2006 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Kia Optima: 2 recalls, 155 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #11V153000 · 2011 · 70,115 vehicles
What's wrong: There is a possibility that the shift cable May have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the park (p) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.
Why it matters: If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on March 23, 2011. Owner May contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Airbags Vehicle recall #12V014000 · 2012 · 145,755 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia motors america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Kia optima vehicles manufactured from September 29, 2005, through January 29, 2008, and model year 2007 and 2008 Kia rondo vehicles manufactured from September 13, 2006, through March 21, 2008. The clock spring contact assembly for the driver's side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) May become damaged through usage over time. If the…
Why it matters: If the clock spring develops high resistance, in the event of a crash, the drivers air bag will not deploy and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vehicle's air bag clock spring contact assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 11, 2012.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (46): the most common themes are warning light on (26), fails to deploy (3).
- Latches & locks (27): the most common themes are door / lock issues (27).
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), door / lock issues (7), warning light on (3).
- Exterior lights (16): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), warning light on (2).
The 2006 Kia Optima has 155 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (well below the 376 average). Complaints peaked in 2011 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 61,893 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (144 complaints, 0 recalls), 2007 (167 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Kia Optima.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (46), latches & locks (27), electrical (23).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.