2006 KIA Spectra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Spectra › 2006
These records cover every 2006 KIA Spectra. 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 Spectra. Newest first.
KIA IS recalling certain model year 2004-2007 spectra ld vehicles manufactured from november 7, 2003, through march 6, 2007, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground which could cause a fuel leak. leaking fuel can create a fire hazard.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on june 6, 2011. owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
100 complaints28 involved a crash3 involved a fire32 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
My car just stop on me. I think my engine is not working 😕 had to called a tow truck to take me home and car.
- Latches/locks/linkages
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that three of her interior door handles had become defective and the doors could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door and the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles were…
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that three of her interior door handles had become defective and the doors could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door and the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles were defective. The contact called the local dealer and scheduled an appointment to have the door handles repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
- Electrical system · Power train
While driving at freeway speeds vehicle suddenly slams down a gear or two causing moderate whiplash,and scaring the living crap out of myself and any passengers, upon having vehicle inspected by an ase certified repair technician he confirmed my complaint and stated that car seemed to be going…
While driving at freeway speeds vehicle suddenly slams down a gear or two causing moderate whiplash,and scaring the living crap out of myself and any passengers, upon having vehicle inspected by an ase certified repair technician he confirmed my complaint and stated that car seemed to be going into either second or third gear causing the vehicle to jerk and slow rapidly accompanied by loud bang or clunk noise and making me loose control of vehicle problem only occurs once vehicle is warmed up and at operating temperature, had transmission and electrical components inspected by professional transmission repair (atra) certified repair facility the owner of this shop told me specifically that he has seen this same problem with numerous kia spectra models ranging from about 2003 through 2009 yr models , kia denies that the vehicle has a problem that is manufacturer error related and stated and I quote that the vehicle possibly has a transmission control module failing however the kia technician who drove the vehicle refused to be identified by name for fear of repercussions at his place of employment from his supervisors, please note this is not an isolated incident as it occurs almost every time the car is driven .
- Engine · Service brakes
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V256000 (Fuel System, Other). The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The…
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V256000 (Fuel System, Other). The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the recall and failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.
- Engine · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the door handles were inoperable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the door handles were inoperable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who stated that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The door handles were replaced however, the engine was not repaired nor replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000. *Ln*jb
- Fuel/propulsion system
After a minor accident where the car went in the ditch off the road the car caught fire and became rapidly engulfed in flames. What should have been a minor accident turned into a near fatality because of an aggressive fire. The driver had a medical emergency when pulling out of the driveway. The…
After a minor accident where the car went in the ditch off the road the car caught fire and became rapidly engulfed in flames. What should have been a minor accident turned into a near fatality because of an aggressive fire. The driver had a medical emergency when pulling out of the driveway. The car crossed the road and entered the ditch directly across the driveway entrance. This should have been a walk away accident with minor or no damage to the car, but it burst into flames. The driver was able to get out of the car before burning to death and thankfully there were no other passengers. We had the car only a few weeks and do not have any knowledge of recalls being repaired.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. While driving approximately 45 mph, the driver attempted to move the vehicle into the left lane; however, another vehicle was in the lane. The driver quickly steered the vehicle back into the right lane; however, the vehicle spun out of control and turned…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. While driving approximately 45 mph, the driver attempted to move the vehicle into the left lane; however, another vehicle was in the lane. The driver quickly steered the vehicle back into the right lane; however, the vehicle spun out of control and turned over on the driver's side. The driver's and front passenger air bags failed to deploy. The driver and front passenger sustained bruises and cuts. The passenger also injured the left hand, which required stitches and medical attention. Police report number: 191201035 was filed. The vehicle was towed and not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 162,307.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The transmission keeps stalling and jolting the car, we cannot run the air conditioner and it only runs when in 3RD gear. There IS definitely something wrong with the car and we don't even feel safe putting our children in the car, because it's not safe, and we cannot run the air conditioner…
The transmission keeps stalling and jolting the car, we cannot run the air conditioner and it only runs when in 3RD gear. There IS definitely something wrong with the car and we don't even feel safe putting our children in the car, because it's not safe, and we cannot run the air conditioner without it stalling or jolting and not accelerating properly. We had the timing belt replaced in september 2018, we've had multiple oil changes and kept up with maintenance. However the problems have only gotten worse, our check engine light has been on since 02/2019 at least and we've put steering fluid in, but the problems keep getting worse. We can't run the air conditioner, our fuses keep blowing and I would like our car checked out and fixed.
- Structure › Body
Within 2 months of each other, both (left and right) rear door handles broke upon attempting to open the door using normal force. the door handles came off the car and the rear doors can not be opened from the outside
- Fuel/propulsion system
I was driving to work and began to hear a scraping noise. when I got to work I looked under my car and noticed that one of the fuel tank straps had rusted through and snapped. I looked online to order a new one and found a website saying that there was a recall for this exact issue.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Takata recall, the gas tank on my 2006 spectra IS leaking fuel, the car IS stationary.
