1996 Kia Sephia problems
NHTSA has received 203 complaints about the 1996 Kia Sephia, and 25% of them involve brakes. Next are electrical system (12%) and engine (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 203 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 25% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 10 and 5
- Injuries and deaths
- 17 and 1
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 10 complaints mention a crash; 5 complaints mention a fire; 17 injuries reported; 1 death reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1996 ranks 6th most-complained-about out of 8 model years of the Kia Sephia with enough data (114 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Because of the malfunction of brake system, I had an accident. Brake inspection by kia authorized mechanic revealed, that the car had factory defect in the brake system.
While traveling 15MPH was broadsided in front, on driver's side. Upon impact, neither air bag deployed. Skid marks showed other vehicle traveled 25MPH. Driver sustained back/hand and abdomen injuries.
Consumer was involved in 35-40 MPH frontal collision in which the air bags did not deploy, causing the occupant to sustain injuries. Please give any further details.
Consumer states that body mounts separated from the frame, resulting in loss of steering function while driving. Related recall 98v323000, consumer's vehicle not included due to VIN.
When vehicle has been started engine light would come on and remain illuminated. Had taken vehicle to dealership, and mechanic failed to resolve the problem.