2006 Kia Optima Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 30%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Kia Optima, 30% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My airbag light came on a few months ago when I was driving to work the light came on and have not gone off yet. I took it to get a diagnose and was told it was a sensor in the seat and I should have it replaced. Well I had someone put in a different seat and the airbag light did not go off. Now it's time for my inspections and I can't even get it done because the airbag light is still on.”
NHTSA complaint #10871474, filed 2016-05, 115,075 miles“I purchased my 2006.5 Kia Optima on november 6, 2014. Before my test drive the air bag light illuminated but then turned off, I said something to the dealership (not a Kia dealer) and they diagnosed it and told me it was the airbag module and that they would order a new one and replace it free of charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #10694729, filed 2015-03, 122,000 miles“I had a recall on airbags took it twice to dealer and the light is still on will not go off. Also when I stop and get gas and after I finish pump on the inside it smell so loud just like I waste it on me I have took it to let them check it out cannot find out where it come from”
NHTSA complaint #10820578, filed 2016-01, 96,000 miles“We bought our Kia with less then 10 miles on it, right off the show room floor, we have had to replace passenger side headlamps (total to date 5/15/2015) 15 times, both rear turn signals bulbs and rear brake lights. The air bag light would appear on the dashboard when ever the passenger seat would be moved and now the air bag light on the dashboard flickered driving home from work last night and remands on.”
NHTSA complaint #10588564, filed 2014-05, 500 miles“Keyless entry on driverside only locked me in and out of the car. Lock will only open 1/2 of the way. Airbag light came on and will not go off. I can not get an inspection. They say the system is unstable. Transmission has slipped a couple of times.”
NHTSA complaint #10556193, filed 2013-12, 80,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V014000Jan 17, 2012Kia motors america, inc. (kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 kia optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through january 29, 2008…Covers: Kia Optima 2006–2008, Rondo 2007–2008
Related service bulletins
- 10090092Aug 10, 2016Warranty bulletin: wty002 (revision #1) - 2006~2010my optima passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - this bulletin provides information related to the…
- 10094562Jun 17, 2016Owner letter: wty002 optima - dear kia optima owner: kia motors americas highest commitment is to your safety. To that end, kia is extending the warranty coverage for the front…
- 10094133Jun 14, 2016"warranty bulletin: wty002 - 2006~2008my optima passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - this bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the…
- 10089309Jun 9, 2016Tsb: front passenger ocs sensor mat diagnosis and replacement - this bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the front passenger occupant classification…
- 10094564Jun 8, 2016"q and a: wty002 - certain 2008-2011 my kia rio vehicles and all 2006-2010 my kia optima vehicles front passenger ocs sensor mat kia new vehicle limited warranty extension"
- 10094167Jun 8, 2016Request for reimbursement form: wty002 optima - if you have paid to have the front passenger ocs sensor mat replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of…
- 10094137Jun 8, 2016Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty002 - 2008~2011my rio passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - kia motors america, inc. Is extending the warranty…
- 10094136Jun 8, 2016Dealer principal memo: wty002 - 2008~2011my rio passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - kia motors america, inc. Is extending the warranty coverage for the…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 62 | 4% |
| 2012 | 48 | 5% |
| 2011 | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 | 17 | 23% |
| 2009 | 28 | 24% |
| 2008 | 57 | 40% |
| 2007 | 65 | 39% |
| 2006 | 46 | 30% |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% |
| 2004 | 26 | 12% |
| 2003 | 17 | 12% |
| 2002 | 19 | 18% |
| 2001 | 27 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia Optima
27 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology