1994 Kia Sephia Problems
- Complaints
- 16filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Kia Sephia (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1994 Kia Sephia. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 5 complaints (31% of the total), followed by brakes (4) and seat belts (4). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 5 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes4 25%
- Seat belts4 25%
- Engine cooling3 19%
- Air bags1 6.3%
- Electrical system1 6.3%
- Seats1 6.3%
- Steering1 6.3%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #835527, filed 1999-03Brakes: “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. Consumer stated seatbelts have been replaced, also the brakes were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #816870, filed 1997-10Seat belts: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #807049, filed 1997-01Vehicle speed control: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #706734, filed 1999-05Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1994 Kia Sephia version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sephia FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Sephia FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 94V134000Jul 25, 1994Power trainCovers: Kia Sephia 1994
The electronic speedometer sensor can seize, causing the speedometer and cruise control (if the car is equipped with cruise control) to stop functioning.
Recall details for the 1994 Kia Sephia → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 5 on record; the latest 5 are shown.
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to…
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following…
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia model. Refer to the shop…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Brakes, Exterior lighting. Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia models.
Other model years of the Kia Sephia
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6 | 21,871 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 107 | 26,872 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 266 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 428 | 56,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 491 | 57,000 | 6 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 205 | 69,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 118 | 48,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 64 | 86,740 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 16 | — | 1 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
All Kia Sephia model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Kia Sephia have?
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1994 Kia Sephia as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Kia Sephia is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 5 complaints (31% of the total), followed by brakes with 4.
Has the 1994 Kia Sephia been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1994 Kia Sephia get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Kia Sephia (Sephia, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.