Kia Sephia recalls

8 official safety recalls for the Kia Sephia from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Front seat belt buckle may not latch

    Reported June 24, 2004Model years 1999–2000NHTSA campaign 04V305000251,594 vehicles affected

    A front buckle may click as if latched when it is not, allowing the latch to pull out when tension is applied. Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.
    Consequence
    THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
    Notes
    KIA RECALL NO. SC039.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  2. Seat belt buckle may falsely latch

    Reported August 16, 2002Model years 1995–1998NHTSA campaign 02V216000189,706 vehicles affected

    The seat belt buckle may appear latched when it is not, leaving the occupant unrestrained in a crash and increasing injury risk. The recall text does not specify a repair.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    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.
    Notes
    ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  3. Hazard switch may disable lights or turn signals

    Reported July 29, 2002Model years 1998NHTSA campaign 02V20700025,000 vehicles affected

    An electrical problem in the hazard switch may disable the hazard lights or turn signals, so other drivers may not be warned when the vehicle is turning or stopped. Dealers will replace the switch free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 36,000 MILES OR LESS AS OF JULY 15, 2002, AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROBLEM MAY HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WHICH COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE HAZARD LIGHTS AND/OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS.
    Consequence
    THE LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS OR REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 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.
    Notes
    ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  4. Fuel may spill back from the filler neck

    Reported July 17, 2000Model years 1998–1999NHTSA campaign 00V175000100,137 vehicles affected

    A valve may shut off fuel flow before the tank reaches 95% of nominal capacity, prompting drivers to add more fuel and causing spillback or spitback from the filler neck. Dealers will replace the valve; the remedy is free.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
    Defect
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. CERTAIN VALVES CAUSED FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY.
    Consequence
    THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK CAUSING FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORVR VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 13, 2000. 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.
    Notes
    KIA RECALL NO. SC015.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  5. Fuel pump connection may overheat

    Reported November 9, 1999Model years 1998–1999NHTSA campaign 99V318000102,944 vehicles affected

    A poor ground connection can heat up and increase resistance until the fuel pump no longer receives enough current. The engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The corrective action is being performed with recall 99V317.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
    Defect
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. IF THE PIN TENSION IS POOR, OR THE BOLT SECURING THE CONNECTOR TO THE VEHICLE FLOOR IS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY, A POOR CONNECTION IS MADE. AS THE FUEL PUMP OPERATES, THE POOR CONNECTION CAN CREATE HEAT WHICH IN TURN INCREASES RESISTANCE. EVENTUALLY THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.
    Consequence
    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy
    THIS CORRECTIVE ACTION IS BEING PERFORMED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RECALL NO. 99V317.
    Notes
    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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  6. Fuel pump connectors may corrode

    Reported November 9, 1999Model years 1998–1999NHTSA campaign 99V317000102,944 vehicles affected

    Moisture can corrode the fuel pump connectors, eventually preventing the pump from receiving enough current. The engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace and reposition the connectors to prevent moisture contact.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
    Defect
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE. OVER TIME, THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.
    Consequence
    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CONNECTORS AND REPOSITION THOSE CONNECTORS TO AN AREA WHERE THE PLACEMENT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH MOISTURE.
    Notes
    KIA RECALL NO. SC013.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 1999.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  7. Windshield wiper link may disengage

    Reported October 6, 1999Model years 1998–1999NHTSA campaign 99V27100090,054 vehicles affected

    The wiper link may disengage under load, or a loose retaining nut may let a wiper arm slip or stop. Reduced visibility in bad weather could increase crash risk. Dealers will replace the link and tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
    Defect
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BALL SOCKET ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN THE LINK DISENGAGING FROM THE WIPER MOTOR DRIVE UNDER LOAD, SUCH AS PUSHING AGAINST ICE, SNOW OR OTHER RESISTANCE. ALSO THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUT COULD BE INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED ALLOWING THE WIPER ARM TO SLIP AND/OR STOP FUNCTIONING.
    Consequence
    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK AND ALSO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUTS.
    Notes
    KIA RECALL NO. SC012.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 19, 1999. 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 1-949-470-7000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  8. Speedometer sensor may seize

    Reported July 25, 1994Model years 1994NHTSA campaign 94V1340006,945 vehicles affected

    A seized electronic speedometer sensor may stop the speedometer and, if equipped, cruise control. The driver may not know the vehicle's actual speed and may temporarily lose control of vehicle speed. Dealers will install a new drive gear, sensor and flexible shaft assembly.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN
    Defect
    THE ELECTRONIC SPEEDOMETER SENSOR CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER AND CRUISE CONTROL (IF THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL) TO STOP FUNCTIONING.
    Consequence
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: INTERIOR SYSTEMS; INSTRUMENT PANEL; SPEEDOMETER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT KIA MOTORS SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMININISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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