Vehicle was in a n head-on accident at 45 MPH, and air bag did not deploy. Dealer has not been contacted.
The worst 1994 Kia Sephia problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission5
- Acceleration4
- Brakes4
- Seat belts4
- Engine3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission5
- Acceleration4
- Brakes4
- Seat belts4
- Engine3
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Seats1
- Steering1
Recalls 1
Power train
- What is wrong
- The electronic speedometer sensor can seize, causing the speedometer and cruise control (if the car is equipped with cruise control) to stop functioning.
- Risk
- The loss of cruise control will cause temporary loss of control of vehicle speed. Loss of the speedometer will result in the operator not knowing the actual speed of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new speedometer drive gear, electronic sensor, and flexible shaft assembly.
Recall number 94V134000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Kia Sephia 5
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the...
- Kia: all models. article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear...
1994 Kia Sephia fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-23 | 27-30 | 24-26 |
What 1994 Kia Sephia owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The engine had to be replaced since a thermometer didn't tell the engine it was hot. Which blew the head gaskets, melted the spark plugs, took out the water pump, and so over heated the engine block. The front rotors went out twice. Sounds like a wind tunnel, since the seals aren't good. The car doesn't accelerate properly when the gas pedal is pressed. Never drive it during a 20 MPH windy day. It get good gas mileage - still at 29 to 33 mpg.
The electronic speedometer sensor was replaced under the 1994 recall. Consumer says that the exact same part has gone bad again in early jan. 1999. Dealer has been contacted. 94v‑134.
Front brake rotors wore out.
Poor steering function and unable to monitor speed, milage or use cruise control.
Alternator failed.
Engine: when driving and downshift to slow down the vehicle does not recognize the fact that one is trying to slow down, when downshifting the vehicle the engine just completely dies, this does not happen intermittently. *ak consumer stated seatbelts have been replaced, also the brakes were replaced.
Vehicle stalls due to failed idle speed control valve.
Driving at low speed, vehicle was impacted at 6:00 position, driver's seat track and anchors broke, causing the seat to fall backwards.
Front seat belt will not retract when put on during a sudden stop, can go right in the windshield. Also the shift gear will not move when ready to shift the gear.
Compare the 1994 Kia Sephia
Other model years
Questions about the 1994 Kia Sephia
Is the 1994 Kia Sephia reliable?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1994 Kia Sephia, 2.7 times a typical Sephia model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 Kia Sephia?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 5 complaints. Next is acceleration (4).
How many recalls does the 1994 Kia Sephia have?
1 recall, covering power train.
Was there a recall on the 1994 Kia Sephia transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 94V134000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia Sephia have bad transmission?
The Kia Sephia model years with the most transmission complaints are 1999 (71 complaints), 1998 (68 complaints) and 2000 (50 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Kia Sephia get?
Official estimates for the 1994 Kia Sephia range from 24 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-23 city and 27-30 highway.
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