Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
118 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
48,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1996 model year. Data updated: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 118 complaints (14.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 31 | 26.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 10 | 8.5% |
| Engine operation | 9 | 7.6% |
| Steering behavior | 7 | 5.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 2.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 17 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 12 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 12 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 9 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 9 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads | 7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 7 |
Unknown Or Other: 17; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 12; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 12; Air Bags:Frontal: 9; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 9; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 7; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads: 7; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor: 7
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 110 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 12 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 19 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 20 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 1 |
1996: 12; 1997: 20; 1998: 19; 1999: 22; 2000: 20; 2001: 6; 2002: 4; 2003: 9; 2004: 5; 2005: 1
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 31 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 10 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LOCK PROPERLY CAUSING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001566 at NHTSA ↗
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING GOING 30MPH THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT NEVER LOCKED AND BOTH AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002254 at NHTSA ↗
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WHOLE DASH BOARD CAME OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS. TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003960 at NHTSA ↗
THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD VENTS HAS PEELED AWAY OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO FROM THE DASH FRAME. RIGHT NOW IT IS STANDING AROUND 3" FROM THE FRAME AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRANSGRESS INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER ON THE CAR DOES NOT WORK WELL ANYMORE SINCE THE PEELING HAS OCCURRED. THE DASH IS ALSO LIFTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME JUST ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARPING OF THE DASH MA…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004998 at NHTSA ↗
DASHBOARD HAS CURLED UP IN FRONT (AGAINST WINDSHIELD). BECAUSE OF THIS THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT I AM UNABLE TO SEE ADEQUATELY TO DRIVE ANYTIME MY WINDSHIELD IS FOGGY. THIS MAY ALSO CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BUT I'M NOT SURE.
Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005770 at NHTSA ↗
"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I BAUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS CALIFORNIA SMOG WITH THE LIGHT ON WHICH MEANS THAT I CANNOT RENEW MY REGISTRATION THE NEXT TIME THE DMV REQUIRES A SMOG CHECK.
Owner-reported narrative. 3 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007909 at NHTSA ↗
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. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10020431 at NHTSA ↗
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. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10026908 at NHTSA ↗
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
Reported: 2002-08-16 (August 16, 2002)
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
118 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 212.5%ODI 816870ENGINE: 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.*JB | 69.4% | 1210.2% | 3215.6%ODI 538116ENGINE STALLS EACH TIME THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND HAS LEFT THE DRIVER STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. PROBLEM IS WORSE WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM. | 6513.2% | 5212.1%ODI 10026058 · 65,000 miREPEATED PROBLEM WITH BATTERY. REPLACED 3 TIMES. NEVER LIKED TO START, ALWAYS SHIMMIED.RETURNED TO DEALER FOR TUNE UP. CAR WAS RETURNED WITH MORE PROBLEMS THAT TURNED IN WITH. CAR WOULDN'T KEEP A CONSTANT GAS FLOW.