2000 KIA SEPHIA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
461
Owner Complaints
57 Crashes 3 Fires
1
Recall
ACTIVE RECALL
1
Service Bulletin
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2000 KIA SEPHIA
The 2000 KIA SEPHIA has received a total of 461 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. 1 technical service bulletin have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (36 complaints), Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components (21 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (18 complaints).
Recalls for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA
NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA, potentially affecting up to 251,594 vehicles.
Recall 04V305000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
| 251,594 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA
461 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 36
2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 21
2 Crashes
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 18
16 Crashes
17 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 18
4 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 17
2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 16
Electrical System
Complaints: 15
1 Crash
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 13
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 13
1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 12
Air Bags
Complaints: 11
8 Crashes
8 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 11
1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 11
3 Crashes
2 Injuries
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 10
2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 8
1 Fire
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 8
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 7
2 Crashes
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 7
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 6
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 6
1 Crash
Structure
Complaints: 6
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 5
2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 5
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 5
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 5
1 Crash
2 Injuries
Seats
Complaints: 5
2 Crashes
3 Injuries
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 5
1 Crash
1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 5
1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 4
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4
1 Crash
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 4
2 Crashes
1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 4
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 3
2 Injuries
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3
Parking Brake
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 3
1 Crash
2 Injuries
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 3
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 3
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2
1 Crash
1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 2
1 Crash
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 2
1 Crash
1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Child Seattether Strapwebbing
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblyrelay
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsunit
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
1 Crash
1 Injury
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
1 Crash
1 Injury
Service Brakes Airdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2000 KIA SEPHIA in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA
Kia America, Inc. has issued 1 technical service bulletin (TSBs) for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
017 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHARGING SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT
NHTSA Investigations for the 2000 KIA SEPHIA
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2000 KIA SEPHIA.
Other Model Years of the KIA SEPHIA
- 1995 KIA SEPHIA — 104 complaints
- 1996 KIA SEPHIA — 203 complaints
- 1997 KIA SEPHIA — 375 complaints
- 1998 KIA SEPHIA — 994 complaints
- 1999 KIA SEPHIA — 749 complaints
- 2000 KIA SEPHIA (current)
- 2001 KIA SEPHIA — 158 complaints
- 2002 KIA SEPHIA — 6 complaints
- 2003 KIA SEPHIA — 2 complaints
Other KIA Models
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- KIA OPTIMA — 10,045 total complaints
- KIA SOUL — 7,147 total complaints
- KIA SPORTAGE — 6,540 total complaints
- KIA FORTE — 3,450 total complaints
- KIA SEDONA — 3,334 total complaints
- KIA TELLURIDE — 2,109 total complaints
- KIA RIO — 1,784 total complaints