1996 Kia Sephia Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 10%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Kia Sephia, 10% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles.
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.
“It is unbelieveable that there is no recall on the dashboards for Kia vehicles. I own a Kia Sephia and it seems like the dashboard cracks and peels off. I have seen other models and it faces the same problems. Matter of fact I visited Kia dealerships and there is no warranty on this items. The dealerships also mentioned that they have alot of complaints on that same issue. I strongly believe that there must be a recall on this issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10067593, filed 2004-04, 66,000 miles“Dashboard is separating from the frame of the interior of the vehicle. Dealer has examined the vehicle on four occasions, and was unable to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10067482, filed 2004-04, 20,000 miles“The seams that join the body in the rear have separated, this caused a leak in the trunk of the vehicle. Separation is significant enough to cause free flowing water to be seen entering the trunk compartment. Some of the separation of the seam is not visible due to being located underneath the rear bumper.”
NHTSA complaint #755347, filed 2001-12“The dash board buckled to the point where the consumer had to cut off portions of it. The consumer was concerned it may affect the performance of the air bag.”
NHTSA complaint #10020431, filed 2003-05“Cables are hanging from out the sides of 3 doors. Dealer will not repair at his expense. When car is in reverse, the windows won't do anything. Consumer has a board inside the panel to keep the window up.”
NHTSA complaint #856081, filed 2000-02Body and structure: other model years
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 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 27, 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