1997 Kia Sephia seat belts problems

The 1997 Kia Sephia has 21 seat belts complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Seat Belts complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Seat Belts complaints by year

Sephia seat belts complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

02V216000Seat BeltsAugust 16, 2002 · 189,706 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

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.

Common questions

How many seat belts complaints does the 1997 Kia Sephia have?

NHTSA has 21 complaints about the 1997 Kia Sephia seat belts — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1997 Kia Sephia seat belts?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the seat belts: 02V216000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.