Before buying a used 2006 Kia Optima, check whether recall repairs were completed, how it scored in crash tests and what owners report most often. Ask the seller for service records covering any recall listed below.
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KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT…
Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE LAST USED GEAR BEFORE DETACHMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. Canadian-market vehicles can have different recalls — check Transport Canada's recall database. Always confirm recall status for a specific VIN with a dealer.
2006 Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB Later Release
2006 Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB Early Release
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optima — Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 12.4 L/100 km (19 mpg) | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) | 10.7 L/100 km (22 mpg) |
| Optima — Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L | 13.1 L/100 km (18 mpg) | 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) | 11.2 L/100 km (21 mpg) |
| Optima — Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) | 8.7 L/100 km (27 mpg) | 10.2 L/100 km (23 mpg) |
| Optima (2006 New Model) — Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 11.2 L/100 km (21 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) | 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) |
| Optima (2006 New Model) — Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L | 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) | 10.2 L/100 km (23 mpg) |
| Optima (2006 New Model) — Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 11.2 L/100 km (21 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) | 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) |
Source: U.S. EPA / fueleconomy.gov. Converted to L/100 km for Canadian buyers.
155 complaints filed with NHTSA (3 involving a crash, 1 a fire). Most-reported areas:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified reports, not confirmed defects.