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2006 Kia Spectra problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Kia Spectra is airbags, typically around 59,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Spectra model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
72/100
Owner complaints
100
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
19
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
25mpg
Typical repair
$1,600

The worst 2006 Kia Spectra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    46
  • Fuel system
    15
  • Brakes
    10
  • Body
    9
  • Engine
    8
  • Transmission
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Locks
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Kia Spectra

Airbag light 22No deployment 17Check engine light 6Stalling 6

Trouble codes owners of the 2006 Kia Spectra mention

B1448 3

Recalls 1

Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported April 25, 2011 · 58,322 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 spectra ld vehicles manufactured from november 7, 2003, through march 6, 2007, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. There is a possibility that corrosion of the fuel tank straps which hold the tank may occur as a result of prolonged exposure to road salt. As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may separate allowing the fuel tank to contact the ground and possibly disrupt the integrity of the tank.
Risk
The fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground which could cause a fuel leak. Leaking fuel can create a fire hazard.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on june 6, 2011. Owners may contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.

Recall number 11V256000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2006 Kia Spectra

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Kia Spectra 19

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 19 bulletins for the 2006 Kia Spectra

2006 Kia Spectra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD2230-3125

What 2006 Kia Spectra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 29, 2023 · Engine · TX

My car just stop on me. I think my engine is not working 😕 had to called a tow truck to take me home and car.

Filed Oct 26, 2022 · Locks · 67,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that three of her interior door handles had become defective and the doors could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door and the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles were defective. The contact called the local dealer and scheduled an appointment to have the door handles repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2022 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

While driving at freeway speeds vehicle suddenly slams down a gear or two causing moderate whiplash,and scaring the living crap out of myself and any passengers, upon having vehicle inspected by an ase certified repair technician he confirmed my complaint and stated that car seemed to be going into either second or third gear causing the vehicle to jerk and slow rapidly accompanied by loud bang or clunk noise and making me loose control of vehicle problem only occurs once vehicle is warmed up and at operating temperature, had transmission and electrical components inspected by professional transmission repair (atra) certified repair facility the owner of this shop told me specifically that he has seen this same problem with numerous kia spectra models ranging from about 2003 through 2009 yr models , kia denies that the vehicle has a problem that is manufacturer error related and stated and I quote that the vehicle possibly has a transmission control module failing however the kia technician who drove the vehicle refused to be identified by name for fear of repercussions at his place of employment from his supervisors, please note this is not an isolated incident as it occurs almost every time the car is driven .

Filed Jul 12, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 116,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V256000 (Fuel System, Other). The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the recall and failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Nov 6, 2020 · Engine, Locks · 193,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia spectra. The contact stated that the door handles were inoperable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who stated that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The door handles were replaced however, the engine was not repaired nor replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000. *ln

Filed Oct 16, 2020 · Fuel system · 96,000 miles · MO · crash · fire · 1 injury

After a minor accident where the car went in the ditch off the road the car caught fire and became rapidly engulfed in flames. What should have been a minor accident turned into a near fatality because of an aggressive fire. The driver had a medical emergency when pulling out of the driveway. The car crossed the road and entered the ditch directly across the driveway entrance. This should have been a walk away accident with minor or no damage to the car, but it burst into flames. The driver was able to get out of the car before burning to death and thankfully there were no other passengers. We had the car only a few weeks and do not have any knowledge of recalls being repaired.

Filed Dec 12, 2019 · Airbags · 162,307 miles · VA · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia spectra. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the driver attempted to move the vehicle into the left lane; however, another vehicle was in the lane. The driver quickly steered the vehicle back into the right lane; however, the vehicle spun out of control and turned over on the driver's side. The driver's and front passenger air bags failed to deploy. The driver and front passenger sustained bruises and cuts. The passenger also injured the left hand, which required stitches and medical attention. Police report number: 191201035 was filed. The vehicle was towed and not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 162,307.

Filed Jul 6, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 19,600 miles · VA

The transmission keeps stalling and jolting the car, we cannot run the air conditioner and it only runs when in 3rd gear. There is definitely something wrong with the car and we don't even feel safe putting our children in the car, because it's not safe, and we cannot run the air conditioner without it stalling or jolting and not accelerating properly. We had the timing belt replaced in september 2018, we've had multiple oil changes and kept up with maintenance. However the problems have only gotten worse, our check engine light has been on since 02/2019 at least and we've put steering fluid in, but the problems keep getting worse. We can't run the air conditioner, our fuses keep blowing and I would like our car checked out and fixed.

Filed Mar 22, 2019 · Body · 110,000 miles · DE

Within 2 months of each other, both (left and right) rear door handles broke upon attempting to open the door using normal force. The door handles came off the car and the rear doors can not be opened from the outside

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Fuel system · 215,000 miles · MD

I was driving to work and began to hear a scraping noise. When I got to work I looked under my car and noticed that one of the fuel tank straps had rusted through and snapped. I looked online to order a new one and found a website saying that there was a recall for this exact issue.

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Questions about the 2006 Kia Spectra

Is the 2006 Kia Spectra reliable?

Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 2006 Kia Spectra, close to a typical Spectra model year.

What is the 2006 Kia Spectra year score?

The 2006 Kia Spectra scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Spectra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Kia Spectra?

Airbags, with 46 complaints, typically around 59,000 miles. Next is fuel system (15).

How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Spectra have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, other.

What year does the Kia Spectra have bad airbags?

The Kia Spectra model years with the most airbags complaints are 2009 (76 complaints), 2008 (61 complaints) and 2007 (56 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Spectra get?

Official estimates for the 2006 Kia Spectra range from 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22 city and 30-31 highway.

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