Kia Sephia problems
The Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003.
The first generation Sephia was badged Kia Mentor in some markets, and as the Timor S515/S516 in Indonesia. This convention continued on with the second generation version, which was also badged Kia Shuma and Kia Spectra.
First generation (1992)
The first-generation Kia Sephia is the first car that was actually designed by Kia with their own chassis. Engines available were the B-series engines, with the 1.5-liter rated at 59 kilowatts (79 hp), the 1.6-liter 78-kilowatt (105 hp), and the 1.8-liter BP engine at 91-kilowatt (122 hp) from 1994. The car was presented in September 1992 to replace the aging Capital, which was rapidly losing market share. The Sephia proved quite successful, selling over 100,000 in its first full year in the home market (1993). A total of 472,920 Sephias were sold over the life of the original Sephia.
In the United States, sales began in late 1993 for the 1994 model year. This was the first Kia to be exported to the US. An update came in the 1995 model year when grille and tail lights were restyled and all US-market Sephias except California-market RS/LS models got upgraded to the new 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder BP engine as used in the Mazda Familia (BG). Kia licensed the engine design from Mazda, but manufactured it themselves.
It was launched in Europe in the spring of 1994 as the Kia Sephia in some markets and in others, including the United Kingdom, as the Kia Mentor. It was similar in size to best-selling European small family cars like the Ford Escort, but was priced similarly to smaller cars like the Ford Fiesta. Its key rivals in Europe were budget-priced Eastern European and Far Eastern imported products including the Daewoo Nexia, Hyundai Accent, Proton Persona and Skoda Felicia. In Brazil, the car went on the market in March 1994. It was only offered with the 1.5-liter twin cam engine with 112 PS (82 kW) and was considered a competitor to the domestically built Chevrolet Omega and Volkswagen Santana. To make a car suitable for the Brazilian market, Kia went through the trouble of studying Brazilian road surfacing and importing 1,000 litres (260 US gal) of Brazilian gasoline to properly program the engine management.
Kia presented a conceptual convertible version of the first generation Sephia, which was named "Kia Sephia Cabrio" at some auto shows.
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Kia Sephia model years
Common Kia Sephia problems
The Kia Sephia, a compact car produced by Kia Motors from 1992 to 2003, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from car owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Weak Alternator: Kia issued a recall for Sephia models produced between 1997 and 1999 due to a weak alternator that could cause the battery to drain, leading to the car stalling while driving.
- Wiring Issues: Wiring problems are a common issue in the Kia Sephia, with several reports of intermittent failures, such as the car accelerating when the brake pedal is pressed or the headlights not functioning properly.
- Fuel Pump Failure: The fuel pump has been reported to fail in some Sephia models, causing the car to stall or have difficulty starting.
- Spark Plugs and Ignition System: Sephia owners have reported problems with the spark plugs and ignition system, including misfiring and difficulty starting the car.
- Transmission Problems: Sephia owners have reported issues with the transmission, including the car not changing gears or the transmission slipping.
- Engine Overheating: Some Sephia models have been reported to overheat, which can cause the engine to stall or fail.
- Dashboard Lifting: In some cases, the dashboard of the Sephia has been reported to lift, which can obstruct the driver's view and cause safety concerns.
- Airbag Issues: There have been reports of airbags catching fire on deployment and not deploying during accidents.
- Check Engine Light: The check engine light has been reported to come on for various reasons, including faulty sensors and wiring issues.
These issues can affect the reliability and safety of the Kia Sephia, and it is important for owners to address them promptly to ensure the car remains safe to drive. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and prevent these issues from becoming more serious problems.
What happened to the Kia Sephia?
In South Korea, the Sephia label was retired in 2000 and replaced by the Spectra. The Sephia production totals were 628,168.
What car replaced the Kia Sephia?
Spectra
The Kia Sephia was redesigned for the 1998 model year. The Spectra was introduced for the 2000 model year as a hatchback version of the Sephia. Beginning with 2002 models, the Sephia name was replaced by the Spectra for both sedan and hatchback models.
Which Kia to stay away from?
We recommend avoiding the following model years: 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016. The common issues include engine problems, electrical problems, airbag problems, seat belt problems, lights problems, and body/paint problems. The worst issue that plagues these Kia Sorento models is engine failure.
What is the Kia controversy?
