1996 Kia Sephia Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 13%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 15 complaints about the seat belts of the 1996 Kia Sephia, 13% of the 118 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“Door assembly: passenger's and driver's side back door flies open unexpectedly. Took in to Kia for repairs and they will not fix it because they couldn't duplicate. Also having problem with seat belts in back coming loose.”
NHTSA complaint #810183, filed 1998-02“Consumer states that the front seat belt buckles will not lock properly causing the consumer not to have a seat belt on while driving. Dealer notified. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001566, filed 2002-12“When the occupant makes a slight move in the driver's seat belt buckle comes loose, leaving the occupant unprotected in case of crash. Dealer has replaced the seatbelt buckle twice. Problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #853234, filed 1999-11Related recalls
- 02V216000Aug 16, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.Covers: Kia Sephia 1995–1998, Sportage 1995–1998
Seat belts: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sephia
39 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsOther or unknown
17 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