2000 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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Common 2000 Kia Sephia problems
The Kia Sephia, produced in the early 2000s, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Engine Problems: Owners of the 2000 Kia Sephia have reported engine-related issues, with the most popular being the check engine light turning on. This problem was reported twice, with no average repair cost or mileage provided.
- Stalling While Idling: Another engine-related problem was reported by two owners of the 1997 Kia Sephia, who experienced stalling while idling. No average repair cost or mileage was provided for this issue.
- Airbag Caught Fire on Deployment: One owner of the 2001 Kia Sephia reported that the airbag caught fire on deployment. No repair cost or mileage was provided for this issue.
- Doesn't Start: Another problem reported by an owner of the 2000 Kia Sephia was that the vehicle wouldn't start. No repair cost or mileage was provided for this issue.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems have been reported by Kia Sephia owners, with one owner of the 2001 Sephia reporting that the check engine light was on due to electrical issues.
- Interior Problems: Interior problems have also been reported, with one owner of the 2000 Sephia mentioning that the dashboard lifted badly.
- Airbags & Seat Belts: Airbags and seat belts have also been a concern for Kia Sephia owners, with one owner of the 2001 Sephia reporting that the airbag caught fire on deployment.
- Body Issues: Body problems have been reported by Kia Sephia owners, with two owners of the 1997 Sephia reporting stalling while idling.
It is important to note that these problems are based on complaints from owners and may not represent the overall reliability of the Kia Sephia. Additionally, the number of complaints is relatively low, which could indicate that the Kia Sephia is a reliable vehicle overall.
What year is the Kia problem?
Kia's safety recall (NHTSA ID: 23V-652000) applies to the following vehicles and model years: 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2011-2013 Forte/Forte Koup, 2015-2017 K900, 2010-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2011-2017 Rio, 2010 Rondo, 2011-2014 Sorento, 2011-2013 Soul and 2010-2013 Sportage.
When did they stop making Kia Sephia?
2003
The Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003.
What are the disadvantages of Kia?
They mainly concern with not very high-quality finishing materials. Glossy plastic surfaces are tough, so scratches and scuffs quickly appear on them. If they are not handled carefully, then chips are possible. There is a drawback in one of such Kia parts as deflector airflow.
Can Kia last 20 years?
It is much easier to keep a Kia SUV on the road with the help of an expert. An estimated average lifespan of 200,000 miles equates to about 13 to 17 years on the road.
2000 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Kia Sephia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2000 Kia Sephia
The NHTSA has received 340 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Kia Sephia. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2000 Kia Sephia vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-31
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-10
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-15
- 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-12
- 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-06
- VIN: KNAFB1219Y5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-03
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-10
- VIN: KNAFB1213Y5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-12
- VIN: KNAFB1218Y5
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-22
- VIN: KNAFB1216Y5
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB1210Y5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-12
- VIN: KNAFB1212Y5
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-26
- VIN: KNAFB1213Y5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-16
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB1218Y5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: HIT A LIGHT POLE/AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-24
- VIN: KNAFB1213Y5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-20
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-21
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB1212Y5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-15
- VIN: KNAFB121XY5
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-31
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-21
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-28
- VIN: KNAFB1212Y5
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-21
- VIN: KNAFB121XY5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
2000 Kia Sephia recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2000 Kia Sephia.
- 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.
Negative 2000 Kia Sephia car reviews
Positive 2000 Kia Sephia car reviews
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They run really well! I actually won it playing horse against a friend of mine. He was making fun of the car, but I think I really came out on top on this one.
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You bought the car used in 2004 with 50K miles on it and it was a great deal! You've been pretty satisfied with it since it has proven to be quite dependable. Although the brakes are a bit squeaky when cold, they behave normally after a mile or so. You've had a couple of minor annoyances so far, such as a faulty battery cable connection and a defective spark plug wire, but they were easily fixed for about $100. Overall, you wouldn't hesitate to buy one again!
