Does the 2006 Kia Spectra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia Spectra, the most recent reported on April 25, 2011 (Fuel system, other: storage, tank assembly, mounting). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (46 complaints), followed by structure (9).

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

28 of 100 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 32 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2006 Kia Spectra recalls and problems

1 recall and 100 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Kia Spectra.

recalls

100

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 Spectra recalls

Fuel system, other: storage, tank assembly, mounting

NHTSA campaign 11V256000 · reported April 25, 2011 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 58,322 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

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

Air bags46
Structure9
Fuel system, gasoline7
Fuel/propulsion system7
Power train7
Service brakes, hydraulic7
Electrical system5
Engine5
Unknown or other4
Vehicle speed control4

What owners report

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

Sep 29, 2023 · 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.

Oct 26, 2022 · Latches/locks/linkages · 67,000 miles
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…

Aug 1, 2022 · Electrical system
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…

Jul 12, 2021 · Service brakes · 116,000 miles
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…

Nov 6, 2020 · Engine · 193,000 miles
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…

Spectra model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	0	90	15	1
2004	1	71	16	1
2005	2	103	23	1
2006	1	100	28	3
2007	1	152	22	6
2008	0	121	20	3
2009	0	114	16	1

Across all years, the 2007 Spectra has the most complaints (152). All Kia Spectra years →

Questions

Does the 2006 Kia Spectra have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia Spectra, the most recent reported on April 25, 2011 (Fuel system, other: storage, tank assembly, mounting). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Spectra?: Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (46 complaints), followed by structure (9).
How many 2006 Kia Spectra complaints mention a crash or fire?: 28 of 100 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 32 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 29, 2023.