2006 Kia Optima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2006 Kia Optima has a complaint index of 0 and ranks 16th of 16 model years, the lowest complaint level in the lineup. Its verdict is capped at Good rather than Best because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete. Two recalls cover airbags and transmission shift cables.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #16 of 16 Optima years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 155
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2006 Kia Optima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags46 (30%)
- Structure & Body37 (24%)
- Electrical System33 (21%)
- Engine21 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers13 (8%)
- Other12 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (6%)
- Fuel System9 (6%)
- Steering2 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during crashes, sometimes after the airbag warning light had already illuminated on prior dealer visits.
- Electrical wiring issues led to smoke and, in one case, a fire under the hood.
- A wiring problem was linked to a car moving out of control in reverse, with hot wires forcing the driver to wait for firefighters.
- Headlights were reported to be aimed too low to illuminate the road at night, and a dark band blocked part of the windshield view.
- Front tires showed severe vibration, roaring noise, and tread separation at low mileage.
- Some owners reported the engine running rough and stalling shortly after starting or while driving.
2006 Kia Optima recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V014000Jan 17, 2012Airbags145,755 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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 clock spring contact assembly becomes damaged, the driver's air bag electrical circuit will experience a high resistance condition potentially causing the driver's air bag to not deploy.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact kia customer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
- NHTSA 11V153000Mar 9, 2011Transmission & Powertrain70,115 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through june 13, 2007. 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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
2006 Kia Optima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Kia Optima reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2006 Optima has a complaint index of 0, the lowest of all 16 model years covered, and ranks 16th out of 16, meaning it has the fewest reported problems relative to other Optima years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2006 Kia Optima?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 46 of 155 complaints, or 30 percent, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 Kia Optima have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for an airbag clock spring contact assembly (campaign 12V014000) and one for a shift cable that may be installed incorrectly (campaign 11V153000), covering model years 2006-2008.
- Why is the 2006 Optima capped at a Good verdict instead of Best?
- NHTSA lists this year with a verdict cap because complaint records for model years 2005-2009 are considered less complete, so it cannot receive a Best rating despite its low complaint index.