1986 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.
Social links
Common 1986 Kia Sephia problems
The Kia Sephia, introduced in 1992, was a subcompact car that aimed to compete with Japanese models like the Toyota Corolla at lower prices. However, the Sephia faced common problems that affected its reliability and performance, as reported by owners.
- Transmission Issues: One of the most common problems with the Kia Sephia is related to its transmission, particularly with the damper clutch solenoid. This issue can cause slow shifting, especially in cold weather or after the car has been sitting for a while. In some cases, the car may not shift into reverse, requiring the driver to put it in neutral. These transmission problems can escalate and lead to more severe issues, such as the transmission going out entirely.
- Electrical Problems: The Kia Sephia has experienced electrical issues, including malfunctioning sensors and wiring problems. For example, the overdrive off light may flash, indicating an issue with the transmission control module or other electrical components. These problems can be challenging to diagnose and repair, often requiring professional assistance.
- Engine Issues: Some Kia Sephia owners have reported engine problems, such as rough idling, stalling, and loss of power. These issues can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, clogged fuel injectors, or problems with the ignition system. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these problems, but they can still occur due to the car's age and design limitations.
- Suspension and Steering Problems: The Kia Sephia's suspension and steering systems can also develop problems over time. These issues can manifest as a loose or unstable steering wheel, unusual tire wear, or a rough ride. Suspension and steering problems can be caused by worn-out components, such as bushings, tie rods, or struts, and may require replacement to restore the car's handling and ride quality.
- Body and Interior Issues: The Kia Sephia's body and interior components can also deteriorate over time, leading to issues such as rust, leaks, or broken interior trim. These problems can affect the car's appearance, comfort, and functionality, and may require replacement or repair to address.
In summary, the Kia Sephia has faced various common problems, including transmission issues, electrical problems, engine issues, suspension and steering problems, and body and interior issues. These problems can affect the car's reliability, performance, and overall value, and may require professional assistance to diagnose and repair. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these problems and ensure the Kia Sephia remains a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.
What kind of engine is in the Kia Sephia?
The Kia Sephia I 1.6i has a Inline 4, Petrol engine with 1598 cm3 / 97.5 cu-in capacity.
What years were the Kia Sephia made?
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.
When did they stop making Kia Sephia?
Kia Sephia Overview
The Kia Sephia is a compact car that was produced by South Korean automaker Kia Motors between 1992 and 2003.
Which country made Kia motor?
South Korea
In its 'home' country of South Korea, Kia operates three major vehicle assembly plants – the Hwasung, Sohari and Kwangju facilities – plus a world-class research and development centre employing 8,000 technicians at Namyang and a dedicated environmental R&D centre.
1986 Kia Sephia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sephia problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Kia Sephia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Kia Sephia complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Kia Sephia.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-27
- VIN: KNASB81217X
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING NOISE, AND VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO TRANSMISSION GOING OUT. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *AK
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-05
- VIN: SA1259G5242
- Components: SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO BLINK ON AND SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK . *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Kia Sephia problems:
Kia spectra shifting problems | Kia Forum
Apr 17, 2012 ... They are a known HONEST transmission shop located in Akron and will help you diagnose and possibly repair your tranny very reasonably. I ...
Is the Forte as Bad as Consumer Reports Says It Is? | Kia Forte Forum
Mar 2, 2022 ... Nope, I don't believe any of that. Zero issues with my 20 Forte GT. Love it!! Like.
High Idle Speed | Kia Forum
Mar 5, 2007 ... I had been driving for about 40 minutes with no issues. On a back road I revved the engine up to about 5000 rpm in second gear and when I went ...
Wiggle the Wires - Transmission Digest
Nov 1, 2019 ... ... Kia Spectra equipped with the 2.0L engine and an A4CF2 transmission. ... - Hidden problems: Three tales of electrical issues ... 1986 as an R&R ...
86 toyota camry has intermittent starting problem. A couple of days ...
Aug 9, 2006 ... If not the engine's ECU is not receiving power, and it is a common failure for the EFI (electronic fuel injection) relay to fail intermittently.
Leave your review of 1986 Kia Sephia