2006 Kia Spectra recalls and problems

The 2006 Kia Spectra has 1 safety recall and 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

100

Crashes / fires

28 / 3

Injuries / deaths

32 / 0

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

2006 Kia Spectra recalls

Recall 11V-256: Fuel System, Other

Reported Apr 25, 2011 · 58,322 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2006 Kia Spectra problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	49
Structure	10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	7
Power Train	7
Fuel System, Gasoline	7
Fuel/Propulsion System	7
Electrical System	6
Engine	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Unknown or Other	4
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Steering	3

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 5
Structure › Body — 5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 4
Air Bags › Frontal — 4
Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 1
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 67,000 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 Spectra complaints

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

Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 67,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2022

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 passengerâs side door and the front driverâs and passengerâs 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.

Electrical System · reported Aug 1, 2022

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…

Service Brakes · at 116,000 miles · reported Jul 12, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

Engine · at 193,000 miles · reported Nov 6, 2020

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 96,000 miles · reported Oct 16, 2020

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…

Other Kia Spectra years

2009 2008 200720062005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Kia Spectra years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Kia Spectra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia Spectra: 11V-256 (fuel system, other). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report air bags problems most often (49 reports), followed by structure (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 67,000 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.