MYRModel Year Report

2000 Kia Sephia

◆ Worse than typical
2000 Kia Sephia
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Sephia Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2000 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 2000 2001: 107 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 2 complaints 2003
2000: 266 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19862
199416
199564
1996118
1997205
1998491
1999428
2000266
2001107
20026
20032

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 34 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 20 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

INCIDENT #1> HUSBAND DROVE V1 TO JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA, ABOUT 21 DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000531

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A FRONT END COLLISION AND DRIVERS NOR PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING INJURIES. TS CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AREA, ARM AND A BROKEN NOSE. *JG

NHTSA ODI report, 20030107

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2000 — complaint volume: 266
I 20000710 — PE (closed 20000731)

INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-START

I 20020306 — PE (closed 20020806)

BATTERY CABLE CHAFING

I 20020806 — EA (closed 20031007)

NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20030815 — RQ (closed 20040203)

REFUELING SPIT BACK

I 20031014 — RQ (closed 20040227)

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION

I 20040203 — EA (closed 20040729)

REFUELING SPIT BACK

I 20040227 — EA (closed 20040726)

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION

R 20040816 — seat belts

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,

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Campaign 04V305000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2000 Kia Sephia — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (34 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V305000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ▲ 2001 ▲ 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 1999 ● 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2000 Kia Sephia reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Kia Sephia is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Kia Sephia?

The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2000 Kia Sephia have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.