2001 KIA Sephia
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 KIA Sephia. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
107 complaints21 involved a crash2 involved a fire21 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Having trouble with drivers side window. It will work then the motor/regulator gets stuck and won't function. Then all of a sudden it will work then not work. I just want to find out what's causing problem. All wires to switch tested positive power IS going to and from motor/regulator to all…
Having trouble with drivers side window. It will work then the motor/regulator gets stuck and won't function. Then all of a sudden it will work then not work. I just want to find out what's causing problem. All wires to switch tested positive power IS going to and from motor/regulator to all switches. My cell IS [xxx] I just want a name and phone number of someone who can fix this in 07646 area code. I,e an expert on power window problems thank you. My name IS [xxx] this IS sort of a complaint because it's become a difficult diagnosis I need a KIA specialists help. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
I was on my way to college when I hit a patch of wet road, when I tried to correct the slide, the right side grabbed and put me into a spin over both lanes and I hit the left side guard rail head on at approx. 45Mph. Air bags didn't deploy for either side. Car IS almost worth fixing but I will never drive that metal deathtrap again. This IS my first and absolutely the last KIA I will ever buy. *tr
- Fuel system, other
Car gives off a very bad gas odor. Everytime I put gas in the car, the gas indicator on the dashboard goes down and car cuts off on me when im doing 20 mph. *tr
- Power train
I am complaining because my gear shift won't shift. In the owner's manual, it says if this happens to remove the small cap on the gear shift box and put a screw driver in the hole to manually shift, which I have had to do for the past few months. If they knew it was going to happen and placed a…
I am complaining because my gear shift won't shift. In the owner's manual, it says if this happens to remove the small cap on the gear shift box and put a screw driver in the hole to manually shift, which I have had to do for the past few months. If they knew it was going to happen and placed a back-up plan in the manual, why didn't they fix it to began with? It would cost a few hundred dollars to replace the gear shift cable. Why should I have to be the one to do this? I think it IS kia's responsibility to replace my gear shift cable. Like I said, it IS in the owner's manual to use a screw driver if the gear shift fails. updated 04/21/11 *bf
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sephia. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an unusually overpowering gasoline odor from the blower vents when first starting the vehicle. The failure would occur intermittently and became progressively worse over time. The contact inspected the vehicle and…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sephia. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an unusually overpowering gasoline odor from the blower vents when first starting the vehicle. The failure would occur intermittently and became progressively worse over time. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered a leak in the fuel dampener at the connection with the fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages
I just take over a 2001 KIA sephia from my brother in-law and he warned me not to lock the car if I lock the car doors I might not get in or out some times, to day when I started the car but I could not close the door, then I tried to press the lock switch and slammed the door, the door was…
I just take over a 2001 KIA sephia from my brother in-law and he warned me not to lock the car if I lock the car doors I might not get in or out some times, to day when I started the car but I could not close the door, then I tried to press the lock switch and slammed the door, the door was closed, and I drove the car to a coffee shop I parked my car there but I could not open the door, lucky me I can opened from the passenger side door and I got out from there. After I left the coffee shop I had to get in from the same door when I got out, when I got home I can open the door and the door locks seemed to be working properly, but after I left it for about 2 hours and it happened again the weather outside was about -6 degree, I went online checked there were many complaint with the same problem and same type of car that I had , I think this IS a safety issue that should be pressured to KIA let them recall all of the model which had the same problem to correct it! *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
I was driving my 2001 KIA sephia approximately 45 mph in decatur county, georgia on august 1, 2006 when a pontiac bonneville pulled into my lane of travel. My sephia collided with the bonneville at a 20 degree angle. Neither of the front airbags deployed and my son (front seat passenger) was thrown…
I was driving my 2001 KIA sephia approximately 45 mph in decatur county, georgia on august 1, 2006 when a pontiac bonneville pulled into my lane of travel. My sephia collided with the bonneville at a 20 degree angle. Neither of the front airbags deployed and my son (front seat passenger) was thrown into the front windshield where his head was lodged in the glass. He sustained a severe and permanent closed head injury and now requires 24/7 care. In addition to suffering a closed head injury, my son's knee impacted the instrument panel to the left of the glove box which caused severe hip and leg injuries. KIA denied responsibility and litigation IS ongoing. Experts in the litigation estimate the ebs of the crash to be between 12 & 18 mph. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Drive and passenger airbag did not deploy in 2001 KIA sephia LS. *Tr
- Air bags · Air bags › Frontal · Air bags › Side/window
