tsb (625894) that deals with latches, but I have not checked it yet with the dealer. I understand KIA has some cover or something that shields the lock. perhaps the tsb IS for the shield. *tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. while making a left turn at 20 mph, the brakes were applied and the vehicle jerked to the left. the front passenger side of the vehicle crashed into the front of another vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy. the road conditions were normal. a police…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 KIA sephia. while making a left turn at 20 mph, the brakes were applied and the vehicle jerked to the left. the front passenger side of the vehicle crashed into the front of another vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy. the road conditions were normal. a police report was filed. the driver was wearing a seat belt and sustained bruises to her chest. the vehicle was destroyed and towed. the vehicle has not been inspected. the current and failure mileages were 40,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
I own kia-sephia-2000. when the temperature IS under 0 degrees the doors freeze so badly that I cannot shut the driver's side door or any other door that I might open and then try to close. Most often,. After I started and ran the heat at that time the door might close shut. One evening in…
I own kia-sephia-2000. when the temperature IS under 0 degrees the doors freeze so badly that I cannot shut the driver's side door or any other door that I might open and then try to close. Most often,. After I started and ran the heat at that time the door might close shut. One evening in january, I had to drive the entire time , 27 miles or 45 minutes with the driver's side door unable to close. I was holding it closed as tightly as I could. no amount of WD40 would help this situation. I live in an area that goes down to 40 below, and that IS not the wind chill factor. When I purchased this vehicle a block heater was immediately added to it for anticipation of the cold weather.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
TL*- the contact called regarding a 2000 KIA spectrum. the contact owned the vehicle since 2002 and all four doors will not shut when it was cold outside. the contact did not know if this failure occurred during a specific temperature. the contactdid not remember what the dealer said or…
TL*- the contact called regarding a 2000 KIA spectrum. the contact owned the vehicle since 2002 and all four doors will not shut when it was cold outside. the contact did not know if this failure occurred during a specific temperature. the contactdid not remember what the dealer said or done to the vehicle. the contact stated that the doors eventually shut. she had tied the doors shut to keep them from opening.*ak
- Tires › Sidewall
Purchased a set of 4 michelin x radial tires 10/2005. in may 2006 noticed a crack/cut in sidewall of tire. Tire replaced at costco under road hazard warranty. In august 2006, another tire suffered a rupture in the sidewall causing car to hit curb. Again replaced under costco road hazard warranty…
Purchased a set of 4 michelin x radial tires 10/2005. in may 2006 noticed a crack/cut in sidewall of tire. Tire replaced at costco under road hazard warranty. In august 2006, another tire suffered a rupture in the sidewall causing car to hit curb. Again replaced under costco road hazard warranty, due to not being able to prove we didn't hit something that caused sidewall rupture. october 2006 still another tire was noticed with a large bubble in the sidewall. Replaced again under road hazard warranty at costco. all tires that were replaced were dot hcp8hyux2505. *nm
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
My KIA sephia was purchased in 2000 and at approximated 32,000 miles the paint on the car IS peeling and faded as well as the entire dashboard has lifted and IS raised. I see the same problems with other sephia's when I am in parking lots or on the road. I called coral springs KIA several times…
My KIA sephia was purchased in 2000 and at approximated 32,000 miles the paint on the car IS peeling and faded as well as the entire dashboard has lifted and IS raised. I see the same problems with other sephia's when I am in parking lots or on the road. I called coral springs KIA several times and I am being told that because I live in florida the problem IS to be expected. This IS a blatant lie. On monday 9/25 I called KIA customer service and spoke to john at extension 4635. He told me he would contact the dealership and someone would call me. I received a call from the service department and they offered to supply the parts but not the labor to fix the problems. This IS not acceptable. If they agree to supply the parts then they knew or know this make a model IS having problems. I would like to know if you can advise my next course of action. *jb
- Structure
Sephia KIA dash board ....warranty,is only 36,000 miles the seams are torn out on the dash board in front of the mileage odometer and making me sick,the dashboard on the passenger side IS buffed up with the air vent buffered up toward the window, keeping me from getting any air. I have taken the…
Sephia KIA dash board ....warranty,is only 36,000 miles the seams are torn out on the dash board in front of the mileage odometer and making me sick,the dashboard on the passenger side IS buffed up with the air vent buffered up toward the window, keeping me from getting any air. I have taken the car too dr.vinlyn.. The only person that fixes dash boards in my state, and to an upholstery shop, neither one would fix it..they state, KIA manufacturer IS not making the dashboards the same and there only made out of plastic now, no use in fixing it, might as well buy a new dashboard, cause KIA doesn't make great dashboards for cars any longer, and the dashboards are only plastic.. I was also told, a lot of kia's cars have been buffered up, and nothing but plastic. I was told I would be better off, if I could find a better dashboard than what I have now,cause it would just come a loose again by the heat,if it IS still plastic.. KIA cars of america...claims my warranty IS only 36,000 miles warranty,but I need my car fixed by KIA cars of america,my dash board IS made out of plastic,and I fault KIA motors for building this car like this, I have breathing problems, and unless KIA wants to give me another car, I want them to fix this car,this IS not the way I brought this car and it IS torn up inside, busted up by heat. Thank you for e-mailing me back, at my email above. I am very disappointed in KIA cars, I wanted to stick with KIA cars, but after this ,i don't know, I just know, I need KIA cars of america to fix this car. The smell in this car with the seams busted IS making me sick. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
The manufacturer has initiated a safety related campaign to recall the subject vehicles for correction of the seat belt buckle defect.the corrective action IS to replace the seat belts/buckles.this safety recall program has been assigned nhtsa campaign no. 04V305.
