Is the 2006 Kia Sportage reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Sportage have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2006 Kia Sportage

● Typical for this model

2006 Kia Sportage
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:57:06.078Z

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: 111
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2006: 111 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	56
1996	57
1997	181
1998	303
1999	284
2000	304
2001	228
2002	234
2003	4
2005	68
2006	111
2007	77
2008	98
2009	80
2010	20
2011	181
2012	392
2013	381
2014	125
2015	146
2016	134
2017	402
2018	164
2019	71
2020	166
2021	53
2022	46
2023	195
2024	74
2025	54
2026	28

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

34% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing side/window.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I hit the side of a car I didn't see while pulling out of a car park onto the road, so I was moving slowly forward. A car had appeared from behind 2 turning cars and I hit the side of it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-19

Vehicle was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle which was traveling approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle was declared totaled due to the extensive front end damage. The airbag sensor was damaged and the airbags never deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-25

I was parked in a parking lot at a grocery store inside shopping and came out to find my vehicle was hit in the rear bumper and the other driver drove off without leaving there information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-03

Also filed under Structure

Electrical system

20% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the cooling fan failed. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the blower motor fan wiring had melted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-21

Also filed under Visibility

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked for approximately 45 minutes when it suddenly caught fire. The vehicle was towed to a shop and inspected.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-05

The fan for my car worked intermittently. I took the car to the dealership and they said it was the fan. I replaced the fan myself. While replacing the fan, I noticed that one of the connectors was melted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-02

Engine

14% · 15 reports

FIRE

Vehicle speed control

9% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

Electronic stability control (esc)

8% · 9 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · 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 →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 38 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 15 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 Sportage reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Kia Sportage is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Sportage?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Sportage 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.