Does the 2006 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia Sorento, the most recent reported on April 17, 2009 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Sorento?

Owners have filed 242 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (67 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (56).

How many 2006 Kia Sorento complaints mention a crash or fire?

12 of 242 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 14 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2006 Kia Sorento recalls and problems

1 recall and 242 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Kia Sorento.

recalls

242

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2006 Kia Sorento recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 09V130000 · reported April 17, 2009 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 139,844 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 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 to be shifted out of the park position. It may also cause the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed.
The risk: 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. Owners may contact kia's consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine67
Exterior lighting56
Electrical system53
Power train35
Steering33
Air bags19
Engine and engine cooling19
Service brakes16
Suspension10
Unknown or other9

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 8, 2022 · Fuel system, gasoline · 122,000 miles
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…

Oct 20, 2022 · 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…

Aug 8, 2022 · Air bags · 98,000 miles
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…

Apr 26, 2022 · Exterior lighting · 118,000 miles
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…

Feb 9, 2022 · Unknown or other · 100,000 miles · fire reported
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…

Sorento model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	1	305	10	3
2004	0	220	11	12
2005	0	307	17	5
2006	1	242	12	8
2007	4	154	10	5
2008	3	217	15	9
2009	2	55	2	1

Across all years, the 2011 Sorento has the most complaints (1,520). All Kia Sorento years →

Questions

Does the 2006 Kia Sorento have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia Sorento, the most recent reported on April 17, 2009 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Sorento?: Owners have filed 242 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (67 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (56).
How many 2006 Kia Sorento complaints mention a crash or fire?: 12 of 242 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 14 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 8, 2022.