Is the 2006 Kia Sorento reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Sorento?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Sorento have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2006 Kia Sorento

● Typical for this model

2006 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 242
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2006: 242 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	305
2004	220
2005	307
2006	242
2007	154
2008	217
2009	55
2010	3
2011	1,518
2012	878
2013	981
2014	986
2015	750
2016	1,254
2017	802
2018	254
2019	426
2020	134
2021	251
2022	186
2023	122
2024	41
2025	75
2026	7

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

28% · 67 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. While the vehicle was off, the engine caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The cause of the failure could not be determined.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-02

Exterior lighting

23% · 56 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and switch.

FIRE

Electrical system

22% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing wiring.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke emerging from the front of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-21

Power train

14% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing clutch assembly and floor shift assembly.

Steering

14% · 33 reports

CRASH

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2009-06-17Exterior lighting09V130000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 67 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 56 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 53 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V130000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Kia Sorento reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Sorento?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Sorento have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.