2006 Kia Spectra
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
- 100
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
49% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 100 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 23 |
| 2001 | 40 |
| 2002 | 92 |
| 2003 | 90 |
| 2004 | 71 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 100 |
| 2007 | 152 |
| 2008 | 120 |
| 2009 | 114 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
49% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
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, 2019-12-12
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, 2012-09-07
Also filed under Service brakes and seat belts
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, 2006-05-31
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Structure
10% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Service brakes
10% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel/propulsion system
7% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2020-10-16
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, 2018-01-26
Fuel system, gasoline
7% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2011-06-06Fuel system, other11V256000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 49 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V256000 · Fuel system, other
Other years of this model
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 49% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Spectra have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.