2006 Kia Sorento recalls and problems

The 2006 Kia Sorento has 1 safety recall and 242 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
242
Crashes / fires
12 / 8
Injuries / deaths
14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Kia Sorento vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Kia Sorento recalls

Recall 09V-130: Exterior Lighting

Reported Apr 17, 2009 · 139,844 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2006 Kia Sorento problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine67
Exterior Lighting56
Electrical System53
Power Train35
Steering33
Engine and Engine Cooling20
Air Bags19
Service Brakes16
Suspension10
Unknown or Other9
Vehicle Speed Control8
Fuel/Propulsion System8

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 3
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 2
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Kia Sorento complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 122,000 miles · reported Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle would move, but shortly afterwards the vehicle would lose motive power and stall. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle several times, the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the fuel pump sensor. The sensor had been replaced three times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 20, 2022
When fueling I am unable to put the fuel hose in all the way and lock in place. I have to hold the fuel hose and pump very slowly. If I pump too fast the fuel will not go in tank. I was told it’s the ball in the fuel tank that is screwed up. I was also told there was a recall but I never received knowledge to that. It’s been doing this for a while. Do not have exact date but it happens every time I fuel.
Air Bags · at 98,000 miles · reported Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle with the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger's side seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Exterior Lighting · at 118,000 miles · reported Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) and associated the recall with the failure. The contact contacted an unknown dealer and was awaiting a call back. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Unknown or Other · at 100,000 miles · reported Feb 9, 2022
The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an unknown person alerted the contact that her vehicle had caught fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The insurance company referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately over…

Other Kia Sorento years

Compare all Kia Sorento years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia Sorento: 09V-130 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine problems most often (67 reports), followed by exterior lighting (56). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.