EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
2006 Kia Sportage
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 111 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Kia Sportage, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 31 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 26 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 27 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 28 |
| Apr 2011 | 1 | 29 |
| Jun 2011 | 1 | 30 |
| Jul 2011 | 1 | 31 |
| Aug 2011 | 1 | 32 |
| Sep 2011 | 2 | 34 |
| Nov 2011 | 2 | 36 |
| Dec 2011 | 1 | 37 |
| Jan 2012 | 2 | 39 |
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 40 |
| Jun 2012 | 1 | 41 |
| Aug 2012 | 1 | 42 |
| Nov 2012 | 2 | 44 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 45 |
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 46 |
| Mar 2013 | 1 | 47 |
| Apr 2013 | 1 | 48 |
| Jun 2013 | 1 | 49 |
| Jul 2013 | 2 | 51 |
| Aug 2013 | 2 | 53 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 54 |
| Nov 2013 | 2 | 56 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 57 |
| Apr 2014 | 3 | 60 |
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 62 |
| Aug 2014 | 2 | 64 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 65 |
| Nov 2014 | 3 | 68 |
| Dec 2014 | 2 | 70 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 71 |
| Apr 2015 | 4 | 75 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 76 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 77 |
| Nov 2016 | 1 | 78 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 79 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 80 |
| Jul 2017 | 2 | 82 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 83 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 84 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 85 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 86 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 87 |
| Jun 2018 | 2 | 89 |
| Dec 2018 | 2 | 91 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 92 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 93 |
| Aug 2019 | 4 | 97 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 99 |
| Nov 2019 | 2 | 101 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 102 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 103 |
| Nov 2020 | 2 | 105 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 106 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 107 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 108 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 109 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 110 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 111 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags3823.6%
- Engine2314.3%
- Electrical2213.7%
- Driver assistance169.9%
- Brakes116.8%
- Visibility85.0%
- Fuel system63.7%
- Body & structure63.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The fan for my car worked intermittently. I took the car to the dealership and they said it was the fan. I replaced the fan myself. While replacing the fan, I noticed that one of the connectors was melted. After changing the fan, nothing changed. After that, I decided to remove the bad looking connector. When I did, I realized the damage was much worse than I realized. Some of the casing from the wiring was totally melted off. My radio also started changing stations randomly and my GPS was getting hot when I used it. After I replaced the connector, everything worked perfectly.
- NHTSA ID
- 11586671
- Incident
- Oct 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V256000 (Fuel System, Other). The contact stated that neither the VIN nor the year, make, or model was not included in the recall. Additionally, the recall was state-specific. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for inspection, who informed the contact of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11523877
- Incident
- May 15, 2023
- Mileage
- 65,000 mi
July 14, 2020 To whom it may concern I [XXX] is owner of Kia Sportage 2006 [XXX] I purchase this vehicle 12/2005 from Kia in Paramus NJ. This vehicle now has 137,296 miles also what make note it has not never been in accident or given me big issues. In May 2018, I received a recall on this vehicle for application of additional anti- corrosion material (SC104) which I brought my vehicle to Tenafly NJ (which is now closed) •Only July 2, 2020 appropriately 5:20 pm I was driven home to pick up my mother, I heard a weird sound coming from left back wheel. And continuing driving the sound got louder, I taken the vehicle to my mechanic and left there. •July 3, 2020, I went to pick up the vehicle and the mechanic showed me underneath the vehicle how the vehicle corrupted (photos include). The mechanic advises me not to drive the car that it is very hazardous to me and others on the road and I should notify the dealership. •July 5,2020, I called the customer relation of Kia which they stated that they will look at it and have vehicle towed to nearness Kia, which is Jack Daniels Motors, Inc Kia in Fairlawn NJ. The vehicle arrived 9:30 am. I received phone at 3:30 pm from Service Advisor [XXX], who actual ask me to come in and sign papers. I could not come on July 5,2020 •On July 6, 2020 I arrived at Kia Jack Daniels Motors, Inc at 5:30 pm to talk to Service Advisor [XXX], he stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and it was out of his hands and someone will get back to me. •On July 10, 2020 I received a phone call from Service Advisor [XXX] that the vehicle pass the warranty and they cannot help me with the issue. I should call customer relation. Then I called customer relation again, I talk to [XXX] ext. [XXX]. The customer servant, [XXX] stated that I should call my insurance company to pay for repairs, (out pocket). I told him that this issue is not my insurance company issue. The issue is Kia, which ha INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- NHTSA ID
- 11500739
- Incident
- Jan 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected, the vehicle failed due to the autolocking brakes and Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11462278
- Incident
- Mar 31, 2022
- Mileage
- 115,000 mi
I purchased this vehicle from a private seller in August 2021 and attempted to obtain records of the vehicle Kia America Case ID #14353653 which Kia America has yet to provide me any information. I had a full diagnostic done by a certified mechanic at Borst Automotive in the state of Arizona on 09/18/21 where several concerns were reported to me that Kia failed to report. There is a new and concerning grinding with the engine on my 2006 Kia Sportage LX that sounds like it might be an exhaust leak. I hear loud grinding sounds now when turning on the car that immediately sound when it is fired up, and when accelerating is the worst, but the sound starts loud and is immediate when I turn on the vehicle and fire up the engine. Two days ago on 10-01-21 which was the last night I drove it as it feels unsafe to drive now, I did not get far before the front driver's tire closest to the engine completely blew out/ and exploded coming off of it's wheel and cap hinting at a potential engine problem or recalled defect. I had to immediately pull over and call AAA to come put the spare donut on my car to get it back home to park. The engine appears to have something wrong with the exhaust system and it sounds bad. I reported this today to Kia America case ID #14407655. I always make it a point to to check fluids and something is not right here. The car is overheated but Radiator is fine and coolant, and all other engine fluids are full but could be an engine issue that is dangerous. This engine sounds like it will burst at any minute its grinding and stalling so bad. Made an appointment with Royal Kia in my hometown Tucson, AZ for October 12, 2021 to have the fuel tank straps replaced and towed as apparently they are faulty and this was the soonest this dealership could perform this. I know the 2010-2021 Sportage models were recalled under Safety Recall 20V-750 but since this recall is somewhat new and yet to discover other Kia Sportage’s that might also be affected. Consumer also noticed malfunctioning of brake and tail lig
- NHTSA ID
- 11435323
- Incident
- Oct 1, 2021
I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. TWO DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY MECHANIC THINKS IT IS A SENSOR FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HAVING TROUBLE WITH COVID-19 GETTING THE PART, BEEN WAITING FOR OVER A WEEK. MY MECHANIC HAS RECOMMENDED ME TAKING THE CAR TO A KIA DEALER SHIP WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON. HE THOUGH FOR SURE IT WOULD HAVE A RECALL BUT I DO NOT SEE ONE LISTED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11385351
