2002 Kia Sephia Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 21,871miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Kia Sephia (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2002 Kia Sephia. The part named most often is air bags, with 1 complaints (17% of the total), followed by brakes (1) and electrical system (1). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 21,871 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags1 17%
- Brakes1 17%
- Electrical system1 17%
- Seat belts1 17%
- Tires1 17%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While driving vehicle stalled. Driver was able to restart vehicle, and drive it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic could not duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10057811, filed 2004-03, 21,871 milesSeat belts: “When the consumer was hit at 5 MPH on the front passenger side driver's side seat belt unlocked. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10112841, filed 2005-02, 45,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 18,000 and 45,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Kia Sephia in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Exterior lighting, Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia model. Refer to the shop…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Brakes, Exterior lighting. Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia models.
Other model years of the Kia Sephia
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6 | 21,871 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 107 | 26,872 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 266 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 428 | 56,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 491 | 57,000 | 6 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 205 | 69,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 118 | 48,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 64 | 86,740 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 16 | — | 1 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
All Kia Sephia model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Kia Sephia have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2002 Kia Sephia as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Kia Sephia is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 1 complaints (17% of the total), followed by brakes with 1.
Has the 2002 Kia Sephia been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Kia Sephia reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 21,871 miles and the middle half falls between 18,000 and 45,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.