2006 Kia Sportage recalls and problems

The 2006 Kia Sportage has 1 safety recall and 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

111

Crashes / fires

8 / 5

Injuries / deaths

6 / 0

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

2006 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	38
Electrical System	22
Engine	15
Vehicle Speed Control	10
Engine and Engine Cooling	9
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	9
Visibility	7
Structure	6
Power Train	6
Exterior Lighting	6
Suspension	5
Service Brakes	5

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 4
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 2
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 2
Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 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 Sportage complaints

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

Electrical System · reported May 2, 2024

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 65,000 miles · reported May 25, 2023

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 NHTSA 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.

Electrical System · at 115,000 miles · reported Apr 26, 2022

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.

Engine · reported Oct 4, 2021

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…

Air Bags · at 146,367 miles · reported Dec 28, 2020

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.

Other Kia Sportage years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 200720062005 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Kia Sportage years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia Sportage: 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 Sportage?

Owners report air bags problems most often (38 reports), followed by electrical system (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 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.