*AK TRADED IT IN AND THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR WAS BAD AND HEADED FOR A TOTAL BREAK DOWN. WHEN IT DIED - IT WAS THREE YEARS OLD WITH 60,000 MILES. | 155.6%ODI 10054629 · 19,000 miI BOUGHT A 2000 KIA SEPHIA ON NOVEMBER 27, 2003. THIS CAR HAS THE BALANCE OF A 100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AND ONLY HAD 15,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. I NOTICED THAT IT WAS USING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES AND AFTER I CHANGED THE OIL IT WAS USING A QUART EVERY 500 MILES. I HAD ALREADY TAKEN IT IN TO THE DEALER FOR 15,000 MILE SERVICING AND TOOK IT BACK ABOUT THIS OIL PROBLEM. THE FIRST THING THEY ASKED WAS PERMISSION TO PULL THE HEADS, AFTER WHICH THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE TOP OF THE MOTOR WAS BURNT AND THE ONLY CAUSE FOR T… | 87.5%ODI 564218THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS LOOSE CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *YH | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 23.1%ODI 821436WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED INTERMITTENTLY THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ROTORS AND THE BRAKE PADS. *AK | 54.2% | 2110.2%ODI 703170BRAKES FAILED CAUSING MAJOR PULSATING AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED TWICE BEFORE. ON OCTOBER '98 REPLACED WITH NEW DESIGN SHOE PAD. FRONT ROTORS ALSO REPLACED ON OCTOBER '98. NOW ONCE AGAIN EXPERIENCING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES - MAJOR PULSATING OF BRAKES HAS RETURNED FOR A THIRD TIME. PREVIOUS REPAIRS HAVE SHOWN THERE IS A PROBLEM WHICH CAUSES THE FRONT DISC PADS TO WARP AND WEAR OUT ROTOR. | 7415.1% | 6014.0%ODI 560283BRAKES SMELL LIKE BURNING PLASTIC WHEN APPLIED GOING DOWN A HILL, BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, 8-30-99, 11-29-99, 3-13-00 AND 2-12-01. | 176.4%ODI 727984MY CAR VIBRATES AND DELAYS IN STOPPING DO TO THE BRAKES THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 16.3%ODI 958132SHIFTED INTO REVERSE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT. TT | 710.9% | 65.1% | 167.8%ODI 534727SYNCHRONIZER FOR TRANSMISSION FAILED. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS/VAPOR HOSE/AIR BAG LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. | 377.5%ODI 10002299THE TRANSMISSION WAS VERY BAD AND DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE WOULD STOP WITHOUT ANY WARNING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. TS | 4811.2%ODI 10006736 · 500 miWHILE DRIVING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION KEEPS SKIPPING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. PH | 3412.8%ODI 10001621CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO ACCELERATE. DEALER REPLACE TRANSMISSION THREE TIMES. TS | 1413.1%ODI 10018677 · 32,900 miTHE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED ON ME TWICE. THE CAR IS NOT EVEN 2 YEARS OLD. *NLM | 116.7%ODI 10097314WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH EXCESSIVE SPEED. THE DRIVER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 212.5%ODI 816870ENGINE: 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.*JB | 46.3% | 97.6%ODI 507563STEERING LOCKED UP MOMENTARILY, UPON RELEASING, DRIVER LOSS CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURY, ALSO BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. | 178.3% | 6613.4% | 337.7% | 207.5%ODI 10016741 · 3,000 miIN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD THE CAR, THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES AND ARE BEING SCHEDULED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. EVERYTIME I TAKE IT IN THEY TELL MY THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE, BUT NOTHING MORE IS DONE. | 21.9%ODI 564920A PEBBLE GOT INTO THE TIRE, FROM THERE IT GOT LODGED BETWEEN THE ROTOR AND THE BRAKE PAD AND WAS CAUSING A SCREECHING SOUND, KIA STATED THAT THIS IS NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *SLC | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 212.5%ODI 706734THE 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. *AK | 46.3% | 75.9% | 2311.2%ODI 534727SYNCHRONIZER FOR TRANSMISSION FAILED. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS/VAPOR HOSE/AIR BAG LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. | 5310.8%ODI 10000371 · 50,000 miTHE BRAKES ON THIS CAR ARE TERRIBLE! I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP SINCE THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PAD AND ROTOR REPLACEMENTS. I EVEN GOT INTO A REAR-END ACCIDENT 1 1/2 YEARS AGO THAT I COULD HAVE AVOIDED WITH COMPETENT BRAKES. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE DRUMS AND REAR SHOES BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING OVERTIME TO COMPENSATE FOR THE POOR FRONT BRAKES. THANKS A BUNCH KIA! WORST CAR I'VE EVER DRIVEN. | 337.7%ODI 10000860DEFECTIVE BRAKES AND ROTORS ON 199 KIA SEPHIA, HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. CAUSES WEAR ON TIRES AND PRESENTS AN UNSAFE CONDITION. | 134.9%ODI 10043482 · 21,788 miCAR DIED ON THE ROAD FOR NO REASON. THEN CAR WOULD NOT START. DRIVER VERIFIED THAT GEAR-SHIFT WAS LOCKED IN "PARK" POSITION. JUST GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP DUE TO GETTING THE CAR INTO OR OUT OF PARK. REPAIRS OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS HAVE BEEN RE-LUBRICATED THE GEAR-SHIFT CABLE (1ST REPAIR). REPLACE THE GEAR-SHIFT CABLE (2ND REPAIR). THE LAST (3RD) REPAIR WAS A RE-LUBRICATION OF THE REPLACED GEAR-SHIFT CABLE AND RE-ADJUSTMENT OF THE LINKAGE SO CAR COULD RECOGNIZE T… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 16.3% | 46.3%ODI 813774INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER TOLD OWNER THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON VEHICLE DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED. MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT. OWNER TOOK HER CAR IN FOR REPAIRS 3 TIMES, AND MANUFACTURER DID NOT TELL HER THAT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK | 1210.2%ODI 10099333ABS 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. *AK | 94.4%ODI 549554BRAKE SYSTEM CONTINUALLY MAKES NOISE, SEVERAL REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS HOWEVER CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE NOISE, UNABLE TO RECTIFY. MJS | 459.2%ODI 10091514THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB | 388.9%ODI 10088003 · 70,000 miWHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 35 MPH THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT RETURN. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THEM. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, AND REFUSED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. *AK | 186.8%ODI 10038355THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. SPEED WAS UNDETERMINED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH A GUARDRAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO REPORT AT THIS TIME, THE VICTIM WENT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR OBSERVATION.*AK | 32.8%ODI 880524WHEN 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. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN. KIA HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 16.3%ODI 870756VEHICLE WAS IN A N HEAD-ON ACCIDENT AT 45 MPH, AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK | 46.3%ODI 806572AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT END ACCIDENT; VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT STANDSTILL, NO WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD; VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *AK | 97.6%ODI 10002254CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING GOING 30MPH THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT NEVER LOCKED AND BOTH AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. TS | 2210.7%ODI 10003911DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. AK | 214.3%ODI 10034101 · 40,000 miTHE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER MOTORIST AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY*AK THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE BRAKES FAILED. *JB | 255.8%ODI 10019758 · 69,000 miTHE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *NLM | 186.8%ODI 10002176WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A FRONT END COLLISION AND DRIVERS NOR PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING INJURIES. TS CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AREA, ARM AND A BROKEN NOSE. *JG | 1514.0%ODI 10020971 · 65 miWHILE GOING 65 ON THE FREEWAY I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. THE VEHICLE HIT THE DIVIDER FROM THE FRONT ENDING UP ON ITS SIDE. VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. OBVIOUSLY THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THE AIR BAGS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE FAILED TO DEPLOY SOMETIMES CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES. A COMPLAINT WILL BE FILED WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER. *NLM | 116.7%ODI 10068592 · 18,000 miDURING A 35 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 710.9% | 1714.4%ODI 10004998THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD VENTS HAS PEELED AWAY OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO FROM THE DASH FRAME. RIGHT NOW IT IS STANDING AROUND 3" FROM THE FRAME AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRANSGRESS INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER ON THE CAR DOES NOT WORK WELL ANYMORE SINCE THE PEELING HAS OCCURRED. THE DASH IS ALSO LIFTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME JUST ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARPING OF THE DASH MA… | 209.8%ODI 10003651 · 89,000 miTHE VEHICLES DASHBOARD IS BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME ITS MOUNTED ON. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDERNEATH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB | 295.9%ODI 10008300 · 19,830 miPRE OWNED VEHICLE PURCHASED IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND STILL IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. AT PURCHASE FRONT OF DASHBOARD WAS SLIGHTLY WARPED. SINCE PURCHASE, FRONT OF DASHBOARD HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY WARPED, DEFROST VENTS ARE SEVERELY CRACKED, CAUSING FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROST NOT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.*JB | 153.5%ODI 10070685 · 61,000 miTHE HORN STOPPED WORKING ON MY 1999 KIA SEPHIA WITH 61,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP (WHICH ALSO SELLS AND SERVICES FORDS) ESTIMATED THE REPAIR AT $50 TO $100, WHICH I AUTHORIZED. A FEW HOURS LATER THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED AND TOLD ME TO FORGET IT. DUE TO A TOTALLY BIZARRE DESIGN, THE HORN IS INTEGRATED INTO THE AIRBAG UNIT AND FIXING THE HORN REQUIRES REPLACING THE ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY. THE COST: $650 FOR THE PART AND $150 LABOR, TOTAL $800. IF THE HORN DESIGN WERE NORMAL, HE SAID IT WOULD HAVE COST LESS THAN $100. I CALLED KIA OF AMERI… | 124.5%ODI 10161867DASHBOARD WARPED AND BROKE THE DEFROSTER VENT. SAFETY HAS BEEN GREATLY COMPROMISED BECAUSE AIR IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEFOGGING/DEFROSTING. *JB | 43.7%ODI 753439ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (CHECK ENG. LIGHT) MONITORS EMISSIONS, BUT CAN BE TRIPPED OFF BY A LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP AS PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL EXPLANATION SEC. 4-32. