MYRModel Year Report

2001 Kia Sephia

▲ Better than typical
2001 Kia Sephia
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:10.038Z

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
107
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 107 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 2 complaints 2003
1986: 2 complaints 1986 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 64 complaints 1995 1996: 118 complaints 1996 1997: 205 complaints 1997 1998: 491 complaints 1998 1999: 428 complaints 1999 2000: 266 complaints 2000 2001: 107 complaints 2001 107 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2003
1986: 2 complaints 1986 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 64 complaints 1995 1996: 118 complaints 1996 1997: 205 complaints 1997 1998: 491 complaints 1998 1999: 428 complaints 1999 2000: 266 complaints 2000 2001: 107 complaints 2001 107 2002: 6 complaints 2002 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% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE

Air bags

19% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
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, 2012-05-05

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, 2001-02-14

Also filed under Seat belts and service brakes, hydraulic

Power train

18% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

Electrical system

17% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and module.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2016-07-12

Also filed under Visibility

Service brakes

11% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2003-08-15Recall queryClosed 2004-02-03 Refueling spit back
  2. I
    2003-10-14Recall queryClosed 2004-02-27 Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
  3. I
    2004-02-03Engineering analysisClosed 2004-07-29 Refueling spit back

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Kia Sephia — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.