2000 Kia Sephia fuel system problems

15 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 15
of this car's complaints: 6%
crashes: 2
recalls: 0

Which part fails

Storage: tank assembly
3
Storage: fuel gauge system
2
Storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
1
Storage
1
Fuel injection system
1
Delivery: fuel pump
1
Carburetor system
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Kia Sephia fuel system problems in other years

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Refueling spit backOpened February 3, 2004, closed July 29, 2004

Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14.3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0.02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

EA04004

Refueling spit backOpened August 15, 2003, closed February 3, 2004

In june 2000, kia notified odi of a defect condition in approximately 100,000 my 1998-99 sephia passenger vehicles manufactured from october 17, 1997 to may 16, 1999, that could result in fuel spit back while refueling (ea99-034, recall 00v‑175).according to kia, manufacturing changes made to the onboard refueling vapor recovery (orvr) valve could cause fuel shut off before the tank reached 95% of nominal capacity during refueling.kia stated that if the consumer then attempted to add more fuel to the tank, fuel spillback or spitback from the fuel filler neck could occur.kia replaced the orvr valves in the recalled vehicles.odi has received 16 complaints of fuel spit back on vehicles that have received the recall and 5 complaints on vehicles that were not covered by the recall.kia has identified 2 fuel spit back complaints on vehicles that were recalled and 8 complaints on vehicles not covered by the original recall.kia has also provided warranty information showing 191 claims potentially related to fuel spitback on non-recalled vehicles. Odi has upgraded its investigation to an engineering analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and trend of the fuel spitback risk associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.

RQ03006

What 2000 Kia Sephia owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · 35,600 miles · NJ

The vehicle cut off. The dealer stated that the fuel pump was defective. Also, the alarm system was defective. *ak the dash board light was intermittent. *sc

Filed Oct 15, 2003 · Body, Electrical · IL

Nothing but problems since purchase. Windshield separated from frame, molding fell off 4 times during first 4 months of purchase alternator replaced twice. Battery replaced after only having vehicle 2 months. Air condition (A/C) fuse blew twice fan fuse blew once causing vehicle to overheat. Back doors stick shut. Back doors hinges rusted and bent causing squeaking and not completely to shut. Trans shifts hard and sometimes sticks. Engine light and overdrive light blinked trans was shifted by itself. Had trans flushed seems to be ok. Car shakes at high speeds. Tape player makes funny noises if used for long time.gas mileage has been poor since car was purchased. Molding turned white. Car has had fuel filter replaced twice. Fuel sensor in tank replaced three times.

Filed Feb 10, 2003 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · MD

It does not seem like I'm able to get the gas tank completely full. As soon as the pump clicks off you cannot get another drop in and then when I leave the station and go only a few miles the gas gauge is already moved off full. Referenced in rq03-006

Filed Jun 11, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · LA

When vehicle was being driven it cuts off without warning. Also, will not start back up. Consumer has to get it towed every time. Then, it is towed back to dealer, yet, dealer cannot find out the problem. Consumer states he is afraid that he or his daughter is going to get hurt.*ak consumer adds there is sudden acceleration then slowing down of the vehicle without brakes being applied. Experiencing fuel relations problems possibly related to the fuel box. It is also possible that the alternator and battery failed.

Filed Jun 10, 2002 · Fuel system, Transmission · TN · crash

After vehicle had been in an accident fuel system did shut down, causing transmission and other fuel to leak out.

Filed Oct 15, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · PA

Front brakes and rotors had to be replaced on april 2001. Brakes had to be replaced again in october. *ak consumer states that brakes and rotors were replaced again at 9468 miles and again at 15500 miles. Check engine light illuminated due to faulty fuel control valve within the fuel tank. Radio changer would get hot and would not change stations, dealer replaced the radio. Vehicle experienced an exhaust leak, dealer replaced the muffler.

Filed Sep 24, 2001 · Body, Brakes · FL · 2 injuries

Horn is inoperative, parts are on order, however due to horn not working a vehicle backed into consumer, causing injury to consumer and daughter.

Filed Sep 4, 2001 · Airbags, Brakes · CA

The fuel gauge failed five times.

Filed Aug 25, 2001 · Brakes, Fuel system · CA

Fuel guage faulty, has been replaced 4 times, brake rotors replaced less than 5000 miles. Transmission slips

Filed Jul 2, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

Consumer states front passenger window will not roll up easily, the only way to raise window is to push on the handle as it is being turned, regulator was replaced.

Questions about the 2000 Kia Sephia fuel system

Does the 2000 Kia Sephia have fuel system problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the fuel system of the 2000 Kia Sephia, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2000 Kia Sephia fuel system problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Kia Sephia fuel system?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Kia Sephia have the most fuel system problems?

The Kia Sephia model years with the most fuel system complaints are 1998 (62 complaints), 1999 (49 complaints) and 2000 (15 complaints).