1997 Kia Sephia Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 21%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Kia Sephia, 21% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 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 had numerous problems with this. The check engine light has come on, the rotors had to be replaced twice and they still made noise but the dealer said there was nothing else they could do, the hinge on the back door failed, the left strut had to be replaced. This time the entire bottom of the car was damaged the car skipped when in drive to reverse and the breaks would not allow the car to come to a complete stop. Kia needs to do something about this these cars have too many defects and I'm sure they have many mor people just don't report them all the time”
NHTSA complaint #730809, filed 2000-09“The contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and the dealership was unable to determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10169738, filed 2006-10, 69,000 miles“Consumer installed new radio, wires were crossed causing check engine light to illuminate, in the owner's manual it states that non-stock electrical equipment will cause engine light to illuminate, owner's manual neglects to mention that engine light will illuminate if the gas cap is not on tight enough, vehicle also experienced dashboard failure.”
NHTSA complaint #785373, filed 2001-03“While driving at any speed, vehicle completely shutsdown without warning, dealer has yet to be contatced. Consumer said when he purchased the vehicle engine light was on and engine shuts off whenever stopping, took back to dealer many times for repair, vehicle is experiencing the same problem. Consumer also stated the speedometer is acting erractically, the overdrive light has illuminated.”
NHTSA complaint #8000812, filed 2001-12“Persistant oil leak from around oil filter. Mechanics unable to find any other reason for leak other than manufacturer defect in place where oil filter screws into engine. Multiple mechanics have attested to this being an ongoing problem with Kia vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #748950, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Kia Sephia
75 complaintsElectrical system
31 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