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM WHEN SUCH A LIGHT CAN COME ON WITH SUCH REGULARITY THAT IT IS LISTED IN THE VEHICLE OWNER'S MANUAL AND YET THE OWNER IS SUPPOSED TO HEED THE LIGHT EACH AND EVERY TIME REGARDLESS OF HIS OR HER DRIVING PREDICAMENT? SUCH AN OBVIOUSLY FAULTY SENSOR SYSTEM SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED IN CARS. I WAS TOLD BY MY SERVICE DEALER THAT I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR ALL … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | Too few reports for a range | 40,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10005770 · 40,000 miDASHBOARD HAS CURLED UP IN FRONT (AGAINST WINDSHIELD). BECAUSE OF THIS THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT I AM UNABLE TO SEE ADEQUATELY TO DRIVE ANYTIME MY WINDSHIELD IS FOGGY. THIS MAY ALSO CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BUT I'M NOT SURE. |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2002: 5 complaints · 2003: 1 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 2003 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Unknown Or Other | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | Air Bags:Frontal | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | — | 3ODI 814481ENGINE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE STALLS RIGHT IN THE STREET WITH NO WARNING AT ALL. HAS BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS, AND THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. *AK *SLC ODI 819582THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, ONE MONTH LATER THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHY. *AK *SLC | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1ODI 723473I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT RECEPTICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF LATCH. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANT EVEN AFTER IT IS RESET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY. *AK | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 3ODI 814481ENGINE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE STALLS RIGHT IN THE STREET WITH NO WARNING AT ALL. HAS BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS, AND THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. *AK *SLC ODI 819582THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, ONE MONTH LATER THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHY. *AK *SLC | — | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | 2ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 716669OIL FILTERS MADE BY ANY OTHER COMPANY THAN KIA DOES NOT WORK. I HAD TO GET AN OIL CHANGE TWICE BECAUSE THE ONE DONE BY THE CAR LOT WAS NOT A KIA OIL FILTER AND THE ONE I HAD DONE WAS NOT A KIA FILTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO A KIA REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT DAY AND THEY CLEANED THE AREA AND CHANGED THE FILTER. THE BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR HAVE BEEN SCREACHING AND AT THAT TIME, A BRAKE REPAIRMAN ADVISED ME MY BRAKES WORE AT 95%. THE BRAKES STILL SCREACH AND GRIND. IN THE SUMMER, THE AIR CONDITIONER GIVES OFF A FOUL ODOR TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO TURN … | 0 | 1ODI 874702EVERY 5000 MILES NEEDS BRAKES/ ROTORS, CONSUMER FEELS ROTORS ARE WARPING FAST, AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 1ODI 723473I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT RECEPTICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF LATCH. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANT EVEN AFTER IT IS RESET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY. *AK | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | 1ODI 716669OIL FILTERS MADE BY ANY OTHER COMPANY THAN KIA DOES NOT WORK. I HAD TO GET AN OIL CHANGE TWICE BECAUSE THE ONE DONE BY THE CAR LOT WAS NOT A KIA OIL FILTER AND THE ONE I HAD DONE WAS NOT A KIA FILTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO A KIA REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT DAY AND THEY CLEANED THE AREA AND CHANGED THE FILTER. THE BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR HAVE BEEN SCREACHING AND AT THAT TIME, A BRAKE REPAIRMAN ADVISED ME MY BRAKES WORE AT 95%. THE BRAKES STILL SCREACH AND GRIND. IN THE SUMMER, THE AIR CONDITIONER GIVES OFF A FOUL ODOR TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO TURN … | 0 | 0 | — | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads | 0 | 2ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | — | 4ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 0 | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | 1ODI 874702EVERY 5000 MILES NEEDS BRAKES/ ROTORS, CONSUMER FEELS ROTORS ARE WARPING FAST, AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | 4ODI 544933DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING. | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
6 patterns with matching reports.
