MYRModel Year Report

2006 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2006 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:02:17.657Z

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 Spectra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2006 highlighted. 2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009
2006: 100 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200023
200140
200292
200390
200471
2005103
2006100
2007152
2008120
2009114

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 38%

38% of complaints: air bags — 38 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE LEFT LANE; HOWEVER, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS IN THE LANE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20191212

I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 40 E APPROACHING EXIT 153 IN HEAVY RAINFALL. APPROXIMATELY 0.25 MILES FROM THE EXIT THE TRUCK ALREADY ON THE EXIT AHEAD OF ME BEGAN APPLYING ITS BRAKES. PRE-BRAKING MEASURES WERE TAKEN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120907

ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE 25TH DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR 2006, MY WIFE AND MYSELF WERE DRIVING DOWN I-5 SB TO MAMC FOR HER HOSPITAL APPT. WE WERE THEN INVOLVED IN A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT OFF NEXT TO THE OFF RAMP OF EXIT 123.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060531

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER A MINOR ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR WENT IN THE DITCH OFF THE ROAD THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BECAME RAPIDLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MINOR ACCIDENT TURNED INTO A NEAR FATALITY BECAUSE OF AN AGGRESSIVE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20201016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT CALLED A FAMILY MEMBER WHO RECOMMENDED THE FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180126

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 6%

6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 5%

5% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20110606 — fuel system, other

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 SPECTRA LD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 6, 2007, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOI

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND ATTACHING HARDWARE WITH NEW ZINC COATED PARTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTA

Campaign 11V256000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2006 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (38 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 11V256000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2004 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2008 ● 2009

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2006 Kia Spectra reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Spectra 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.