2006 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 10%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,650miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2006 Kia Optima, 10% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,650 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2006.5 Kia Optima. I am experiencing the same problem with the brake light switch sticking as other kias currently under recall. My brake lights are always on. Am I out of luck on this one?”
NHTSA complaint #11374127, filed 2020-11, 105,000 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“A co-worker followed me home and told me my right rear brake light was out. Then my right turn signal indicator on the dash started flashing real fast. Few days later my dash lights started flashing on & off. Had a friend watch the exterior lights and he said they were flashing on & off with the dash. Said he had never seen anything like that! If my headlights are on the lights don't flash. Even though my lights come on, the brake & signal lights don't work when I apply them. I have not driven my car because of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10462902, filed 2012-06, 23,269 miles“I brought two new 2006.5 Kia optimas (a red one and a black one) from our local dealer. Since I have had the cars, both of the vehicles have had electrical problems which started within a few months of the purchase. The tail lamps only last about 2-3 months before I have to replace the bulbs. First one side or the other will blow out, and then within weeks, the other side will go too. This has been happening with both cars ever since we bought the cars. When I call the dealer and ask about the problem, they just tell me I've been buying cheap bulbs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10505266, filed 2013-04, 500 miles“Kia currently has a recall on 2006 optimas for an air bag issue and warns consumers with this vehicle to contact Kia if the air bag light comes on. In my car, the light came on on 4/1/12 and is still on. I contacted Kia of columbus, ga where the car was purchased and they said to bring it in and we did to only be told the car was not covered because it was a few months old than the campaign. Kia needs to investigate and include all of 2006 optimas, as they are having the air bag issue as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10454371, filed 2012-04Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 3% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 27 | 16% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia Optima
46 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
27 complaintsElectrical system
23 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 27, 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