2006 KIA Optima problems
Owners have filed 214 complaints about the 2006 KIA Optima with NHTSA. Air bags account for 21.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of latches/locks/linkages at 12.6%.
Complaints214
Crashes3
Fires1
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 21.5% · 46
Latches/locks/linkages 12.6% · 27
Electrical system 10.7% · 23
Exterior lighting 7.5% · 16
Power train 6.5% · 14
Visibility 5.6% · 12
Structure 5.6% · 12
Engine and engine cooling 4.2% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 3 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the KIA Optima in this data, 2006 sits 13th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 23 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 64,200 miles.
In owners' own words
Driver side air bag light on and does not turn off. Called KIA consumer affairs and they stated my vehicle is not covered by their current recall for this obvious on going problem with the air bags. My case number with KIA is [xxx]. This seems to be a real safety problem if the air bags do not deploy in an accident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (FOIA), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). Air bags · reported at 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 KIA Optima. The contact called regarding the air bag sensor light. The front passenger sensor light illuminated intermittently regardless if someone was in the passenger seat. The mechanic stated that the failure occurred in approximately 50% of these vehicles and may be prevented by sitting in a certain position. The current mileage is 9,000, and failure mileage was 500. Air bags · reported at 500 miles
2006 KIA Optima. Consumer writes in regards to recall notice and repairs concerning air bag clock spring contact assembly. *Tgw the consumer stated he was charged a $113.00 For diagnostic testing. However, according to the recall letter, in addition to providing a lifetime warranty for the driver's air bag clock spring contact assembly, KIA was to replace the clock spring contact assembly free of charge. Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…