- Air bags
The air bag light came on in my daughters 2006 KIA spectra at 112,000 miles. We are the second owner and have only had the car for 5 months at the time this occurred. . I paid $163.96 to diagnose the problem at the KIA dealership. . I was told the error code was b1448 ocs mat defective. I was…
The air bag light came on in my daughters 2006 KIA spectra at 112,000 miles. We are the second owner and have only had the car for 5 months at the time this occurred. . I paid $163.96 to diagnose the problem at the KIA dealership. . I was told the error code was b1448 ocs mat defective. I was told the bottom portion of the front passenger seat needed to be replaced due to the faulty sensor at a cost of more than $1600. this IS the same defect for which the 06-08 KIA rios were recalled - nhtsa campaign no. 12V244000. this recall should be extended to include the similar model year KIA spectras as there are numerous complaints found. I wrote 7 letters to KIA corporate, I specifically wrote to their directors and those in higher management positions listed on their website. no one cared to respond back. the 1-800 number listed for consumer affairs closed my case and said that after the 5 years 60,000 miles the warranty IS over and void and safety issues such as an air bag that doesn't deploy falls on the customer and IS customer responsibility. my 17-year-old daughter drivers this car. we are the second owner and have had it for 5 months. I've been actively working to get this safety concern acknowledged by KIA for a month and a half. Customer safety isn't a concern for them after the warranty IS up. This IS frightening. . They offered me $150 to go towards the cost of repairs. Huge disappointment in both the car and the company. KIA needs to make right on their vehicles. a lifesaving feature such as an airbag should not have an expiration date. this IS not a matter of consumer maintenance.
- Electrical system · Power train
Problem IS the check engine light came on/off and on again. fault codes were p0700 and p0748 as done at autozone. Some type of fault with the transaxle (p0700) or failed transaxle control module/failed linear solenoid valve/open or short cicuit condition in the linear solenoid control. while…
Problem IS the check engine light came on/off and on again. fault codes were p0700 and p0748 as done at autozone. Some type of fault with the transaxle (p0700) or failed transaxle control module/failed linear solenoid valve/open or short cicuit condition in the linear solenoid control. while driving the car shutters hard car shifts fine when engine IS cold. When engine warms up (after driving about 10 miles) while cruising in 4TH gear, a lurch IS felt from the drive train and the trans down shifts to 3RD gear. Shifting to neutral and back to drive doesn't help. The trans stays in 3RD gear. Shutting the car off and let it cool down and it IS back to working normal again. Thinking about replacing the shift control module. fix link.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urut3t8uucw http://www.kia-forums.com/cerato-2003-2008-spectra5-2004/72381-2006-spectra-p0750-p0765-p0755-p0760-2.html this needs to be recalled on all KIA spectras please advise
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. While driving approximately 35 mph over a pothole, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. The contact called a family member who recommended the fuel shut off valve and the vehicle started again. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. While driving approximately 35 mph over a pothole, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. The contact called a family member who recommended the fuel shut off valve and the vehicle started again. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. While driving 35 mph, the contact's vehicle was struck on the passenger side door area and passenger side front end. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a laceration to the head, a bruised left shoulder, bruised…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. While driving 35 mph, the contact's vehicle was struck on the passenger side door area and passenger side front end. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a laceration to the head, a bruised left shoulder, bruised ribs, and bleeding from the breast, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA spectra. Every time the vehicle was started, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the passenger side ocs mat was defective and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,144.
- Unknown or other
Defective locking system on driver side door. Had it replaced/repaired in nov of 2014 and again nov of 2015 and the problem has occurred again october of this year and the service department wanted me to pay again to fix the same problem. I said no. Already paid for this repair and it has been a problem with 15 models of KIA vehicles from 2001-2004 and more.
- Air bags
TL* the contacts owns a 2006 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the air bag indicator continued to illuminate even without a passenger in the passenger seat. The dealer could not duplicate the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. There were no recalls available. The failure mileage was 79,000.
- Air bags
Airbag light on, car failed state inspection. Caused by faulty sensor.
- Air bags · Service brakes
The airbag light in my daughter's 2006 KIA spectra stays on. The passenger/occupant sensor mat IS defective. this problem first appeared at 61,000 miles. the dealership says the repair will cost in excess of $2,000, so I cannot afford to have this fixed. Also, the brake switch IS defective and only works intermittently. This prevents the brake lights from illuminating.
- Air bags
The airbag light IS on in my car and didn't pass inspection was told by mechanic probably under recall...also my vehicle was involve in a crash in 2010 or 2011 and front end was smashed in and none of. The airbags went off!
- Air bags
Air bag light IS on and has been on for several months (12+). Passenger seat sensor IS defective and would cost over $1600 to repair. After researching several other owners have the same issue and even some reported that all air bags have not gone off during an accident. Must be recalled immediately.
