1997 Kia Sephia Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 7%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Kia Sephia, 7% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“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 owns 1997 Kia Sephia. She had a problem with the dashboard. The vents for the defroster fell off, and the dashboard was brown, which began as a small spot and grew to cover the whole dashboard. She was concerned that the dashboard falling apart might somehow affect the airbags. She says that there is a burning smell coming from dash, smell has been there since she purchased vehicle. She did purchase vehicle new.”
NHTSA complaint #10133360, filed 2005-08“While driving about any MPH vehicle will suddenly accelerate without a prior warning.consumer will step on brakes pedal to stop acceleration, but vehicle will not stop, and concerned about fact of an accident. Transmission failed. Brakes make noise due to rotor failure. Wiper blades failed. Battery failed.”
NHTSA complaint #879923, filed 2001-02“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“Check engine light comes on; intermittent problem. Windshield wiper motor fails to work. Intermittent problem. Heater makes noises when turned on. Also, an intermittent problem. New tires wore uneven & wore out before 12,000 miles. Will be taking vehicle to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #826821, filed 1998-08Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): 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 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 28, 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