On march 28, 2009, my daughter was a passenger in a 2001 KIA sephia that lost control in the rain doing about 50 mph, went down an embankment & ravine on its side, started to overturn, when it slammed into a tree. The roof on this car then collapsed onto my daughters head causing such severe head…
On march 28, 2009, my daughter was a passenger in a 2001 KIA sephia that lost control in the rain doing about 50 mph, went down an embankment & ravine on its side, started to overturn, when it slammed into a tree. The roof on this car then collapsed onto my daughters head causing such severe head trauma and swelling in her brain, along with many many other injuries that she did not survive the crash. why did this happen? the airbags did not deploy! ! ! how many different areas of the car need to be hit before the airbags deploy! she was wearing her seatbelt. if the airbags had deployed like they should have, she would probably be with me today. She was only 21 years old and had everything to live for. This *#>*^$ car killed my only daughter! ! ! how many deaths have to happen before KIA gets the message and does something to prevent it. these cars do not need to be in the U.S.A. KIA has been getting reports since 2001 that the airbags on this car fail to deploy. they are guilty of criminal negligence! ! help! *Tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
In apr 2005, while driving in my 2001 KIA sephia LS, my children complained that it was too cold in the back seat, so I attempted to close the driver's window. as I did, I heard a loud bang that sounded like a gun-shot. the window began to work opposite of what I chose (i.e. If I pushed up, it…
In apr 2005, while driving in my 2001 KIA sephia LS, my children complained that it was too cold in the back seat, so I attempted to close the driver's window. as I did, I heard a loud bang that sounded like a gun-shot. the window began to work opposite of what I chose (i.e. If I pushed up, it went down. if I pushed down, it went up.) shortly thereafter, it stopped working completely. I was told that it was the power window regulator and that it would cost $580.00 to replace because there were no after-market parts. I was told by a master mechanic instructor that when the manufacturers changed the construction of the power window regulators from metal to plastic parts, that they don't last anymore. because I couldn't afford to pay the $580.00 to replace the window regulator, I had no choice but to have a thick piece of paper wedged in between the door and the window to hold the window up. in mar 08, the passenger side power window regulator stopped working then in aug 08, the rear passenger side power window regulator stopped working. the driver's side rear window IS the only window that opens and closes. driving around town, I see many vehicles with tape or pieces of paper stuck in their windows, so I know mine isn't the only vehicle doing this. both of my sons vehicles have power windows that don't open. my neighbors have power windows that don't open. I drive a police vehicle with automatic windows. when our vehicles' window regulators break, (which IS often), the city shop repairs them right away. I firmly believe there IS a major problem with the power window regulators. I firmly believe this needs to be investigated and should be recalled. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 KIA sephia. the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. the starter and two relays were replaced; however, the failure immediately recurred. the contact has not had the vehicle diagnosed by an authorized dealer to determine the cause of the failure. she IS in…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 KIA sephia. the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. the starter and two relays were replaced; however, the failure immediately recurred. the contact has not had the vehicle diagnosed by an authorized dealer to determine the cause of the failure. she IS in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 52,984. Updated 01/07/09. *lj updated 01/08/09. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 KIA sephia. the contact stated that water was collecting inside the driver side tail light housing. the dealer stated that the warranty was not bumper-to-bumper and would not repair the vehicle under warranty. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 33,000 and failure mileage was 32,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Wheel cylinders
In august of 2006 I had taken my car in for brakes. Coming to find out my brakes were bad, I needed new rotors and my wheel cylinders blew out. Causing me to lose my brakes one day on my way to work. had the vehicle towed in to have it fixed. Called the dealer they said there IS no complaints on…
In august of 2006 I had taken my car in for brakes. Coming to find out my brakes were bad, I needed new rotors and my wheel cylinders blew out. Causing me to lose my brakes one day on my way to work. had the vehicle towed in to have it fixed. Called the dealer they said there IS no complaints on this. had the car fixed.. Took them 6 hours to bleed the brakes. Took the car home, the next morning went to leave and had no brakes again. Had it towed back to shop. Had to bleed brakes again, then in december I went to leave for work and the brake pedal went to the floor, I had no brakes. Got the car to the same shop that fixed it the first time. Coming to find out the wheel cylinders blew out again causing brake fluid to leak all over my brakes. They had to replace my wheel cylinders and brakes . They wante to charge me labor since they said it was a defective part. I refused to pay the labor. We told them not to touch the car until we called them back. (I think they knew I was calling someone else) they called me back not even 5 minutes later and they offered to eat the cost of the labor. so it was fixed for nothing and to this day it still acts up. I think this should be a safety recall on this since I read more of the same thing happening to others. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
When starting the car mostly in the morning, the brake failed. the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. the pedal was all the way to the floor (level with the clutch) before the car came to a complete stop. *nm
