What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1998–2001) Sephia?

Sephia owners have made 22 complaints about the 1998–2001 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th out of 42 Kia generations in overall reliability, with some engine and electrical concerns.

Compare With Other Sephia Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1998–2001) Sephia Key Numbers

  1. 4 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 22 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 10th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 42 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (1998–2001) Sephia News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. The last Kia Sephia rolled off a dealer’s lot sometime around the turn of the century, but it’s back in the news for a brake lawsuit that just won’t stop.

    17 years ago 1997-2000 Sephia owners sued the automaker for brakes that wore out way too fast. A jury awarded them $6 million dollars ($750/piece), but the judge overruled the decision, decertified the class-action, and asked a “special master” to determine how many of those class members had legitimate damage claims.

    That “special” investigation lasted until 2015 where it was determined the settlement should be reduced to $46,000 for just 150 eligible owners ($300/owner).…

    keep reading article "A Sephia Brakes Lawsuit Is Still Going After 17 Years"

  2. A reduced settlement has been approved for a Kia Sephia brake lawsuit that was filed 17 years ago.

    Regina Little, et al., v. Kia Motors America, Inc. was originally filed in 2001. After years of leagl wrangling, a jury sided in favor of the plaintiffs in June 2008. The ruling awarded $6 million dollars to owners of the 1997-2000 Sephia as compensation for brake problems (about $750/person).

    The legal wrangling, however, wasn't over. While the judge accepted the ruling, he decertified the case and forced owners to submit claims in order to be eligible for an award. A "special master" was assigned to handle those claims and determine the award amount.…

    keep reading article "Is the Brake Settlement Wait Over for Sephia Owners?"