1997 Kia Sephia Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 15%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Kia Sephia, 15% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 miles. 19 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.
“Dashboard warped and coming up and touching windshield. It is breaking or blocking the vent/defroster/defogger system. Therefore the windows barely defrost and this is a safety hazard. I know of two other people having the same problem with the dashboard. Also door open light remains on and drains battery.”
NHTSA complaint #10202861, filed 2007-09, 59,000 miles“Dt: consumer's vehicle was hit by another car on august 15, 2005, and the airbags failed to deploy. Were still unsure of the extend of the injuries to the consumer. A police report was taken. The manufacturer was unhelpful to the consumer. They told the consumer that the airbags should not have deployed under these circumstances. Although other information they sent her said that the air bags should have deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10137621, filed 2005-09, 100,000 miles“The dashboard on this year vehicle starts to curl and is heading towards the passenger side airbag which may pop and cause injuries or fatalities. The dashboard also breaks the plastic vents which then does not distribute the air on the defroster properly which then could also cause fatalities or injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10039524, filed 2003-09, 102,000 miles“The dashboard lifted up from the chassis of the vehicle. Also, there was a hole that burned into the top of the dashboard. The consumer was concerned with the air bags not deploying or deploying prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #10082004, filed 2004-08, 22,590 miles“Interior systems:passive restraint:air bag:side door:passenger summary: dashboard has come apart. Also, seals around airbag on passenger's side has lifted up, exposing parts underneath. Heater vent on dash has cracked”
NHTSA complaint #10000854, filed 2003-01, 72,000 milesAir 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 1997 Kia Sephia
75 complaintsEngine cooling
44 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsSeat belts
20 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTires
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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