- The problem
- The electronic speedometer sensor can seize, causing the speedometer and cruise control (if the car is equipped with cruise control) to stop functioning.
- The risk
- The loss of cruise control will cause temporary loss of control of vehicle speed. Loss of the speedometer will result in the operator not knowing the actual speed of the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new speedometer drive gear, electronic sensor, and flexible shaft assembly.
Vehicle safety record
1994 Kia Sephia Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1994 Kia Sephia with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (5) and the seats & seat belts (5). Those complaints describe 3 crashes. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in July 1994 for the power train. For comparison, the 1995 has 68.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Sephia year, for its age
#131 most complained-about 1994 vehicle
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1994 Kia Sephia problems
Share of all 16 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1994 Kia Sephia recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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16 complaints about the 1994 Kia Sephia
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Vehicle was in a n head-on accident at 45 mph, and air bag did not deploy. Dealer has not been contacted. *Ak
The engine had to be replaced since a thermometer didn't tell the engine it was hot. Which blew the head gaskets, melted the spark plugs, took out the water pump, and so over heated the engine block. The front rotors went out twice. Sounds like a wind tunnel, since the seals aren't good. The car doesn't accelerate properly when the gas pedal is pressed. Never drive it during a 20 mph windy day. It get good gas mileage - still at 29 to 33 mpg. *Ak
The electronic speedometer sensor was replaced under the 1994 recall. Consumer says that the exact same part has gone bad again in early jan. 1999. Dealer has been contacted. 94V-134. *Ak
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WORE OUT.
Poor steering function and unable to monitor speed, milage or use cruise control.
ALTERNATOR FAILED.
Engine: when driving and downshift to slow down the vehicle does not recognize the fact that one is trying to slow down, when downshifting the vehicle the engine just completely dies, this does not happen intermittently. *Ak consumer stated seatbelts have been replaced, also the brakes were replaced.*Jb
Vehicle stalls due to failed idle speed control valve.
Driving at low speed, vehicle was impacted at 6:00 position, driver's seat track and anchors broke, causing the seat to fall backwards. *Ak
Front seat belt will not retract when put on during a sudden stop, can go right in the windshield. Also the shift gear will not move when ready to shift the gear. *Ak
Sometimes when driving the car accelerated on its own. *Ak
The drivers side seatbelt gets stuck in the holder and will not release and the belt cannot be used. Please describe. Tt
When seat is moved forward some, seat belt performs erratic. Please describe details. Tt
The squeaking noise was present when the vehicle moved. The whole brake system was broken. Tt
SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. VEHICLE SEIZE. TT
Shifted into reverse vehicle jerked violently. Resulting in vehicle accident. Tt
Kia Sephia: every year compared
All Sephia years1994 Kia Sephia vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Kia Sephia | 16 | 1 | A | |
| 1994 Kia Kia | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1994 Kia Sephia
Does the 1994 Kia Sephia have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1994 Kia Sephia: power train (July 1994). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Kia Sephia?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (5), seats & seat belts (5), acceleration & cruise control (4).
How many complaints has the 1994 Kia Sephia had?
16 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 3, 1995 and the latest on September 18, 2000. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1994 Kia Sephia a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 95 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Kia Sephia year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Kia Sephia years have the most complaints?
1998 (491), 1999 (428), 2000 (266). See every Kia Sephia year compared.
What should I do if my 1994 Kia Sephia has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data