1996 Kia Sephia Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 14%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1996 Kia Sephia, 14% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10005770, filed 2003-02, 40,000 miles“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.. …”
NHTSA complaint #707178, filed 1999-06“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10004998, filed 2003-01“I'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.”
NHTSA complaint #723473, filed 2000-06“The dashboard on my Kia is folding and buckling preventing the defrost system to blow correctly. Thus, make it a hazardous condition when it is raining and the windshield fogs up. The blower cannot reach the windshield due to the buckling of the dash.”
NHTSA complaint #742533, filed 2001-03Other or unknown: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sephia
39 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsEngine cooling
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 29, 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