- Power train
Upon entering the highway, the transmission seemed to lag. I could not go over 50 mph. And oncoming traffic including an 18 wheeler seemed to almost stop or I would have been killed! This problem has developed over the last year where the car gets stuck in 3RD gear and acceleration IS poor or the…
Upon entering the highway, the transmission seemed to lag. I could not go over 50 mph. And oncoming traffic including an 18 wheeler seemed to almost stop or I would have been killed! This problem has developed over the last year where the car gets stuck in 3RD gear and acceleration IS poor or the transmission does not change gears. If it sits for a while it has an engine light on and still acts up for a while then finally goes back to working correctly. The problem today was the first life threatening incident and therefore I believe it IS a recall! This problem has been reported for 5 model years affected: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, more! This IS life threatening and needs to be a recall as it has been found as a software update but others on line say there IS a soldering problem in the transmission. This should not be something the public should be spending money on when it IS a failure due to manufacture or a software glitch or both!
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
From the 2ND day after purchasing the vehicle 6/27/2015 when I turned on a/c the car has been hesitating and stalling. every time I started and stopped at lights or stop signs. And even in traffic . Making the driving experience unsafe.and so ive been complaining ever since. They said if check engine light came on then I wont be responsible for the expense. however the check eng. Never came on.
- Air bags
Front passenger airbag IS on all the time. Took car to dealer and was told it was code b1448 - ocs mat failed. Some type of sensor under passenger seat. would cost $1,500 to replace. KIA corporate offered to pay for half of repair but technician said that there might still be problems with airbag…
Front passenger airbag IS on all the time. Took car to dealer and was told it was code b1448 - ocs mat failed. Some type of sensor under passenger seat. would cost $1,500 to replace. KIA corporate offered to pay for half of repair but technician said that there might still be problems with airbag system even after repair. (replaced front driver's seat about 18 months ago at same dealer for $600 because airbag light was on at that time too.) KIA mechanic warned that because the passenger airbag light was on none of the airbags would now work. Therefore, see car as being unsafe to drive. Believe recall on airbag system IS justified.
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.?
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10089668Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc122 underbody additional anti-corrosion treatment
- 10089667Owner notification letter (sc122) - dear KIA spectra owner: KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2004-2009 KIA spectra vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- 10089662Dealer service manager memo (sc122) - KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary service campaign as a preventative measure to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2006-2011 my rio, 2004-2009 my spectra, 2006-2010 my optima, 2010-2013 my soul, and 2007-2010 my rondo vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in one of the 21 salt belt states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 21 salt-belt states are: ct, dc, de, ia, il, in, ma, md, me, mi, mn, mo, nj, ny, oh, pa, ri, vt, wi, wv. In addition to the salt belt states, the following states have substantially raised their use of road salt in recent years and are also part of this service campaign: ks, ky, ne, nd, sd, ut, and ak.
- 10089642Dealer principal memo (sc122) - KIA motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, as a preventative measure, to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2006-2011 my rio, 2004-2009 my spectra, 2006-2010 my optima, 2010-2013 my soul, and 2007-2010 my rondo vehicles originally retailed and/or currently registered in one of the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- 10089618"Tsb: voluntary service campaign - application of additional anti-corrosion material (sc122) - to improve customer satisfaction, KIA IS launching this bulletin to apply additional anticorrosion protection to various vehicle underbody components of some 2010~2013my soul (am), 2004~2009my spectra (ld), 2006~2010my optima (MG), 2006~2011my rio (jb) and 2007~2010my rondo (un) vehicles. The affected vehicles were originally retailed or are currently registered in states where road salt IS heavily used. The states are: ct, dc, de, ia, il, in, ma, md, me, mi, mn, mo, nh, nj, ny, oh, pa, ri, vt, wi, wv ks, ky, ne, nd, sd, ut, and ak. KIA believes that such additional protection can be helpful, especially in very high mileage situations. Please remind all customers of the instructions in their owners manual, as shown below, to regularly have the underbody of their vehicles washed when road salt IS being used in their area."
- 10058518KIA: an additional application of anti-corrosion protection will be applied on some vehicles underbody components to help prevent corrosion. Model 2004-09 spectra, 2006-10 optima, 2006-11 rio 2007-10 rondo and 2010-13 soul.
- 10037242KIA: on some 2004-2009 spectras the doors are locking intermittently without the driver commanding them to.
- 10028348KIA: doors locking intermittently without driver input from the rke transmitter or key switch may be caused by wear on switch contacts in door latch assembly resulting in high resistance.
- 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.
- 10023004Can resistor replacement for 06-07my spectra vehicles.
- 10021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
- 10020041A second to third gear upshift shock after the vehicle IS at operating temperature. Also may be felt as a slip or flare followed by a shock while shifting from second to third gear.
- 10017975Airbag control unit (acu) logic reprogramming. KIA IS changing the acu logic to permit side curtain airbag deployment at all times.
Every KIA Spectra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.