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Engine & cooling

2001 Kia Sephia Engine problems

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2001 Kia Sephia's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 19% of all its complaints, most recently on November 7, 2005. They describe 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & coolingElectrical system

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. *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10142014
Engine & cooling

While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and drive to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *Ph

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10050093
Engine & coolingFuel systemElectrical system

Dealer replaced in the last past three months the following items: ignition coil/fuel injection system twice/wiring harness, and catalytic converter. However, problems still recurred. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Electrical systemNHTSA 10042366
Engine & cooling

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.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10036955
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureCrash

ENGINE AND LOTS OF OTHERS. *NLM

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power train · StructureNHTSA 10023371
Engine & cooling

The check engine light appeared on the dash then the engine slowed down. Dealer has inspected the vehicle several times but could not duplicate or correct the problem. *Nlm

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10020335
Engine & coolingFire

THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10015425
Engine & cooling

The vehicle stalled without warning, the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10011665
Engine & cooling

While driving at 35mph vehicle will stall without warning making it hard to control vehicle. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10004785
Engine & cooling

While traveling on highway there was a bad smell coming from exhaust system into vehicle. Vehicle will shutdown without prior warning.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 8011121
Engine & coolingFuel system

When filling up gas tank to full and driving 140 miles gas gauge will read empty. Also, engine light is constanly coming on because of a 02 sensor failure. Please provide any further information.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, other · Unknown or otherNHTSA 8003426
Engine & cooling

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. *Yh

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 564218
Engine & cooling

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.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 8002152
Engine & cooling

Vehicle intermittently stalls while driving at any speed, have taken vehicle to dealership 6 times for problem. Mechanic can not resolve stalling.*Ak consumer stated the engine light will illuminated while driving and then stall.*Slc

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 8002003
Engine & cooling

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 755365
Engine & coolingElectrical system

While idling at a stop sign or light vehicle would die out. Would have no warning. Vehicle not able to be restart after stalling out. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Mechanic changed ignition cable, but the problem still exists.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 898494
Engine & coolingElectrical system

When driving 25-30 mph vehicle will vibrate and hesitate, and engine check light comes on. Vehicle taken to dealer 6 times, replaced fuel pump/ catalytic converter/ reset codes, and changed spark plugs. Did not remedy problem. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 898466
Engine & cooling

On board diagnostic system (check eng. Light) monitors emissions, but can be tripped off by a loose fuel filler cap as per the owner's manual explanation sec. 4-32. It seems that this is a safety problem when such a light can come on with such regularity that it is listed in the vehicle owner's manual and yet the owner is supposed to heed the light each and every time regardless of his or her driving predicament? Such an obviously faulty sensor system shouldn't be allowed in cars. I was told by my service dealer...

Read the full complaint

that I would be charged for all future "repairs" since I was negligent in securing the fuel cap according to them. I hardly think that I was negligent in securing the fuel cap three times in a five month period, it really isn't that difficult. I believe the obd is faulty since the owner's manual even points out its oversensitivity to "loose" fuel caps. It wouldn't surprise me if it isn't the fuel cap at all, but rather the vapor recovery valves failing again and setting off the obd light.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or otherNHTSA 753439
Engine & cooling

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. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 891172
Engine & cooling

Engine check light would remain on whenever starting or while driving. Dealer notified, and an appointment have been made. *Ak *slc

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or otherNHTSA 888749
Engine & cooling

When consumer bought vehicle brand new she noticed that vehicle had a burning smell like rubber. Also, vehicle will hesitate, and wouldn't move at all. Dealership was aware of problem. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 873915

Kia Sephia engine complaints by year

Sephia engine problems, every year

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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

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