- Incident
- Oct 23, 2020
- Mileage
- 146,367 mi
THIS CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH SPEEDING UP AND SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN, AT THIS POINT IT SHUT OFF ANY TIME I WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A LIGHT OR STOP. IT CUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES ON A HIGHWAY GOING 75 MPH. VERY SCARY WITH KIDS IN CAR. WAS ABLE TO GET HOME AND IT WILL NOT TURN OVER OR START BACK UP GETTING DIAGNOSED TODAY, THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, I HAVE READ 100S OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS LIKE THIS! KIA YOUR PUTTING OUR LIVES IN DANGER, PREGNANT WITH 2 KIDS AND CAR SHUTTING OFF ON HIGHWAY, OR SPEEDING UP AND SLOWING DOWN BY IT SELF IS TRAUMATIZING. DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS BADLY HURT!! ALSO I AM BIG AND PREGNANT AND DRIVER DOOR DOES NOT OPEN I AM ASSUMING THAT TOO IS AN ELECTRIC ISSUE EITHER WAY I HAVE TO CLIMB OVER SEATS, THIS CAR LOOKED GREAT AFTER 1 DAY DOOR STOPPED WORKING AND WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF OWNING IT NOW SPEED! KIA YOU REALLY NEED TO FIX ALL THESE ISSUES SEEMS TO ME THERE IS ELECTRIC PROBLEMS ALL THROUGHOUT THE CAR. PLEASE HELP
- NHTSA ID
- 11376365
- Incident
- Nov 21, 2020
- Mileage
- 130,000 mi
I HIT THE SIDE OF A CAR I DIDN'T SEE WHILE PULLING OUT OF A CAR PARK ONTO THE ROAD, SO I WAS MOVING SLOWLY FORWARD. A CAR HAD APPEARED FROM BEHIND 2 TURNING CARS AND I HIT THE SIDE OF IT. NEITHER THE AIR BAG OR THE SEAT BELT IN MY CAR STOPPED MY HEAD FROM MAKING CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS VERY SHAKEN AT THE TIME AS ANYONE WOULD BE. THE FOLLOWING DAY I NEEDED TO REST, AND 2 DAYS LATER WENT TO ER WHERE I HAD A SCAN AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION. OVER 2 WEEKS LATER, I AM MUCH BETTER BUT NOT YET FULLY RECOVERED. I RECEIVED A CITATION FROM THE ATTENDING POLICE OFFICER FOR CARELESS DRIVING. I HAVE CONTACTED CORPORATE KIA TO ASK WHY BOTH THE AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT FAILED TO HELP ME AVOID INJURY. I ATTACH A PHOTO OF THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE POLICE REPORT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11375451
- Incident
- Nov 3, 2020
- Mileage
- 88,993 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
POWER TRAIN
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
POWER TRAIN
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING; STRUCTURE
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 information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
QA - Listing of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers regarding the Product Improvement Program.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - FUEL TANK STRAP REPLACEMENT (PI1801) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the fuel tank straps on certain 2005-2007MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from May 27, 2004 through April 25, 2007. Although there have been no customer complaints about the fuel tank straps on the affected vehicles, Kia has decided to do a Product Improvement campaign to replace those straps. The improved straps will increase the long term durability of these parts.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 55.8 |
| 2025 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 52.4 |
| 2024 | 66 | 3 | 0 | 59.1 |
| 2023 | 184 | 6 | 0 | 62.9 |
| 2022 | 45 | 1 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2021 | 49 | 2 | 2 | 72.8 |
| 2020 | 157 | 2 | 2 | 71.8 |
| 2019 | 69 | 2 | 2 | 66.7 |
| 2018 | 160 | 3 | 1 | 65.7 |
| 2017 | 398 | 4 | 2 | 70.8 |
| 2016 | 130 | 2 | 2 | 59.9 |
| 2015 | 146 | 2 | 2 | 59.6 |
| 2014 | 122 | 3 | 2 | 58.2 |
| 2013 | 380 | 3 | 4 | 63.8 |
| 2012 | 392 | 5 | 4 | 64.0 |
| 2011 | 181 | 6 | 4 | 62.3 |
| 2010 | 20 | 2 | 1 | 55.2 |
| 2009 | 80 | 3 | 1 | 58.3 |
| 2008 | 98 | 3 | 1 | 61.7 |
| 2007 | 77 | 2 | 0 | 53.1 |
| 2006Viewing | 111 | 1 | 0 | 42.2 |
| 2005 | 68 | 3 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2003 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2002 | 234 | 3 | 4 | 59.0 |
| 2001 | 228 | 2 | 2 | 57.2 |
| 2000 | 304 | 4 | 6 | 61.6 |
| 1999 | 284 | 5 | 8 | 62.4 |
| 1998 | 303 | 5 | 6 | 60.4 |
| 1997 | 181 | 3 | 4 | 65.0 |
| 1996 | 57 | 3 | 2 | 65.4 |
| 1995 | 56 | 2 | 1 | 49.8 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.