1996 Kia Sephia Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 9%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Kia Sephia, 9% of the 118 complaints for this model year. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #855642, filed 2000-01“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”
NHTSA complaint #10002254, filed 2003-01“While traveling 15mph was broadsided in front, on driver's side. Upon impact, neither air bag deployed. Skid marks showed other vehicle traveled 25mph. Driver sustained back/hand and abdomen injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #832558, filed 1998-12“Consumer was involved in 35-40 MPH frontal collision in which the air bags did not deploy, causing the occupant to sustain injuries. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #841813, filed 1999-07“Air bags deployed within seconds after starting vehicle. Dealer notified, and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer. Asking NHTSA help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #850525, filed 1999-10Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 17% |
| 2001 | 18 | 17% |
| 2000 | 32 | 12% |
| 1999 | 37 | 9% |
| 1998 | 31 | 6% |
| 1997 | 30 | 15% |
| 1996 | 11 | 9% |
| 1995 | 5 | 8% |
| 1994 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sephia
39 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Kia Sephia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology