MYRModel Year Report

1997 Kia Sephia

● Typical for this model
1997 Kia Sephia
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Sephia Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1986: 2 complaints 1986 1994: 16 complaints 1995: 64 complaints 1995 1996: 118 complaints 1997: 205 complaints 1997 1998: 491 complaints 1999: 428 complaints 1999 2000: 266 complaints 2001: 107 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 2 complaints 2003
1997: 205 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19862
199416
199564
1996118
1997205
1998491
1999428
2000266
2001107
20026
20032

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 43%

43% of complaints: service brakes — 88 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 22%

22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
AIR BAGS 15%

15% of complaints: air bags — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

THE DASHBOARD LIFTED UP FROM THE CHASSIS OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THERE WAS A HOLE THAT BURNED INTO THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING OR DEPLOYING PREMATURELY. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20040714

Also filed under STRUCTURE

DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT SPEEDS OF 46MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *DUP OF 813636, ADDED 0N 25-FEB-98. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970701

DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND FRONT AND REAR PASSNGER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY DID NOT RESTRAIN, ALLOWING DRIVER'S CHEST TO IMPACT STEERING AND CSS TO BE THROWN FORWARD. INJURIES: BACK, NECK.HEAD AND CONCUSSIONS FROM CSS STRAPS.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970630

Also filed under SEAT BELTS

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20020617 — PE (closed 20020920)

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION

R 20021220 — seat belts

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 SHOULD

Campaign 02V216000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Kia Sephia — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (88 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (45 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (35 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V216000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ▲ 2001 ▲ 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 1999 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Kia Sephia reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Kia Sephia is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Kia Sephia?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Kia Sephia have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.