The Kia Challenge is a viral TikTok trend to which a series of motor vehicle thefts is attributed, targeting Kia and Hyundai vehicles in the United States manufactured between 2011 and 2021.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Sephia years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Sephia cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia Sephia model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Sephia model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Sephia years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Sephia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Sephia , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Sephia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sephia model years
A total of 210 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sephia model years
There were a total of 93 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sephia model years
There were a total of 189 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Sephia model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 2235 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Sephia . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Sephia vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Sephia 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-31
- Date Complaint: 2022-04-01
- VIN: KNAFB1210Y5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
Kia Sephia 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-03
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-03
- VIN: KNAFB1218X5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH THE TOP LAYER OF THE HOOD (SKIN) SEPARATED FROM THE HOOD AND FLEW UPWARD INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE DRIVERS VISION OF ROADWAY TO BE BLOCKED. ONCE IT DETACHED ITSELF CAUSING HIGH RISK OF SAFETY FOR OTHER DRIVERS BEHIND THE KIA SEPHIA.
Kia Sephia 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-11
- Date Complaint: 2019-11-19
- VIN: KNAFB1216W5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED FOR THE RECALL IN 1999. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HANSON KIA (2300 CARRIAGE LOOP SW, OLYMPIA, WA 98502, (360) 943-2120) AND WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Kia Sephia 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2018-04-06
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
Kia Sephia 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-15
- Date Complaint: 2017-11-12
- VIN: KNAFB1212Y5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
Kia Sephia 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2017-07-24
- VIN: KNAFB12XY58
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
Kia Sephia 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-12-01
- VIN: KNAFB1218X5
- Components: SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
Kia Sephia 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2016-11-09
- VIN: KNAFB1219X5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT PATCH CLICKS BUT WILL COME LOOSE WITH TENSION. THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL NOTICE THAT HASN'T BEEN REPAIRED OR REPORTED BY KIA AFTER 17 YEARS.
Kia Sephia 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2016-11-09
- VIN: KNAFB1219X5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FILLED TANK & HAD OVERFLOWING SPILLAGE DOWN SIDE OF CAR (INDICATED VERY FULL TANK) FINISHED CLEANING UP EXCESS FUEL & TURN CAR ON BUT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD ONLY READ 2/3 FULL, THEN NEEDLE ROSE TO 3/4- I JUST GOT THE CAR ON MONDAY 11/7/16 & THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW, ONCE WHEN LEAVING LA AFTER BUYING/TRANSFERRING TITLE & AGAIN TODAY. DECIDED TO GOOGLE THE 'SYMPTOM' & I'M SHOCKED THAT A 17-YEAR-OLD CAR FROM 1999 HAD RECALL RECORDS BUT WAS NEVER FIXED!!! PREVIOUS OWNER(S) WAS OLDER COUPLE THAT HAD BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP & OWNED IT SINCE 2004. THE 17-YEAR-OLD '99 SEPHIA HAS ONLY 75K MILES ON ODOMETER AS OF NOVEMBER 2016 HOWEVER WAS NEVER REPAIRED UNDER RECALL ORDER.
Kia Sephia 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2016-07-12
- VIN: KNAFB121X15
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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
Kia Sephia 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-02
- Date Complaint: 2015-12-10
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Kia Sephia 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2015-07-10
- VIN: KNAFB1212X5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Kia Sephia 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-12
- Date Complaint: 2015-06-01
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB1211Y5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
Kia Sephia 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-21
- Date Complaint: 2015-03-21
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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
Kia Sephia 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2014-10-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAF81214Y5
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: NEARLY FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE BREAKS DID NOT LOCK UP. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Kia Sephia
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Kia Sephia.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Sephia 1999
- Report Received Date: 2004-06-24
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Sephia 2000
- Report Received Date: 2004-06-24
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Sephia 1997
- Report Received Date: 2002-08-16
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Sephia 1998
- Report Received Date: 2002-08-16
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Sephia 1996
- Report Received Date: 2002-08-16
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
- Consequence: 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.
Latest negative Kia Sephia car reviews
Latest positive Kia Sephia car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2000
I had a KIA Sephia for driving to school and work. It wasn't a fancy car, but that's okay because if I wanted luxury, I would have bought a Cadillac or something similar. The KIA Sephia is a simple commuter car, nothing more or less. It has a basic 4-cylinder engine and doesn't have a lot of horsepower, but it will get you where you need to go. My Sephia was undeniably reliable and never let me down, even after all the abuse it took from me learning how to drive manual on it and generally just driving it like I stole it. I highly recommend the KIA as a first car or for anyone who needs a reliable commuter that gets good MPG.
