Model year guide

2001 Kia Sephia

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 Kia Sephia is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 21 on record.

2001 Kia Sephia — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 Kia Sephia at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints115
Combined23–24 mpg
Typical price$750

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2001 Kia Sephia recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2001 Kia Sephia.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2001 Kia Sephia common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2001 Kia Sephia safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2001 Kia Sephia 4-DR.Frontal crash test
Side barrier test — 2001 Kia Sephia 4-DR.Side barrier test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2001 Kia Sephia 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2001 Kia Sephia MPG & running costs

Combined23–24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,850
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume93 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2001 Kia Sephia worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$750
High
$1,200

From 5 comparable 2001 Kia Sephia listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2001 Kia Sephia costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,250
Fuel only$14,250
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
174.4 in
Width
66.9 in
Height
55.5 in
Wheelbase
100.8 in
Curb weight
2,478 lb
Front track
57.1 in
Rear track
56.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2001 Kia Sephia. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

REFUELING SPIT BACK Closed

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THI…

NHTSA #EA04004 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Other · opened Feb 2004 · closed Jul 2004

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION Closed

INFORMATION RECEIVED AND ANALYZED DURING THIS RQ DISCLOSED THAT MY 1999 AND 2000 KIA SEPHIA AND SPORTAGE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH MODIFIED VERSIONS OF THE SAME SAFETY BELT LATCH ASSEMBLY AS THOSE RECALLED IN CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216. THESE LATCH ASSEMBLIES WERE IDENTIFIED AS TYPE A97. ODI ANALYSES INDICATE A CONTINUING TREND OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOLLOWING A SERIES OF DESIGN MODIFICATIONS MADE BY KIA TO IMPROVE THE A…

NHTSA #RQ03007 · Seat Belts · opened Oct 2003 · closed Feb 2004

REFUELING SPIT BACK Closed

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175). ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY D…

NHTSA #RQ03006 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Other · opened Aug 2003 · closed Feb 2004

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 11

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 11.

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 by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides inf…

Bulletin TSB_BOD055_R1 · Structure, Exterior Lighting · Sep 2021

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

Bulletin PS539 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2018

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nu…

Bulletin TSB-GEN085R1 · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jan 2017

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pi…

Bulletin TSB-GEN085 · Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Nov 2016

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 MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE…

Bulletin TSBTRA046 · Power Train · Dec 2013

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. *PE

Bulletin KT-2008082201 · Parking Brake, Exterior Lighting · Aug 2008

CHARGING SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT

Bulletin 017 · Electrical System · Sep 2004

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS. CERTAIN MODELS INCLUDING ALL RIOS. *SLC

Bulletin 008 · Power Train · Mar 2002

A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT

Bulletin 007 · Power Train · Dec 2001

SUBJECT ON FRONT DOOR LATCH. *ET

Bulletin 020 · Latches/locks/linkages · Sep 2001

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SEPHIA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Kia Sephia

The Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2001 Kia Sephia trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · LS
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl

2001 Kia Sephia vehicles on record

2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia Sephia BaseKNAFB121215055115 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia Sephia LSKNAFB121915013458 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia Sephia BaseKNAFB121515085550 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia Sephia LSKNAFB121415076077 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia Sephia BaseKNAFB121415070912 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia Sephia BaseKNAFB121415046884 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB227215073292 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNAFB121515917338 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619481 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619778 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619699 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619530 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619367 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619782 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619533 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB227325144348 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB227225144347 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619586 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619490 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619759 2001 Kia Sephia 2001 Kia SephiaKNEFB222215619374

Other Kia Sephia model years

2004 2003 2002 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993

2001 Kia Sephia — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Kia Sephia have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2001 Kia Sephia. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Sephia?

Across all 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, air bags, power train.

What is the 2001 Kia Sephia safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2001 Kia Sephia crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Kia Sephia get?

The 2001 Kia Sephia has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2001 Kia Sephia worth?

Comparable 2001 Kia Sephia listings run roughly $500–$1,200, typically around $750 (from 5 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.