2006 Kia Optima
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 107 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 166 |
| 2008 | 143 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 589 |
| 2012 | 916 |
| 2013 | 1371 |
| 2014 | 576 |
| 2015 | 998 |
| 2016 | 747 |
| 2017 | 252 |
| 2018 | 227 |
| 2019 | 200 |
| 2020 | 136 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: air bags — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS RESET BUT FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100817
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. ON AUGUST 3, 2008, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE CRASH. HER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080805
15% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 24 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN SHE FIRST NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA. SHORTLY AFTERWARD SPARKS BEGAN TO SHOOT OUT AND THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120815
6% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 10 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Transmission Shift Cable Detachment
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORREC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 11V153000 — check if this car was fixed
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHI
Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSIST
Campaign 12V014000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V153000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V014000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Kia Optima is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Optima have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.