1997 Kia Sephia Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%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 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Kia Sephia, 6% of the 205 complaints for this model year. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I had the vehicle repaired for an emmissions problem (see defect info. #1)...7 days later the check engine light came on again. I took the vehicle back to the dealer and it was basically the same problem, except I was told it was due to the gas tank being overfilled. I don't see how this is possible since I've been driving the vehicle for only a year and the problem has just started. The problem concerns me because I don't know if fumes are building up which may cause a major safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #702326, filed 1999-01“The car was acting up, we thought it was overheating,because when the car cooled off it would start. On 7/04/2001 we were going down the road at 55 MPH when it shut off. It would not start again. Took it to a mechanic .he said the fuel pump was bad. Replaced it. Took a trip to mass. Car died again. Told fuel relay was bad,replaced,08/10/2001. Coming home first time check engine light came on.took it to dealer.EGR valve replaced about 08/21/2001. 09/25/2001 car dies take it to a mechanic,checks,fuel pump bad again. Very disturbing, I don't want dealers to work on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #752704, filed 2001-09“Consumer's vehicle caught on fire towards the end and above the muffler and above fuel tank. Dealer has recognized the actual cause or remedy, but was ready to have consumer pick up the vehicle. Prior to fire, vehicle was losing power and would not accelerate. Please fille addtional information.”
NHTSA complaint #871556, filed 2000-09“Very disappointed in vehicle... Problems are localized in fuel system area fuel injector #3 just recently replaced. Have paperwork for every visit to dealer. Wrote letters to Kia assistance center and bbb autoling via certified ltr which I have copy of. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
NHTSA complaint #537621, filed 1998-06“Engine & engine check light & power/fuel injection switch. Been in the service department for checkups and repairs 5 times for the same thing. Car is dead, timing chain broke and the block frozed up.”
NHTSA complaint #739629, filed 2001-01Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Kia Sephia
75 complaintsEngine cooling
44 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 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 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