2000 Kia Sephia recalls and problems

The 2000 Kia Sephia has 1 safety recall and 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
266
Crashes / fires
42 / 3
Injuries / deaths
39 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Kia Sephia vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Kia Sephia recalls

Recall 04V-305: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 24, 2004 · 251,594 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: The latch can then pull out of the buckle when tension is applied.

Fix: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles. The recall began august 16, 2004. Owners should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

2000 Kia Sephia problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic91
Power Train52
Electrical System51
Engine and Engine Cooling51
Air Bags32
Visibility22
Structure22
Seat Belts17
Latches/Locks/Linkages16
Equipment15
Fuel System, Gasoline14
Steering13

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 36
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 21
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 18
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 18
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 17
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 16
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 13
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 13

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Kia Sephia complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 130,000 miles · reported Apr 1, 2022
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…
Electrical System · at 34,678 miles · reported Apr 6, 2018
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.
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 24, 2017
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 · at 86,000 miles · reported Jun 1, 2015
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 · at 80,000 miles · reported Mar 21, 2015
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.

Other Kia Sephia years

Compare all Kia Sephia years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Kia Sephia have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 Kia Sephia: 04V-305 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Kia Sephia?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (91 reports), followed by power train (52). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.