1996 Kia Sephia Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 33%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Kia Sephia, 33% of the 118 complaints for this model year. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Oil 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 it off. The rear middle seatbelt does not latch. …”
NHTSA complaint #716669, filed 1999-12“I have had the brakes repaired at least 10-12 times and the problem still is not fixed. The brake pedal becomes hard and doesnt depress, making stopping slow. The front wheels of the car become black,covered with the dust from the brake pads.. And at times the brakes stick and resistance is felt from the vehicle and the front tires begin to give off smoke.”
NHTSA complaint #723331, filed 2000-05“Abs 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10099333, filed 2004-11“Consumer states that the brakes don't function properly.owner states that she was going about 50-55 MPH trying to come to a stop she pumped the brakes and also put the pedal to the floor of vehicle. Dealer has replaced the front brake pads and turned the right rotor, and brakes are still imporable.”
NHTSA complaint #816677, filed 1997-09“When vehicle is cold the brake pedal would not depress to the floorboard, causing the consumer to pump the brakes to get out of park. Dealer has been notified of problem, but cannot find its cause. Kia has failed to repair the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #852693, filed 1999-11Related service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 17% |
| 2001 | 12 | 11% |
| 2000 | 85 | 32% |
| 1999 | 173 | 40% |
| 1998 | 256 | 52% |
| 1997 | 75 | 37% |
| 1996 | 39 | 33% |
| 1995 | 14 | 22% |
| 1994 | 4 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sephia
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsAir bags
11 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