Dt: the consumer stated that on december 1, 2003 the dashboard lifted up in the front when turning on the defroster . It did not defog the window, it will work somewhat but not like it should. Can see the inside dashboard where wiring and foam was. It has progressively gotten worse since december 2003. Consumer had tried to push the dashboard down with her hands, but the dashboard will not move. Consumer has not had a dealer look at vehicle.
The worst 1996 Kia Sephia problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes39
- Electrical19
- Engine17
- Seat belts15
- Transmission13
- Body12
- Airbags11
- Lights7
- Visibility7
- Acceleration5
- Fuel system4
- Suspension4
- Steering3
- Locks2
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Kia Sephia
Check engine light 12Stalling 9Brake failure 7Grinding brakes 7Seat belt 7
Recalls 1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- 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 contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 02V216000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1996 Kia Sephia
Defect investigations
Safety belt buckle malfunction
By letter dated august 25, 2002, kia advised the federal safety agency that the subject vehicles will be recalled.specific corrective action to be taken by kia has not been reported to the federal safety agency at this time.the safety recall program has been assigned campaign no. 02v‑216.
PE02051
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Kia Sephia 11
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...
- Recall campaign 027 to replace front seat belt buckles. notification letter to dealers. tt
- This bulletin provided information related to recall campaign 027 to replace the front seat belt buckles. tt
- This techinical service bulletin outlines the new sephia remanufactured automatic transmission program. tt
- Recall campagin on evaporative fuel vapor hose replacement for vehicles equipped with 1.8 liter bpd...
- Replacement repairs of all evaporative fuel vapor hoses and pipes at the fuel tank. tt
1996 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 | 21-24 | 28-31 | 24-27 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-22 | 26-27 | 21-24 |
What 1996 Kia Sephia owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I purchased a 1996 kia sephia and have the same problam as alot of other owners. The dashboard is lifting and peeling away from the frame.
Abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer noticed while applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated.
It is unbelieveable that there is no recall on the dashboards for kia vehicles. I own a kia sephia and it seems like the dashboard cracks and peels off. I have seen other models and it faces the same problems. Matter of fact I visited kia dealerships and there is no warranty on this items. The dealerships also mentioned that they have alot of complaints on that same issue. I strongly believe that there must be a recall on this issues.
Dashboard is separating from the frame of the interior of the vehicle. Dealer has examined the vehicle on four occasions, and was unable to resolve the problem.
The dashboard is rising and the defroster doesn't work, causing poor visibility to the driver. *ak
When vehicle has been started engine light would come on and remain illuminated. Had taken vehicle to dealership, and mechanic failed to resolve the problem.
Consumer states that dashboard is peeling off from the car's foundation.
Consumer states that body mounts separated from the frame, resulting in loss of steering function while driving. Related recall 98v323000, consumer's vehicle not included due to VIN.
The dash board buckled to the point where the consumer had to cut off portions of it. The consumer was concerned it may affect the performance of the air bag.
Compare the 1996 Kia Sephia
Other model years
Questions about the 1996 Kia Sephia
Is the 1996 Kia Sephia reliable?
Owners have filed 118 complaints about the 1996 Kia Sephia, 19.7 times a typical Sephia model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Kia Sephia?
Brakes, with 39 complaints. Next is electrical (19).
How many recalls does the 1996 Kia Sephia have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
What year does the Kia Sephia have bad brakes?
The Kia Sephia model years with the most brakes complaints are 1998 (256 complaints), 1999 (173 complaints) and 2000 (85 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Kia Sephia get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Kia Sephia range from 21 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 28-31 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Kia Sephia?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history