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I've been a proud owner of my Kia since 2001 and I absolutely love it! It has been a wonderful experience and I haven't encountered any major issues with it. Of course, there are a few things that I would like to see improved in the model, such as the paint quality and the brakes that tend to squeal. However, overall, the car has been great! With 72,000 miles on it, I plan to drive it for another 70,000 miles. I must say that the Kia dealership and maintenance dealer have been incredibly helpful and accommodating. GO KIA!
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I bought this car 9 months ago and have loved it ever since. Despite the dealership overcharging me, I still feel like I got a great deal. This car is definitely worth the money and has been extremely reliable for me, despite what other reviews may say. The only issue I've had is with some of the plastic parts in the interior, which were poorly designed and have already broken. Just remember to change your oil every once in a while and take good care of this great car!
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Very good! I would definitely recommend it to more friends. It's very economical and has outstanding reliability.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2000 Kia Sephia problems:
Most Common Issues 98-2001 Sephia | Kia Forum
Apr 11, 2011 ... Most Common Issues 98-2001 Sephia · 1. Plug wires= Throws a misfire code · 2. Plugs upon replacement= Plugs always say "pre-gapped" they will be ...
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Dec 31, 2018 ... Worst Issues · dashboard lifted badly in the 2000 Sephia. 3 complaints · check engine light is on in the 2001 Sephia. 2 complaints · stalls while ...
2000 Kia Sephia - Transmission works, and then it doesn't | Kia Forum
Oct 8, 2013 ... Attachments. 2000 Kia Sephia P0733 P0734 DTC Troubleshooting tree.pdf. 103.1 KB Views: 1,508.
Q&A: 1995 Kia Sephia - Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Mar 26, 2009 ... My kia sephia is a 1995 and some times when you are driven along it just dies on me some times it will start back up and - Answered by a ...
Kia Sephia Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Top Kia Sephia Problems · Kia Issues New Alternator to Replace Weak One. 27 people have reported this. 7 · No Crank or No Start Due to Cracked Flex Plate. 12 ...
Other years of Kia Sephia
Are you having problems with your 2000 Kia Sephia?
Arlo Walter 2025-01-03
I purchased this car brand new from the dealership, and it was my first ever new car. Looking back, I realize that I was unaware of all the factors that go into buying a car. Although it had a spacious interior and ran well for the most part, I noticed that the attention to detail was lacking. The engine was quite loud on the highway, and the handling was not great. Additionally, the body was made of weak metal that showed even the smallest of dings. It seemed to me that the manufacturer had compromised on quality in an attempt to be more economical. Despite these issues, I still have fond memories of my first new car purchase.
Brenden Monahan 2024-11-26
What a disappointment! The car seems to have been made with little attention to detail. The paint, interior, and overall quality are subpar. Perhaps it would be better to consider other options. Additionally, the dashboard has been known to warp on both the driver and passenger sides, which has been a recurring issue for several years. Despite this, Kia has yet to address the problem.
Lamont Schultz 2024-10-26
I bought my car used and unfortunately, it has required major repairs five times in less than a year. At 52,000 miles, just 2,000 miles after the transfer warranty, the transmission failed. As a result, I have been stranded and unable to drive my car three times in the past two weeks. I would not recommend this car to anyone.
Malcolm Klein 2024-10-08
The power locks on both the driver and passenger doors tend to freeze up during the winter, making it difficult to enter or exit the car. Additionally, the car's light weight makes it challenging to handle on snowy or icy roads, even with winter tires. However, the car boasts excellent fuel economy. It runs best during the summer months, as it heats up and cools down quickly. Fortunately, I have never experienced any issues with the air conditioning or heating systems.
Trever Marks 2024-10-03
Although I have experienced some issues with my car, I have been able to handle them with confidence. Fortunately, the transmission issue occurred within the warranty period. Over the past 2 and a half years, I have had to replace the alternator, blower, battery, brakes, and wiper motor, some of them twice. Additionally, I have to replace the front tires every 9 months due to alignment issues. Despite the brakes squeaking, and the doors freezing in the winter, I have been able to manage the situation. Although the car doesn't handle well in the snow, I have been able to drive it with confidence. Currently, my car is off the road, possibly due to a blown motor or catalytic converter. Despite these challenges, I remain confident in my ability to handle the situation.