There are no safety recalls for the 2001 Kia Sephia, but owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA.
2001 Kia Sephia problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 26 | |
| Air Bags | 21 | |
| Power Train | 19 | |
| Electrical System | 18 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | |
| Seat Belts | 10 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Visibility | 8 | |
| Equipment | 5 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 16
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 9
- Structure › Body › Door — 5
- Electrical System › Ignition — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 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 2001 Kia Sephia complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Air Bags · at 136,000 miles · reported May 5, 2012
I was on my way to college when I hit a patch of wet road, when I tried to correct the slide, the right side grabbed and put me into a spin over both lanes and I hit the left side guard rail head on at approx. 45mph. Air bags didn't deploy for either side. Car is almost worth fixing but I will never drive that metal deathtrap again. This is my first and absolutely the last kia I will ever buy.
Fuel System, Other · reported Jul 27, 2011
Car gives off a very bad gas odor. Everytime I put gas in the car, the gas indicator on the dashboard goes down and car cuts off on me when im doing 20 MPH.
Power Train · reported Apr 12, 2011
I AM complaining because my gear shift won't shift. In the owner's manual, it says if this happens to remove the small cap on the gear shift box and put a screw driver in the hole to manually shift, which I have had to do for the past few months. If they knew it was going to happen and placed a back-up plan in the manual, why didn't they fix it to began with? It would cost a few hundred dollars to replace the gear shift cable. Why should I have to be the one to do this? I think it is kia's responsibility to replace my gear shift cable. Like I said, it is in the owner's manual to use a screw…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 60,000 miles · reported Jan 19, 2011
The contact owns a 2001 kia sephia. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an unusually overpowering gasoline odor from the blower vents when first starting the vehicle. The failure would occur intermittently and became progressively worse over time. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered a leak in the fuel dampener at the connection with the fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 90,650 miles · reported Jan 3, 2011
I just take over a 2001 kia sephia from my brother in-law and he warned me not to lock the car if I lock the car doors I might not get in or out some times, to day when I started the car but I could not close the door, then I tried to press the lock switch and slammed the door, the door was closed, and I drove the car to a coffee shop I parked my car there but I could not open the door, lucky me I can opened from the passenger side door and I got out from there. After I left the coffee shop I had to get in from the same door when I got out, when I got home I can open the door and the door…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Kia Sephia have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2001 Kia Sephia as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Kia Sephia?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (26 reports), followed by air bags (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 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.