2006 Kia Sorento
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 |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1517 |
| 2012 | 876 |
| 2013 | 980 |
| 2014 | 983 |
| 2015 | 747 |
| 2016 | 1245 |
| 2017 | 799 |
| 2018 | 251 |
| 2019 | 421 |
| 2020 | 132 |
| 2021 | 241 |
| 2022 | 185 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 72 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: engine — 67 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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
23% of complaints: exterior lighting — 56 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and switch.
FIRE22% of complaints: electrical system — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring.
CRASH FIREShow 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
14% of complaints: power train — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutch assembly and floor shift assembly.
14% of complaints: steering — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 exterior lighting issues (56 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V130000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.