MotorDeets

2006 Kia Sportage: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Kia Sportage: 1 recall, 111 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
111owner complaints
8mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2006 Kia Sportage
Photo: Brady Holt · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #09V130000 · 2009 · 139,844 vehicles

What's wrong: The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles May malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch May cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or May cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A stop lamp switch malfunction May also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission shifter would not be able…

Why it matters: Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, May lead to a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2009.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags38
Electrical22
Engine15
Speed control / throttle10
Stability control9
Engine & cooling8
Visibility (wipers, glass)7
Body & structure6

What owners describe

The 2006 Kia Sportage has 111 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 31 Sportage model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 152). Complaints peaked in 2013 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 72,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (68 complaints, 3 recalls), 2007 (77 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192522Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive202522Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive192421Regular
2.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172320Regular
2.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive172119Regular

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 Sportage.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2006 Kia Sportage manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2006 Kia Sportage manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2006 Kia Sportage manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2006 Kia Sportage manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2006 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 Kia Sportage. 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 Sportage problems?

Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (38), electrical (22), engine (15).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Sportage get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 Kia Sportage 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.

Other Sportage years

1995199619971998199920002001200220032005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026