1995 Kia Sephia
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1995
Opened by NHTSA
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
1995: 64 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 64 |
| 1996 | 118 |
| 1997 | 205 |
| 1998 | 491 |
| 1999 | 428 |
| 2000 | 266 |
| 2001 | 107 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
27% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
23% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 Kia Sephia. After receiving an oil and filter change, the vehicle suddenly caught fire under the hood while driving 10 MPH. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-04-24
Seat belts
14% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Structure
13% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing door and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer noticed that the dashboard is falling apart, the glue, bolts and plastic cover are all coming apart. Nlm
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-01
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2002-06-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-09-20 Safety belt buckle malfunction
-
R
2002-12-20Seat belts02V216000 On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "False latch" And expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Remedy: Owner notification began December 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time…
Buy-smart checklist
1995 Kia Sephia — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V216000 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1995 Kia Sephia reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1995 Kia Sephia is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1995 Kia Sephia?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1995 Kia Sephia have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.