Kia Sephia Recalls — All NHTSA Recall Campaigns

Q: How many recalls does the Kia Sephia have?

The Kia Sephia has 8 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, spanning model years 1994 through 1999. Individual vehicles may be subject to fewer recalls depending on their specific model year and production date.

Q: Is my Sephia under recall?

Whether your specific Sephia is subject to a recall depends on your vehicle's exact VIN, not just the model year. A recall may apply to a specific production date range or certain build configurations. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see which, if any, open recalls apply to your exact vehicle.

Q: What is the most recalled Sephia year?

Based on NHTSA recall data, the 1998 Kia Sephia has the most recall campaigns associated with it, with 5 campaigns. However, this reflects recall campaigns for that model year — not necessarily the number of defects in vehicles built that year.

8 recall campaigns on record across 4 model years of the Kia Sephia. Data sourced directly from NHTSA and updated daily.

Check Your Specific VIN — Free All Kia Recalls

Recall Campaigns

1677

Owner Complaints

198

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

4 affected model years185 crash-involved complaintsMost recalled year: 1998

Affected Model Years

19991R · 389C 19985R · 555C 19951R · 51C 19941R · 13C

R = recalls · C = complaints. Click a year to see the full problems report.

Recall Breakdown by Component Category

Engine3 campaigns (38%)

Seat/Restraints2 campaigns (25%)

Other1 campaign (13%)

Visibility/Lighting1 campaign (13%)

Electrical1 campaign (13%)

Most Common Owner Complaint Areas — Kia Sephia

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

127

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Based on 1,677 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years. 8 deaths and 198 injuries reported.

All Kia Sephia Recall Campaigns

#94V1340001994 Kia SephiaOther

Issued: Invalid Date

POWER TRAIN

THE ELECTRONIC SPEEDOMETER SENSOR CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER AND CRUISE CONTROL (IF THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL) TO STOP FUNCTIONING.

Risk: THE LOSS OF CRUISE CONTROL WILL CAUSE TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED. LOSS OF THE SPEEDOMETER WILL RESULT IN THE OPERATOR NOT KNOWING THE ACTUAL SPEED OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR, ELECTRONIC SENSOR, AND FLEXIBLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY.

#02V2160001995 Kia SephiaSeat/Restraints

Issued: Invalid Date

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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

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 …

#99V3180001998 Kia SephiaEngine

Issued: Sep 11, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. IF THE PIN TENSION IS POOR, OR THE BOLT SECURING THE CONNECTOR TO THE VEHICLE FLOOR IS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY, A POOR CONNECTION IS MADE. AS THE FUEL PUMP OPERATES, THE PO…

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: THIS CORRECTIVE ACTION IS BEING PERFORMED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RECALL NO. 99V317.

#99V3170001998 Kia SephiaEngine

Issued: Sep 11, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE. OVER TIME, THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CONNECTORS AND REPOSITION THOSE CONNECTORS TO AN AREA WHERE THE PLACEMENT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH MOISTURE.

#00V1750001998 Kia SephiaEngine

Issued: Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. CERTAIN VALVES CAUSED FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY.

Risk: THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK CAUSING FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORVR VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 13, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REM…

#99V2710001998 Kia SephiaVisibility/Lighting

Issued: Jun 10, 1999

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BALL SOCKET ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN THE LINK DISENGAGING FROM THE WIPER MOTOR DRIVE UNDER LOAD, SUCH AS PUSHING AGAINST ICE, SNOW OR OTHER RESISTANCE. ALSO THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUT COULD BE INADEQUATELY TIGH…

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK AND ALSO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUTS.

#02V2070001998 Kia SephiaElectrical

Issued: Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 36,000 MILES OR LESS AS OF JULY 15, 2002, AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROBLEM MAY HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WHICH COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE HAZARD LIGHTS AND/OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS.

Risk: THE LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS OR REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FRE…

#04V3050001999 Kia SephiaSeat/Restraints

Issued: Invalid Date

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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: 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.

Recalls by Component

3Engine Recalls

#99V318000MY 1998

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. IF THE PIN TENSION IS POOR, OR THE BOLT SECURING THE CON…

#99V317000MY 1998

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE.…

#00V175000MY 1998

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. CERTAIN VALVES CAUSED FUEL SHUT…

1Electrical Recalls

#02V207000MY 1998

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 36,000 MILES OR LESS AS OF JULY 15, 2002, AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROBLEM MAY HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WHICH COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE…

Kia Sephia Recall — Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the Kia Sephia have?

The Kia Sephia has 8 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database, spanning model years 1994 through 1999.

Is my Sephia under recall?

Recall applicability depends on your specific VIN — not just the model year. Some recalls cover only certain production date ranges or trim levels. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov for an exact answer.

What is the most recalled Sephia year?

Based on NHTSA data, the 1998 Kia Sephia has the highest recall campaign count (5 campaigns). However, the total count of campaigns is not the same as the number of defects — some campaigns are issued as expansions of earlier recalls.

Does a Sephia recall mean my car is unsafe to drive?

Not necessarily. Recalls range from critical safety hazards — where NHTSA advises against driving — to minor inconveniences like a label error. Check the consequence field of each recall to understand the severity. If your specific VIN is subject to an open recall, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Who pays for recall repairs on a Sephia?

The manufacturer is legally required to pay for all recall repairs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer, regardless of whether you are the original owner or whether the vehicle is out of warranty.

Check Your Specific Kia Sephia for Open Recalls

Model-level recall data tells you what campaigns exist. A VIN-specific check tells you exactly which ones apply to your vehicle — based on production date, serial number, and configuration.

Free VIN Check — Check My Sephia

Kia Sephia Problems & Complaints All Kia Recalls All Makes — Recall Center