CarRecallDB

2000 Kia Sephia recalls and problems

1 recall and 266 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Kia Sephia.

1
recalls
266
owner complaints
42
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 Kia Sephia recalls

Seat belts: front, buckle assembly

NHTSA campaign 04V305000 · reported June 24, 2004 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 251,594 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles may emit a "click" sound during the buckling process that is similar to the sound emitted when a buckle is being latched, when it is not.
The risk
The latch can then pull out of the buckle when tension is applied.
The fix
Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles. The recall began august 16, 2004. Owners should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 1, 2022 · Engine · 130,000 miles

The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sephia. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart after being…

Apr 6, 2018 · Electrical system · 34,678 miles

THE SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS IS LOCKED UP & THEY (BOTH DRIVER/PASSENGER) SEATBELTS "DO NOT" REEL BACK 2 PROVIDE SECUREMENT OF THE PASSENGER(S). ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE IS THE HORN DOES NOT WORK EVEN WHEN THERE'S A NEW FUSE & HORN. THERE'S A DEFECT IN THE STEERING WHEEL HORN BUTTON.

Nov 12, 2017 · Electrical system · 34,000 miles

I 🅾WN A 2000 KIA SEPHIA & THE FRONT DRIVERS SEATBELT RETRACTS SLOW& DOES NOT LOCK. THE PASSENGER SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT @ ALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK DOES NOT LOCK AS IF THE LOCK ACTUATOR HAS SEIZED UP.

Jul 24, 2017 · Unknown or other

THE STUPID PASSENGER DOOR WONT CLOSE THIS JUST SO DARN FRUSTRATING IT'S ALSO VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM NOT A VERY HAPPY PERSON RIGHT NOW. YOU SHOULD MAKE CARS MORE SAFE IF SOME ONE HAD BEEN HURT WITH THAT STUPID DOOR I WOULD HAVE SUED YOUI

Jun 1, 2015 · Air bags · 86,000 miles · crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, HEAD, AND JAW BONE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO…

Sephia model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 1266423
2001 0107212
2002 0620
2003 0200

Across all years, the 2000 Sephia has the most complaints (266). All Kia Sephia years →

Questions

Does the 2000 Kia Sephia have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 Kia Sephia, the most recent reported on June 24, 2004 (Seat belts: front, buckle assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Kia Sephia?
Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (76 complaints), followed by power train (48).
How many 2000 Kia Sephia complaints mention a crash or fire?
42 of 266 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 39 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 1, 2022.