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EquipmentPart report

1997 Kia Sephia Equipment Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
2%of 205 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Kia Sephia, 2% of the 205 complaints for this model year.

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.

“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 differential went out/ digital laser failed to work on cd panel/ power window electrical switch stopped working, and engine check light came on & did not go off. Dashboard covering was separating from window. There was water in the headlights, and battery would go dead. Took vehicle to dealer. Vehicle needed alignment due to problem with transmission & the brake assembly needed replacing due to excessive wear.”

NHTSA complaint #868570, filed 2000-08

“Ongoing problem with battery failure; dealer notified, and replaced faulty battery on two occasions, and problem reoccurred. Also, and problem engine hesitation. Dealer notified. The consumer found out right after leasing the vehicle, that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle began squeeking in the rear end when turning. The heater malfunctioned. The left rear strut assembly failed causing knocking noise at right rear. The o-ring failed causeing the distributor leak and there was loss of power while driving.”

NHTSA complaint #863221, filed 2000-06

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200155%
2000135%
1999113%
1998265%
199752%
199622%
199512%

Other parts of the 1997 Kia Sephia

Brakes
75 complaints
Engine cooling
44 complaints
Electrical system
31 complaints
Air bags
30 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
30 complaints
Other or unknown
20 complaints
Seat belts
20 complaints
Body and structure
19 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints
Fuel system
12 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Steering
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Kia Sephia

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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