9 mentions · 7.6% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
COMPUTER FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL; IGNITION FAILURE/ AIR BAG LIGHT COME SON/INTERIOR LIGHTS GO DIM. *AK
UPON DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THE RPMS DROP AND VEHICLE STALLS. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWICE. *AK
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b8 mentions · 6.8% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
STEERING LOCKED UP MOMENTARILY, UPON RELEASING, DRIVER LOSS CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURY, ALSO BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE.
THERE IS ONLY A 2" SPACE BETWEEN GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING BOTH PEDALS TO BE DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY 3 TIMES.
\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b8 mentions · 6.8% of complaints
Median mileage: 3 mi (1 usable records).
"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I BAUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS CALIFORNIA SMOG WITH THE LIGHT ON WHICH MEANS THAT I CANNOT RENEW MY REGISTRATION THE NEXT TIME THE DMV REQUIRES A SMOG CHECK.
UPON DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THE RPMS DROP AND VEHICLE STALLS. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWICE. *AK
THE FIRST MONTH I HAD CAR THE IGNITION/STEERING LOCKED AND NEEDED TOWING BY KIA-NOTHING CHARGED TO ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND STAYING ON SHORTLY AFTER 'REPAIR' EVER SINCE I BOUGHT CAR 3-28-1998. I JUST GOT "RUN-AROUND' FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFIED/KIA AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP OVER AXLES. KIA TOLD ME NOTHING COVERED AFTER 36,000 MI.. AFTER I THOUGHT I COULD SEND IN BILL FOR AXLES TO EXTENDED WARRANTY INSTEAD OF CALLING AT THE TIME (MALE CHAUVINIST MECHANIC) AND AFTER WESTERN DIVERSIFIED SEEMINLY INDICATED AXLES PART OF …
\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
STEERING LOCKED UP MOMENTARILY, UPON RELEASING, DRIVER LOSS CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURY, ALSO BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE.
THE FIRST MONTH I HAD CAR THE IGNITION/STEERING LOCKED AND NEEDED TOWING BY KIA-NOTHING CHARGED TO ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND STAYING ON SHORTLY AFTER 'REPAIR' EVER SINCE I BOUGHT CAR 3-28-1998. I JUST GOT "RUN-AROUND' FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFIED/KIA AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP OVER AXLES. KIA TOLD ME NOTHING COVERED AFTER 36,000 MI.. AFTER I THOUGHT I COULD SEND IN BILL FOR AXLES TO EXTENDED WARRANTY INSTEAD OF CALLING AT THE TIME (MALE CHAUVINIST MECHANIC) AND AFTER WESTERN DIVERSIFIED SEEMINLY INDICATED AXLES PART OF …
\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN. OVERDRIVE KEEPS SLIPPING. WILL NOT SHIFT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START UP. THE KILL SWITCH WIRING KEEPS EFFECTING STARTING. BRAKE DISC & PADS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THIS CAUSED SMOKE TO FILL THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO HAD JERKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP WHICH MADE IT HARD TO ESCAPE VEHICLE/ TIRE BLEW OUT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. WAS INFORMED IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY & TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER. *AK
\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b