Check a VIN

2006 Kia Optima transmission problems

14 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 64,200.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
64,200
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    2
  • Manual transmission
    1
  • Clutch assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Optima transmission problems in other years

20012005201020152020

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported March 9, 2011 · 70,115 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through june 13, 2007. There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the park (p) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.
Risk
If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 23, 2011. Owner may contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.

Recall number 11V153000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Transmission Shift Cable DetachmentOpened November 22, 2010, closed April 5, 2011

During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift lever can be moved into the Park (P) position while the vehicle transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.If this were to occur, and if the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle may inadvertently roll away thus creating the risk of a crash.Kia is conducting a safety recall (11V‑153) to correct the subject problem in approximately 70,115 model year (MY) 2006 through 2008 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 9/29/2005 to 6/13/2007.Kia has stated that the early MY 2006 Optima vehicles built before 9/29/2005 had different automatic transmission shift cables and shift levers than the subsequent MY 2006 through early MY 2008 Optima vehicles built up to 6/13/2007.Beginning 6/14/2007, Kia changed the assembly process for the shift cables to ensure correct installation.As for the recall remedy, Kia dealers will inspect the shift cables for correct installation, and re-install them, if necessary.For more details on the recall, see the federal safety agency recall 11V‑153.This investigation is closed.

PE10046

What 2006 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Transmission · 171,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia optima. While reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle failed to reverse and the instrument panel indicated that the shifter was in park. The contact stated that the gear shifter would shift out of park into reverse. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called kia of lynchburg (3400 old forest rd, lynchburg, va 24501, (434) 847-3292) and was informed that the transmission could be the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · FL

2006 kia optima. Consumer writes in regards to clutch and engine light turn on and off. *ld

Filed Mar 10, 2016 · Transmission · AZ

Sc088:11v‑153,I can't put my car in part nor can I go in reverse. My key is stuck in the ignition. I see it was a recall on this matter for the kia optima. Took my car to the kia dealership,the told me my VIN# wasn't on the list. It's a 2006 kia optima. Am trying to get this realize.are there certain VIN#under the recall for this if not where I need to take my car to have it fix. I was stationary when the problem occurred I couldn't back up nor put it in part again it want allow me too do so.

Filed Aug 1, 2014 · Transmission · 132,000 miles · WI

I purchased a 2006 kia optima 1 month ago. Used car dealer did not disclose any past recalls or mechanical or electrical defects. Yesterday, when I was about to leave home I noticed the steering wheel seemed locked in place, transmission was in p. - a little jiggling on the steering allowed the ignition to fire and I could move to r. Today.as I tried to leave home, the car started without problem. When I shifted to r to back out of drive, the car did not move.after further attempts it was clear that no matter what gear I was able to shift the gear into only the neutral was engaged. I called my used car dealer who said to call kia who said ! That''s what you get when you buy a used car! How rude! The agent named [xxx] said the recall had been closed and was not able to determine if this car (via VIN) had or had not been inspected or fixed and, besides! The recall period ended in 2011 (end of service campaign offer. According to us dot and the federal safety agency recurring defects within 10 years from the date of purchase by the original owner, this recall defect should be fixed at no cost to me even if I am the second owner. Since only 8 years have passed I expect the recall defect with the cable and shift assembly which prevents the transmission from shifting gear. So far I've been told (in effect. Too bad) take it to kia dealer for analysis and cost and pay for it my self. Please advise. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 31, 2014 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia optima. The contact stated that the federal safety agency campaign number 11v153000 power train recall repair was performed; however, the failure was not corrected. The contact was unable to shift gears or place the gear shift into park. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 58,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · 80,000 miles · TX

Keyless entry on driverside only locked me in and out of the car. Lock will only open 1/2 of the way. Airbag light came on and will not go off. I can not get an inspection. They say the system is unstable. Transmission has slipped a couple of times.

Filed Jul 16, 2013 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia optima. The contact stated that she shifted from reverse to drive when the vehicle began to roll away. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop and she had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the shifter cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2013 · Airbags, Transmission · MD

Called both service dealerships and main kia offices about recalls to my car concerning airbags and transmission linkage. No help given on recalls to vehicle. Denied such a recall existed and my car wasn't covered under recall. I'm located in frederick md. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 13, 2012 · Fuel system, Transmission · 58,000 miles · CT

My vehicle keeps accelerating and slowing down randomly between gears. Can accelerate on. Its own and slow down when more pressure is applied to gas pedal. The check engine light was not on for a month and now it has appeared. This can cause a serious accident.if a less capable person was driving. Many other kia owners of this.model report. The accelerator pedal position sensor has been the issue for countless owners of this model and have been replaced by the dealer. I have had a diagnostic test done and. It showed the same codes pointing to the accelerator.... My dealer stated that it is not covered under warranty. It is an $800 part plus labor. I think that if this problem persists in many of these models and the problem can cause injury or death, then it should. Be a recalled item. Thank you

Filed Oct 13, 2011 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · GA

The vehicle is an optima 2006.5 model year. When slowing (braking) and then resuming (accelerating) in stop and go traffic, the car frequently goes into a 'neutral' state where it doesn't go forward on acceleration. When the gas pedal is pressed the engine revs up, but the transmission doesn't engage to drive forward. Once the car coasts down to a speed of about 30 MPH or less then the transmission will re-engage - at least so far that has been the case. As this is happening I have to keep depressing the gas pedal to know when the drive gear engages. I have been unable to determine exactly what steps need to happen to replicate the problem, although it does occur frequently now. The current mileage is ~55,000 miles. The situation is very frightening and extremely dangerous when in heavy traffic. It's terrifying to be coasting down to a low speed waiting on the transmission to re-engage when vehicles are quickly approaching from the rear. If the transmission doesn't re-engage, the result is likely to be deadly for all passengers in the car. The vehicle has been returned to the dealer for this problem several times and they are unable to replicate it.

Questions about the 2006 Kia Optima transmission

Does the 2006 Kia Optima have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the transmission of the 2006 Kia Optima, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2006 Kia Optima transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 64,200 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Kia Optima transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 11V153000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Optima have bad transmission?

The Kia Optima model years with the most transmission complaints are 2016 (74 complaints), 2013 (64 complaints) and 2012 (54 complaints).

Other 2006 Kia Optima problems

Airbags 46Locks 27Electrical 23Engine 16Lights 16Visibility 13Body 12Fuel system 9Acceleration 7Suspension 6Tires 5Seats 4Steering 2Seat belts 1Wheels 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2006 Kia Optima?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history