1997 Kia Sephia
KNAFA2212V5624893
Vehicle record for the 1997 Kia Sephia (VIN KNAFA2212V5624893). Red, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Cherkasy. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1997 Kia Sephia · Red on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 1 recall campaign exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report service brakes trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KNAFA2212V5624893, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 1 recall campaign for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Kia Sephia.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Kia Sephia.
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1997 Kia Sephia 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Kia Sephia costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION Closed
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 25, 2002, KIA ADVISED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED. SPECIFIC CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY KIA HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA AT THIS TIME. THE SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.
NHTSA #PE02051 · Seat Belts · opened Jun 2002 · closed Sep 2002An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 12
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 12.
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 2021PITSTOP - 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 2018TSB: 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 2017TSB: 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 2016TSB: 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 2013KIA: 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 2008RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT
Bulletin 027 · Seat Belts · Dec 2002THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT
Bulletin 027 · Seat Belts · Dec 2002THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT
Bulletin 003 · Power Train · Oct 1999RECALL CAMPAGIN ON EVAPORATIVE FUEL VAPOR HOSE REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8 LITER BPD ENGINES. *TT
Bulletin 008 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999Source: 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.
Safety recall campaigns 1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA Campaign #02V216000 · manufacturer #SC027 · 16/08/2002Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Kia Sephia, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 32 involved a crash 🔥 5 involved a fire 🚑 32 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 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.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 266
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Kia Sephia.
AIR BAGS
I PURCHASED A 2007 KIA OPTIMA USED IN OCTOBER 2007. THE CAR HAD ROUGHLY 18,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT. SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN LATE 2009, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS REMAINED ON EVER SINCE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, EVEN WHEN A NORMAL-SIZED ADULT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
NHTSA ODI #10321562STRUCTURE
THE DASHBOARD IS WARPED/COMING UP AND HAS BENT/RUINED THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER SYSTEM. IT HAPPENED ALL ON IT'S OWN, WE DID NOTHING TO PROVOKE THIS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. I AM CONCERNED IF IT HAS CAUSED AIRBAG DAMAGE. IT IS A HAZARD NOT TO BE ABLE TO DEFROST/DEFOG WINDOWS. ALSO THE TAILPIPE KEEPS GETTING HOLES IN IT AN…
NHTSA ODI #10203109VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
DASHBOARD WARPED AND COMING UP AND TOUCHING WINDSHIELD. IT IS BREAKING OR BLOCKING THE VENT/DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM. THEREFORE THE WINDOWS BARELY DEFROST AND THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I KNOW OF TWO OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD. ALSO "DOOR OPEN" LIGHT REMAINS ON AND DRAINS BATTERY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10202861AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS ILLUMINATED. HE DOES NOT KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS ARE WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, ESPECIALLY SINCE HIS VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE COST WOULD BE $750 TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER ALS…
NHTSA ODI #10196469AIR BAGS
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A FRONT END CRASH. INJURIES INCLUDED HEAD,NECK AND BACK .THE CAR WAS TOTALED.*AK
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10186043ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10169738POWER TRAIN
I NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND IN MY FRONT END OF MY 1997 KIA SEPHIA. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED NEW AXLE SHAFTS ON BOTH SIDES. THE DEALER INFORMED ME HE WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PARTS OVERNIGHT AND THAT HE DID NOT WANT ME TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE AX…
NHTSA ODI #10149273ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DT: 1997 KIA SEPHIA, THE DASHBOARD IS LIFTING. WHEN THE CONSUMER ENTERED THE VEHICLE SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. UPON INSPECTING THE DASH SHE NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASH WAS BURNED. WHEN THE CONSUMER CLEANED THE DASH THE CLEANING CLOTH SMELLED BURNED AND THERE WAS A BROWN RESIDUE ON THE CLOTH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT…
NHTSA ODI #10134181+ 258 more complaints on record.
