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2006 Kia Sportage problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Kia Sportage is airbags, typically around 74,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sportage model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
78/100
Owner complaints
111
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
31
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
19-22mpg

The worst 2006 Kia Sportage 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Kia Sportage

Airbag light 28Adaptive cruise 12Stalling 8

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported April 17, 2009 · 139,844 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Huyndai-kia is recalling 139,844 my 2006-2007- sedona, sportage, sorento and my rondo and amanti vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A stop lamp switch malfunction may also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission shifter would not be able to be shifted out of the park position. It may also cause the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed.
Risk
Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, may lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on june 17, 2009. Owners may contact kia's consumer assistance center at 1‑800‑333‑4542.

Recall number 09V130000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2006 Kia Sportage

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Kia Sportage 31

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

See all 31 bulletins for the 2006 Kia Sportage

2006 Kia Sportage fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD19-202522
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD192421
2.7L 6‑cylFWD172320
2.7L 6‑cyl4WD172119

What 2006 Kia Sportage owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 2, 2024 · Electrical · NJ

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.

Filed May 25, 2023 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jan 8, 2023 · Suspension · NJ

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).

Filed Apr 26, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · 115,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Oct 4, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ · fire

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

Filed Dec 28, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 146,367 miles · NC

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.

Filed Nov 25, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · CO

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

Filed Nov 19, 2020 · Airbags, Seat belts · 88,993 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Engine · 122,000 miles · VA

My friend and I were driving home at 55 MPH when my sportage starting speeding up on its own. Then when I tried to stopped for a red light it wanted to cut off. So when the light changed it started speeding up and slowing on it's own. This went on for about 15 miles. I have never had a car do this. It was really scary. At one point it cut out in the middle of the highway. Thank god there was noone else behind me. I did make it home and it died pulling in the drive.

Filed Dec 6, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 68,000 miles · CA

Brake lights stay on after turning off the ignition and shutting off the lights. Have to turn lights on off depress the brake pedal, turn on and off the lights and keep doing it until they go off.. Has been happening for over a year. Read online that there's a history of this but no recall.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2006 Kia Sportage before you buy

Compare the 2006 Kia Sportage

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2006 Kia Sportage

Is the 2006 Kia Sportage reliable?

Owners have filed 111 complaints about the 2006 Kia Sportage, fewer than a typical Sportage model year.

What is the 2006 Kia Sportage year score?

The 2006 Kia Sportage scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sportage: 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 Sportage?

Airbags, with 38 complaints, typically around 74,000 miles. Next is engine (23).

How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Sportage have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What year does the Kia Sportage have bad airbags?

The Kia Sportage model years with the most airbags complaints are 1997 (39 complaints), 2006 (38 complaints) and 1999 (23 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Sportage get?

Official estimates for the 2006 Kia Sportage range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 25 highway.

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