MYRModel Year Report

2006 Kia Sorento

● Typical for this model
2006 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Sorento Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2006 highlighted. 2003: 305 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2005: 307 complaints 2006: 242 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2009: 55 complaints 2009 2010: 3 complaints 2011: 1516 complaints 2012: 875 complaints 2012 2013: 977 complaints 2014: 976 complaints 2015: 745 complaints 2015 2016: 1236 complaints 2017: 788 complaints 2018: 248 complaints 2018 2019: 414 complaints 2020: 128 complaints 2021: 225 complaints 2021 2022: 181 complaints 2023: 104 complaints 2024: 36 complaints 2024 2025: 67 complaints 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2006: 242 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2003305
2004220
2005307
2006242
2007154
2008215
200955
20103
20111516
2012875
2013977
2014976
2015745
20161236
2017788
2018248
2019414
2020128
2021225
2022181
2023104
202436
202567
20264

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 28%

28% of complaints: engine — 67 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20190102

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 52 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20180521

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 20%

20% of complaints: exterior lighting — 49 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
STEERING 14%

14% of complaints: steering — 33 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090617 — exterior lighting

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 S

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.

Campaign 09V130000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230620)

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2006 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (67 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (52 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (49 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09V130000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2016 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.