Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Kia Sephia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Rotors and brake pads replaced twice. Rotors warped and pads glazing. Complained thats brakes were not working right, and not stopping right. Started to file lemon law, and went to informal arbitration. Kia motors refused to do anything. Was going to file with the state when the brakes failed and resulted in an accident. I have noticed many of the same complaints about the brakes with Kia motors, on NHTSA web site. Does someone have to get hurt or die in a car crash before Kia will address the problem with their brake systems being placed on these cars, which has a major defect in them, causing accidents. Thank god my daughter was wearing her seat belt when the accident occured. The insurance company has totaled the car!!!!!! I will procide to sue Kia motors for their failure to address such a serious problem
I have had numerous problems with this. The check engine light has come on, the rotors had to be replaced twice and they still made noise but the dealer said there was nothing else they could do, the hinge on the back door failed, the left strut had to be replaced. This time the entire bottom of the car was damaged the car skipped when in drive to reverse and the breaks would not allow the car to come to a complete stop. Kia needs to do something about this these cars have too many defects and I'm sure they have many mor people just don't report them all the time
Persistant oil leak from around oil filter. Mechanics unable to find any other reason for leak other than manufacturer defect in place where oil filter screws into engine. Multiple mechanics have attested to this being an ongoing problem with Kia vehicles.
While driving vehicle stalled and died, causing a collision which resulted in minor injuries. Manufacturer has been notified. Stalling has been a reoccurring problem, despite many repairs done by dealer.
Ongoing problem with battery failure; dealer notified, and replaced faulty battery on two occasions, and problem reoccurred. Also, and problem engine hesitation. Dealer notified. The consumer found out right after leasing the vehicle, that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle began squeeking in the rear end when turning. The heater malfunctioned. The left rear strut assembly failed causing knocking noise at right rear. The o-ring failed causeing the distributor leak and there was loss of power while driving.
While driving at any speed, vehicle completely shutsdown without warning, dealer has yet to be contatced. Consumer said when he purchased the vehicle engine light was on and engine shuts off whenever stopping, took back to dealer many times for repair, vehicle is experiencing the same problem. Consumer also stated the speedometer is acting erractically, the overdrive light has illuminated.
While driving on highway or exiting a ramp vehicle would stall with any prior warning or reason. Have taken vehicle to dealership at least 8 times for the stalling problem. Problem would be adjusted, but it would always reappear. Stalling is an intermittent problem.
While driving and slowing down or turning vehicle would stall. Consumer felt this was a safety issue, took vehicle to dealer, and they were not helping. Consumer also reports smelling ags fumes inside vehicle, and check engine light frequently flashing.
While drving the vehicle stalls without warning. Also, the braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance , and outside door handles broke off. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide details.
The brakes and rotors were excessively worn outand replaced twice. Tansmission faild causing, loud knocking noise and new transmission was replaced. Left axle failed and replaced. The battery went out. The vehicle failed to start.
Engine complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Kia Sephia, 21% of the model year's 205 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Kia Sephia engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Kia Sephia, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Kia Sephia engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.