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Vehicle year: 2000
I love the way my Sephia handles. It's so easy to turn around in small areas. The seats are really comfortable, which makes driving long distances a breeze. Accelerating onto a highway is a joy, and the trunk holds a surprising amount. Passengers always feel at ease, and it's great on gas. Plus, it's been super reliable. My husband and grown daughter love driving it too, when I let them! ;>)
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Vehicle year: 1995
We're so glad to hear that you've been enjoying your Sephia, especially considering its affordable price point! It's unfortunate to hear about the issues you experienced with the unscrupulous dealer, but we're happy to hear that the car itself has been a joy to drive. With its 5-speed manual transmission and impressive fuel efficiency, it's no wonder you've put over 100,000 miles on it! We're sorry to hear that the front seats could be more comfortable, but overall it sounds like you've had a great experience with your Sephia.
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Vehicle year: 2001
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. It was originally purchased by my father, but he gave it to me in January of '05. I have to say, it's been a great car for us. With 157k miles on it, the original clutch is still going strong and the car runs like a champ! The only issue we've had is that the windows tend to get foggy/dewy in the mornings, even when other cars don't. We've had to replace the starter a few times, which can be a bit expensive since there aren't many generic parts available. The sheet metal is a bit thin and can dent easily, but that's just part of the car's performance. Overall, it's a great car with a Mazda Protege engine and a Getrag-designed transmission. By the way, if you're thinking of buying a new Kia, just keep in mind that they don't hold their value very well. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2000
I received my KIA as a birthday present in April of this year, and it has been an absolute joy to drive. Despite a few minor issues such as an exhaust leak, low transmission fluid, and a broken CD player, my Sephia runs like a dream and is incredibly comfortable to drive. I have yet to find a car that compares! While the A/C could use a recharge and there are a few dents on the hood, these are minor issues that do not detract from my overall satisfaction with the vehicle. I truly love my Kia!
Are you having problems with your Kia Sephia?
Gennaro Lowe 2025-02-16
Vehicle year: 2001
I bought my car used when I was in a pinch. It had 40,000 miles on it at the time of purchase and now has 180,000 miles on it. I only paid $3000 for it when it was 2 years old and I said that I would drive it until it stopped working. It's still going strong! Even though I drove it for 40,000 miles without an oil change right after I bought it, I still haven't had any problems with it. You can't beat the price, gas mileage, or insurance, although sometimes it's hard to find parts. Since I bought it, I've only had to do general maintenance. I recently got a new truck, but I'll probably buy another Sephia after this one dies because it's such a great road car that gets 35 mpg.
Baylee Langosh 2025-02-14
Vehicle year: 1995
Hey there! This was actually my first car and it served me pretty well. I did have a couple of minor accidents with it though. In one instance, a tire from another car rolled into the front of my car, causing some damage. In another, I tapped the back of a jeep at a low speed. Lesson learned - always be careful on the road! Unfortunately, the first accident left my car in pretty bad shape and it took a lot of money to fix. The horn still doesn't work, but it's all good. The second accident was a bit more serious and ended up totalling my car. The radiator was ripped apart, the front was messed up, the hood popped up and broke my windshield. Meanwhile, the jeep only had a small nick on its plastic wheel cover! It just goes to show how important it is to stay safe out there. Take care!
Timothy Collins 2025-02-13
Vehicle year: 1995
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with the Sephia. I've been using it for around town and taking it on long trips (about 1000+ miles roundtrip) around 12-15 times a year. I'm happy to say that it has been a reliable car for me and my family. We've only had to do regular maintenance like replacing the brake pads, muffler, front struts, and battery. Overall, we're really satisfied with our Sephia!
Branson Koepp 2025-02-07
Vehicle year: 1999
The car has a comfortable and peppy ride, with great suspension. However, it has poor fuel economy at 23/29 mpg. Unfortunately, the brake rotors needed to be replaced after only 10K miles, and the interior has a lot of squeaks and noises. At 30K miles, the clutch release bearing failed with a high-pitched whine. Although I have driven stick for 20 years, I was not aware of such a part, but according to Kia, it is a normal wear item. The bearing itself costs only a few dollars, but the repair costs $500+. Despite this, I believe that Kia's customer service could have been more helpful. If you are looking for a reliable car, I would recommend spending a few thousand more to buy a Honda or a Toyota that will serve you unerringly for many, many years.
Mikel Ward 2025-01-24
Vehicle year: 1999
I recently purchased a used car and unfortunately, I have been experiencing some issues since day one. I have had to replace the coolant fan, brakes, and electric fuse. I am unsure of what may need to be replaced next. In my experience, I have found that purchasing a used Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Nissan Sentra may be a better option.