2001 Kia Sephia Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 20%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Kia Sephia, 20% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,500 miles. 1 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.
“Vehicle repeatedly stalls. Taken to the dealtership several times ,and told that the problem did not occur when they had the vehicle; therefore, they are unable to fix. Dealership acted as if they never heard of this problem when I see now that this is a common problem. Vehicle is only used to drive in area - mostly taking 2 of my 3 young children to school.”
NHTSA complaint #10036955, filed 2003-08, 16,000 miles“My car is in the shop for the third major repair in less than 2 years. First, in jan. Of '04 there was a leak in the block. That required the entire engine to be replaced ($3,800). Then, 2 months ago, the entire electrical system had to be replaced ($1,567) and now it is in the shop to have the compressor and belts replaced($975). The dealership also does not offer a loaner car and I cannot afford to rent.”
NHTSA complaint #10142014, filed 2005-11“When consumer starts up the vehicle and after the vehicle has warmed up, when he goes to shut the vehicle off and restart the vehicle - he has to turn the ignition four (4) times before the engine will turn over. The dealership has examined the vehicle three times and been unable to effectively correct the problem. The dealership to date has replaced air filters and the fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #891172, filed 2001-06“While the consumer was traveling, the vehicle experienced power surge and the engine shifted into lower gear decreasing the speed and stalling the vehicle. The vehicle also stalls at idle. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer three times for the same problem, however can not remedy the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #564218, filed 2002-01“When pressing on gas motor rose above frame. Driver noticed when hood was raised and gas pressed. Driver felt cause was defected motor mounts. Consumer took vehicle to dealer because the transaxle jumped out of place and caused vehicle to crash. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8002152, filed 2002-01Related 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 2001 Kia Sephia
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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