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Dt*: the contact stated without warning the radio stopped working and there was a burning odor. the contact removed the radio and found melted wires. the contact replaced the wires and the vehicle was not seen by a mechanic. *ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My car IS in the shop for the third major repair in less than 2 years. First, in jan. Of '04 there was a leak in the block. That required the entire engine to be replaced ($3,800). Then, 2 months ago, the entire electrical system had to be replaced ($1,567) and now it IS in the shop to have the compressor and belts replaced($975). The dealership also does not offer a loaner car and I cannot afford to rent. *nm
- Structure
Dt: dashboard separated from windshield without warning. Driver's side came loose, and now the other side was loose. Manufacturer was called, and they said they had a recall on that problem. Dealer has not been contacted yet.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I was driving down the road and the transmission started slipping. Then another day the car died going down the road. I managed to get off the road, and then I got it started back up ,and was going home and the car stopped running again. When I got it running again I took it home, and I am afraid…
I was driving down the road and the transmission started slipping. Then another day the car died going down the road. I managed to get off the road, and then I got it started back up ,and was going home and the car stopped running again. When I got it running again I took it home, and I am afraid to drive it again. I bought it at a used car dealer and it only had 37,000 miles on it when it bought it. It IS not quite 93,000 miles on it now and I am still having to pay for something that I am afraid to drive. I have replaced the brake pads 3 times.the dya it quit running twice with me IS dec. 21 merry christmas to me.i didn't have the money to take it to a mechanic. So I just parked it in my backyard.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door
At cold temperatures driver's side door had trouble opening and closing. When taken to dealer for service the same problem continued. There was an incident where consumer was driving and suddenly the door opened. Consumer had to hold the door shut until she arrived at her destination.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. driver was able to restart the vehicle, and took it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced, and replaced it. however, the problem recurred, and the mechanic replaced the control module. the problem recurred once again. *ak
- Equipment · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
My then 10 year old son got stuck when the passenger seat belt would not release. to get himself out he alone pushed his hips forward. this broke the seat belt mechanism. as of late our front seat belts have been difficult to engage. today, after driving around for about 5-10 minutes, I reached…
My then 10 year old son got stuck when the passenger seat belt would not release. to get himself out he alone pushed his hips forward. this broke the seat belt mechanism. as of late our front seat belts have been difficult to engage. today, after driving around for about 5-10 minutes, I reached out my window and my seat belt disengaged. I have been very careful to be sure that I am properly buckled by securely latching and then pulling firmly on the belt as would happen in an accident. I did that this time but it still came unlatched after I was sure I was safe. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
While backing out passenger's side tail light failed to come on. consumer replaced the light fixture with a fuse and bulb, but problem recurred. consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated. *ak
- Tires › Sidewall
While driving 50 mph consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. consumer noticed that the passenger's front tire blew out. vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection. manufacturer informed consumer that the tires that were put on the vehicle were the incorrect size. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
In freezing tempatures door lock freeze up and are unable to be opened from either the inside or out. Also door latch will freeze as well causing door to not latch properly until car has warmed up.
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure · Visibility · Wheels › Hub
Before 40,000 miles, had fuel pump changed 2 times, starter changed 2 times, new transmission, ignition control module once, doors replaced due to defect, new paint job due to trash under original paint job, all hub caps and trim were replaced due to fading at 10,000 miles (which faded again a few…
Before 40,000 miles, had fuel pump changed 2 times, starter changed 2 times, new transmission, ignition control module once, doors replaced due to defect, new paint job due to trash under original paint job, all hub caps and trim were replaced due to fading at 10,000 miles (which faded again a few thousand miles later), ac blower resistor motor replaced, all mirrors were replaced, electrical short in dome light, & ignition switch replaced. I bought my car in oct 2001, and was put in shop for the first time in jan. 2002 and has been there 55 days since. I have kept up with all required maintenance. Sorry, but this car IS junk. And I hate to have had a bad experience buying my first new vehicle. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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.
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.
- 632302A logic change in the transmission control module (tcm).
- 629469Automatic transaxle diagnosis. Certain models including all rios. *Slc
- 625934On certain models including spectra, leak detection pump heater IS inoperation.
- 625894Subject on front door latch.
Every KIA Sephia model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.