2006 Kia Sportage
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 394 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 46 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 182 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: air bags — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20201119
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20150425
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, 20121103
18% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20181221
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, 20240502
14% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIRE8% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 9 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (15 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 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 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Sportage 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.