CarRecallWatchThe 2006 Kia Optima has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (46 reports).
2006 Kia Optima recalls
Most common 2006 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 155 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 46 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 27 |
| Electrical System | 23 |
| Exterior Lighting | 16 |
| Power Train | 14 |
| Visibility | 12 |
| Structure | 12 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
What owners report
The front subframe is dangerously rusted. The same way the other optima were recalled for.
I HAVE A 2006.5 KIA OPTIMA. I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH STICKING AS OTHER KIAS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL. MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. AM I OUT OF LUCK ON THIS ONE?
HOOD RELEASED WHILE IN MOTION, FOLDED BACK OVER WINDSHIELD AND ROOF TOP TOTALLY BLINDING DRIVER WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, TRAVELING SOUTH ON NC HWY 16 AT A RATE OF 50 MPH, TWO LANE ROAD. HOOD RELEASED AND FLEW UP, NO KNOWN CAUSE OR EFFECT. HOOD RELEASE AND/OR SAFETY LATCH OBVIOUSLY RELEASED WITHOUT CAUSE OR WARNING.
CAR WILL NOT ALWAYS START. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT 24 HOURS AND PICK UP THE CAR WHEREVER I HAD TO LEAVE IT CAUSE IT WOULDN'T START. WHEN TRYING TO START THERE'S A CLICKING SOUND AND ALL PANEL LIGHT START TO FLASH. REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY, STILL NOT FIXED. SEEN A LOT OF REVIEWS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE EXACT SOME PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REVERSE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE SHIFTER WAS IN PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD SHIFT OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED KIA OF LYNCHBURG (3400 OLD FOREST RD, LYNCHBURG, VA 24501, (434) 847-3292) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
2006 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2006 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2006 Kia Optima: Air Bags:Frontal; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Optima?
Based on 155 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (46), Latches/Locks/Linkages (27), Electrical System (23).
How do I check if a recall on my 2006 Kia Optima has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.