KnownCarProblems2006 Kia Spectra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Kia Spectra, most often about the air bags (46% of complaints, typically around 56,500 miles). It is 5th of 10 Spectra model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2006 Kia Spectra problems
Air bags
46 complaints · 46%Half of these problems showed up before 56,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
This vehicle has numerous air bags, being t-boned by a semi truck at 30 MPH none of the air bags deployed. There was approximately 5 inches of intrusion, as well the frame of vehicle between the doors was touching the driver seat, but none of the side impact air bags, or pelvic air bag deployed.
Air bag light on driver side turned on? It goes on and off sporadically, dealership wants unreasonable repair cost for such. I believe this is a defect in electrical warning system. A recall to repair should be issued. Kia customers are raising this issue and we are not being heard? Do we have to wait for a tragic…
Fuel system
15 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage.
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the fuel tank straps were excessively corroded causing the right side straps to fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v256000 (fuel system, other). The manufacturer was made…
About the end of march I noticed my car was leaking gas. I haven't been able to afford to get it fixed but its getting worse and worse. I never hit anything so I don't understand how thing could've happened. I was informed that there is a recall on Kia Spectra fuel systems but my car is not covered. It would be nice…
Brakes
10 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 4,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, pedals and linkages, foundation components.
I was coming to a stop, depressing my brakes and the pedal went all the way to the floor, failing to stop my car. I pressed the brake pedal again, the car jumped forward and then came to a stop. This happened twice today, neither time causing an accident, but came close to hitting a house and a gas station.
I was driving on the interstate doing about 65 MPH both times this occurred when the rear brakes locked and the car came to a stop on the highway. Smoke was pouring out from my left rear tire, and when the tow truck driver showed up it took him a good 15 minutes to get the brakes unstuck.
Body and structure
9 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
I was involved in an accident going north to cross an intersection. The other party failed to yield going southeast at the same intersection. I did hit their vehicle, dodge hemi ram 1500, head on their right side. The airbag failed to deploy when in fact according to experts, it should have for this type of accident.…
One of the vehicles fuel tank mounting straps has rusted into and dragging the pavement. This would cause a possible accident, fire and or explosion if tank had hit the pavement and rubbed hole in the tank. The vehicle has no other rust on undercarriage. Said vehicle has 92,893 miles on it and is a 2006 model year. I…
Engine
8 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: engine.
I was driving my Kia Spectra 2006 [VIN] and within 5 minutes of the engine light going on my engine died. I was stranded on the highway near clinton, nj. Kia refuses to honor the 10 year/100.000 mile warranty stating the reason is my fault due to lack of transmission fluid etc ??? I have had to replace the brakes and…
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…
Transmission
7 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: manual transmission, automatic transmission.
My clutch started slipping around 36000 miles. I hadn't thought anything about it at first, thinking it was my imagination as I had the car only 3 years. (2006 Kia spectra5. I purchased it at the end of november 2006 with 7 miles on it.). Well, 4000 miles later I am told it needs the entire clutch and flywheel…
I was waiting at a red light, when the engine started to speed up and the car started to pull forward even with me stepping harder on the brake. I put the car in neutral and the revving slowed down. This happened a few more times, including while trying to park at a mall. Luckily I was able to avoid and accident by…
Electrical
5 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: alternator/generator/regulator, instrument cluster/panel.
The alternator on my 2006 Kia Spectra ex went out with warning and the call stalled on the highway. My cousin and I were stranded on the highway for 3.5 hours before help arrived. Both of US were sunburned and I am a heart patient, who suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration on this day. Kia did not honor the 10…
Speed control
4 complaints · 4%: the contact stated while stopped in a parking lot with brake pressure applied, the vehicle was put in reverse, and lurched backwards, crashing into a tree stump without warning. There were no injuries, and the contact was wearing a seat belt. The vehicle sustained minor damage to the rear. The police were alerted…
I was waiting at a red light, when the engine started to speed up and the car started to pull forward even with me stepping harder on the brake. I put the car in neutral and the revving slowed down. This happened a few more times, including while trying to park at a mall. Luckily I was able to avoid and accident by…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Kia Spectra recalls
Fuel system: mounting
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. There is a possibility that corrosion of the fuel tank straps which hold the tank may occur as a result of prolonged exposure to road salt. As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may separate allowing the fuel tank to contact the ground and possibly disrupt the integrity of the tank.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2006 Kia Spectra
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Spectra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (46 complaints, typically around 56,500 miles); fuel system (15 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); brakes (10 complaints, typically around 4,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Kia Spectra have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 25, 2011 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Kia Spectra?
- It is 5th of 10 Spectra model years by number of complaints, with 100 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.