MYRModel Year Report

2001 Kia Sephia

▲ Better than typical
2001 Kia Sephia
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:32.543Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Sephia Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 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
2001: 107 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 22%

22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE
AIR BAGS 19%

19% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120505

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP IN TRAFFIC THAT CAME TO A SUDDEN HOLT, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. PEDAL WAS APPLIED, AND VEHICLE JUST BEGAN SLIDING, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE IN REAR.

NHTSA ODI report, 20010214

Also filed under SEAT BELTS and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

POWER TRAIN 18%

18% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and module.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

HAVING TROUBLE WITH DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. IT WILL WORK THEN THE MOTOR/REGULATOR GETS STUCK AND WON'T FUNCTION. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL WORK THEN NOT WORK. I JUST WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160712

Also filed under VISIBILITY

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Kia Sephia — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (19 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ▲ 1996 ● 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 1999 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2001 Kia Sephia reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Kia Sephia is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Sephia?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Sephia have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.