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Model year record

2006 Kia Sorento recalls & problems

The 2006 Kia Sorento has 1 safety recall and 242 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (67 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints242filed by owners
Crashes · fires12 · 8reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths14 · 0reported in complaints
2006 Kia Sorento in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingApr 17, 2009

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 09V130000139,844 vehicles

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.
Risk
ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2006 Kia Sorento 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk20.4%
2006 Kia Sorento NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sorento 2WD

16mpg combined
City / highway14 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Sorento 2WD

16mpg combined
City / highway15 / 19 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Sorento 4WD

16mpg combined
City / highway14 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Sorento 4WD

15mpg combined
City / highway13 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine6733092,700 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Brake lights › Switch5601050,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring5311078,050 mi
Power trainClutch assembly; Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly3500079,000 mi
Steering3310092,348 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Cooling system2000062,500 mi
Air bagsSide/window19611089,000 mi
Service brakes1610092,000 mi
SuspensionFront10000120,000 mi
Unknown or other9021128,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control8100109,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system8000105,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations