1997 Kia Sephia Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 15%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Kia Sephia, 15% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1997 Kia Sephia rs and I have replaced the alternator belt 11 times and 4 of those have been in the last 3 months. I am unable to get any answers about why the belt keeps breaking from any repair shop, other than it must be a sizing defect by Kia. This last belt was replaced 6/05 and broke off again 8/17/05. I can only seem to get about 1-3 month use from a belt. I checked with the previous owner of the car, which I knew and she indicates that she had the same problems. I now have spoken to another Kia Sephia rs owner same year and they got rid of theirs for that very reason.”
NHTSA complaint #10133282, filed 2005-08, 75,000 miles“The vehicles dashboard seems to be breaking away from the windshield. Consumer is concerned the airbag may deploy unexpectedly. Please provide any further information.ts”
NHTSA complaint #10004464, filed 2003-01, 110,000 miles“I have only had this car for 1 month. It had been in the shop 3 times. It has never been fixed to my satisfaction. The battery died the day after I brought it home. The brakes had to be completely replaced. That cost ~$200. I have a small infant and bought this car for safety (dual airbags) the dealer won't buy the car back and the service department can't seem to fix the car. Help!!!”
NHTSA complaint #731610, filed 2000-09“On march 18 1999 my car would not start up instantly I had to try a few times to start my car and after three tries it finally started I took it to the dealership and thats when I found out I needed a new starter, flywheel,fuel trim malfunction, new DTC groung improvements procedures.”
NHTSA complaint #704634, filed 1999-03“The check engine light came on and I had transaxle problems getting the car in gear . I also had problems getting keys from ignition switch part took two weeks and was relaced at dealership”
NHTSA complaint #713906, filed 1999-10Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 17% |
| 2001 | 15 | 14% |
| 2000 | 45 | 17% |
| 1999 | 63 | 15% |
| 1998 | 104 | 21% |
| 1997 | 31 | 15% |
| 1996 | 19 | 16% |
| 1995 | 4 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Kia Sephia
75 complaintsEngine cooling
44 complaintsAir bags
30 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 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