- Refueling spit back
Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14.3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0.02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency…
Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14.3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0.02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
- Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 KIA sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02V-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type A97. Odi analyses indicate a continuing…
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 KIA sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02V-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type A97. Odi analyses indicate a continuing trend of consumer complaints following a series of design modifications made by KIA to improve the A97 latch assembly.my 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles were equipped with different design latch assemblies (type DB-6 or autoliv) and exhibit a much lower complaint count.this rq has been upgraded to an ea in order to further investigate this matter for the subject vehicles equipped with type A97 latch assemblies.
- Refueling spit back
In june 2000, KIA notified odi of a defect condition in approximately 100,000 my 1998-99 sephia passenger vehicles manufactured from october 17, 1997 to may 16, 1999, that could result in fuel spit back while refueling (ea99-034, recall 00v-175).according to KIA, manufacturing changes made to the onboard refueling…
In june 2000, KIA notified odi of a defect condition in approximately 100,000 my 1998-99 sephia passenger vehicles manufactured from october 17, 1997 to may 16, 1999, that could result in fuel spit back while refueling (ea99-034, recall 00v-175).according to KIA, manufacturing changes made to the onboard refueling vapor recovery (orvr) valve could cause fuel shut off before the tank reached 95% of nominal capacity during refueling.kia stated that if the consumer then attempted to add more fuel to the tank, fuel spillback or spitback from the fuel filler neck could occur.kia replaced the orvr valves in the recalled vehicles.odi has received 16 complaints of fuel spit back on vehicles that have received the recall and 5 complaints on vehicles that were not covered by the recall.kia has identified 2 fuel spit back complaints on vehicles that were recalled and 8 complaints on vehicles not covered by the original recall.kia has also provided warranty information showing 191 claims potentially related to fuel spitback on non-recalled vehicles. Odi has upgraded its investigation to an engineering analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and trend of the fuel spitback risk associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
- Non-crash engine compartment fires
Odi gathered fire data from various sources and inspected subject vehicles to assess the scope and frequency of non-crash engine compartment fires caused by starter cable chafing.odi's analysis found that most of the suspect fires occurred after the vehicle had received service repairs in the area of the subject…
Odi gathered fire data from various sources and inspected subject vehicles to assess the scope and frequency of non-crash engine compartment fires caused by starter cable chafing.odi's analysis found that most of the suspect fires occurred after the vehicle had received service repairs in the area of the subject cable.consumer complaint data indicate that the problem experience has declined since a peak in late 2001.the most recent known event occurred in november of 2002. KIA will perform a service campaign beginning in late 2003 to inspect subject vehicles built prior to january 2000 for cable damage and will replace damaged cables as necessary. Given the declining fire rate and kia?s service campaign, further expenditure of agency resources IS unjustified in this matter.the engineering analysis IS therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if warranted. Further details may be found in the attached closing report.
- Battery cable chafing
- Incorrect battery jump-start
Allege battety may explode if owner's attempt to jump-state the vehicle by following the owner's manual diagram
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.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 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.
- 10016840Charging system upgrade.
- 10005640Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. Revised technical service bulletin.
- 10005355Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. Technical service bulletin, letters to service managers and dealers and owners.
- 635757This bulletin provides information related to a service campaign to inspect possible interference between the positive battery cable and the automatic transmission dipstick.
- 632302A logic change in the transmission control module (tcm).
- 629469Automatic transaxle diagnosis. Certain models including all rios. *Slc
- 625894Subject on front door latch.
- 614030This bulletin provides information related to the turn signal circuit in certain vehicles. It IS important to understand the circuit when diagnosing a turn signal malfunction.
- 609808This techinical service bulletin outlines the new sephia remanufactured automatic transmission program.
Every KIA Sephia model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.