2006 KIA Sorento
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sorento › 2006
These records cover every 2006 KIA Sorento. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2006 KIA Sorento. Newest first.
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 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, may lead to a crash.
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.
Owner complaints
242 complaints12 involved a crash8 involved a fire14 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle would move, but shortly afterwards the vehicle would lose motive power and stall. The contact stated that after restarting the…
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle would move, but shortly afterwards the vehicle would lose motive power and stall. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle several times, the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the fuel pump sensor. The sensor had been replaced three times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When fueling I am unable to put the fuel hose in all the way and lock in place. I have to hold the fuel hose and pump very slowly. If I pump too fast the fuel will not go in tank. I was told it’s the ball in the fuel tank that is screwed up. I was also told there was a recall but I never received knowledge to that. It’s been doing this for a while. Do not have exact date but it happens every time I fuel.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle with the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger's side seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
- Exterior lighting
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) and associated the recall with the failure. The contact contacted an…
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) and associated the recall with the failure. The contact contacted an unknown dealer and was awaiting a call back. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
- Unknown or other
The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an unknown person alerted the contact that her vehicle had caught fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. Police and fire department reports…
The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an unknown person alerted the contact that her vehicle had caught fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The insurance company referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately over 100,000.
- Unknown or other
My vehicle was sitting for 4 hours and suddenly caught on fire…drivers side.
- Air bags
The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 15 - 20 mph, the steering wheel seized and the brakes failed when depressed which caused the vehicle to fall over a 25 ft. cliff and flip 3 times after hitting the ground. All of the air bags failed to deploy. The…
The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 15 - 20 mph, the steering wheel seized and the brakes failed when depressed which caused the vehicle to fall over a 25 ft. cliff and flip 3 times after hitting the ground. All of the air bags failed to deploy. The contact saw that there was smoke coming from under the hood and exited the vehicle. The contact was taken to the hospital by a family member and the vehicle was towed to a tow yard. No police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle suddenly began to violently shake and rattle before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer sterling KIA located at 125 s. City parkway, lafayette la 70503 who diagnosed that the engine crank…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle suddenly began to violently shake and rattle before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer sterling KIA located at 125 s. City parkway, lafayette la 70503 who diagnosed that the engine crank bolt and crank pulley had failed. The engine crank pulley pin and crank bolt were replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
- Suspension
Rear end rusted to were it could of called a wreck this IS unsafe and they should have KIA recall these at once there are going thousands of reports of this this just about caused my wife to wreck it IS the federal place to recall these at once
- Fuel/propulsion system
Smell of gasoline coming from vehicle around the filler neck
- Electrical system
The head light keep burning out the radio and the clock light keep flicking and draing the battery while driving
- Electrical system · Power train · Service brakes
Recently purchased 2006 KIA sorento..recall #sc077 the brake lights interoir lights are not working I replaced all bulbs and fuses..please help
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear brake light was replaced on several occasions however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake light was replaced. The manufacturer had not been notified of the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear brake light was replaced on several occasions however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake light was replaced. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered recall nhtsa campaign number: 09v130000 (exterior lighting) which she linked with her failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Engine · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While driving 40 mph, the crankshaft fractured and the power steering failed. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and had it towed to community KIA (4221 east fwy, baytown, tx 77521, 832-612-3807). The manufacturer was notified of the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While driving 40 mph, the crankshaft fractured and the power steering failed. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and had it towed to community KIA (4221 east fwy, baytown, tx 77521, 832-612-3807). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would be in communication with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 74,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension · Wheels
Hello, I purchased a car from george taylor aka micheal booker. When I brought. The car to tge mechanic he said that the axcel struts and hubs were glued togteher and it was melting I called mr booker to let him know to please give me my miney back he refused to. He said he would get it fixed if I…
Hello, I purchased a car from george taylor aka micheal booker. When I brought. The car to tge mechanic he said that the axcel struts and hubs were glued togteher and it was melting I called mr booker to let him know to please give me my miney back he refused to. He said he would get it fixed if I paid for the parts I paud for the parts and the car IS still not fixxed I took him to court and won he wont pay me IS past thirty day and im still out of a car and my money..please help me
- Suspension
The rear mount arm brackets rusted in half on both side of the rear axle.causing myself to almost wreck.i have huge records for maintenance and up keep on this vehicle that with all the money I had that I kept this vehicle well taking care of and only van be lead to a design flaw the the manufacturing
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While pulling out of the driveway at approximately 20 mph, the power steering seized and the battery and emergency brake indicators illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle back into the driveway. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While pulling out of the driveway at approximately 20 mph, the power steering seized and the battery and emergency brake indicators illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle back into the driveway. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to roadside assistance, but was unable to speak with anyone. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2006 KIA sorento. While the vehicle was off, the engine caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The cause of the failure could not be determined. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. An independent mechanic deemed the vehicle a…
TL* the contact owned a 2006 KIA sorento. While the vehicle was off, the engine caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The cause of the failure could not be determined. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. An independent mechanic deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
- Air bags
Takara recall I was IS a wreak and got hit on the driver front side of my vehicle and none of my air bags went off. I was turning on the the highway going about 15 mph and the other vehicle was going about 60 mph.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke emerging from the front of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to nissan KIA of middletown (4961 route 17M, new hampton, ny 10958) where it was diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke emerging from the front of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to nissan KIA of middletown (4961 route 17M, new hampton, ny 10958) where it was diagnosed that the fuse and electrical box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When I am filling my gas tank with gas, the gas spits back out at me. the engine IS off when I'm filling my gas tank and the car IS stationary.
- Engine · Power train
I was driving headed to get on the hi-way, heard a noise and a whine and then my car began to run bad. Shaking and like no power steering or something. As I was trying to stop and pull over there was a rattling sound. I am being told 2 things. But they all come down to a bolt that IS said to have…
I was driving headed to get on the hi-way, heard a noise and a whine and then my car began to run bad. Shaking and like no power steering or something. As I was trying to stop and pull over there was a rattling sound. I am being told 2 things. But they all come down to a bolt that IS said to have come loose and cause damage to the camshaft and harmonic balancer. Which I have seen several complaints about and your company IS not owning this issue or assisting to have the issue repaired or recalled and research shows you are well aware of the issue, as there was a class action suit that you settled on in 2017. However, I did not purchase my car or have issues with the bolt until after then. What are the options for ppl who are now experiencing this? I have checked with the previous owner and the vehicle was not repaired for this problem and they have no record of being a part of the suit. I would appreciate someone contacting me concerning this and options for repair or replacement immediately. Thank you. I could have died has I already gotten on the hi-way or been going much faster. Only by the grace of god did that not happen. I pray that your company IS ready to take ownership and offer assistance to those who bought and continue to use your products.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While driving 40 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the brake, check engine, and battery warning indicators illuminated. Also, the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA sorento. While driving 40 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the brake, check engine, and battery warning indicators illuminated. Also, the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank shaft pulley bolts fractured, which caused the pulley and the serpentine belts to separate from the engine. The mechanic was unable to repair the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to arapahoe KIA (9701 e arapahoe rd, centennial, co 80112, (888) 236-7975). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000. *Tt *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Head lights blow out every couple months and the brake lights to and it happens at all time driving day and night when driving and parked
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
Parked the car one night, next morning only clicks, clicking coming from fuse box too. new battery, battery and brake light are on, car dies after sputtering. this IS a new $5,000 engine with only 20,000 miles due to a crankshaft pulley break ruining the original one. now, it won't crank, obdii…
Parked the car one night, next morning only clicks, clicking coming from fuse box too. new battery, battery and brake light are on, car dies after sputtering. this IS a new $5,000 engine with only 20,000 miles due to a crankshaft pulley break ruining the original one. now, it won't crank, obdii returns codes p0763 and p0101 which are shift solenoid and mass air flow electrical. the cooling fan relaly IS burned as well as the fuse box circuit board it goes into. have a mechanic coming to check it but not too optimistic given the car's history. luckily, I only drove 3 miles to my other home when the second time for quitting occurred where it IS still, now I'm out of a car and lots of obligations to fulfill and walking.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10090606Pitstop: unusual fuel trim values and/or misfire codes after incorrect engine repair - this outlines the procedure to follow if after an engine repair you encounter a complaint relating to mil on (dtc p)#)x) with a misfire during acceleration and/or you find unusual fuel trim values outside the normal parameters.
- 10060226Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10037693KIA: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes. This IS caused by a problem within the transfer motor.
- 10037420KIA: fuel tank air filter reminder. The air filter can accumulate dirt over time and needs to be maintained.
- 10034246KIA: intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc p1330. Provides information relating to certain vehicles. In affected vehicles an intermittent short to ground in a circuit only intended for testing purposes may cause the mil to illuminate and a dtc p1330 (spark timing adjust) to be stored.
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10028268KIA: head light bulb life concern. There may be concerns of short headlamp bulb life in vehicles. A new resistive wire harness has been introduced to extend the life of the low beam bulbs.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
- 10021446Throttle position sensor w/ 3.5L engines.
- 10020679Transmission shift hesitation.
- 10019926Crankshaft bolt torque.
- 10019917Possible abnormal vibration/noise when shifting from park to drive or reverse due to insufficient torque at the rear driveshaft retaining bolts at the transfer case.
- 10016851Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Every KIA Sorento model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.