2006 Kia Optima Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Kia Optima, 4% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Immediately after purchasing my 2006 Kia Optima, I noticed a distinct clunking sound emanating from the front suspension every time I encountered a sharp bump in the road. I complained to the dealer on several occasions and was told that they are all like that. I do not consider this a satisfactory response.”
NHTSA complaint #10312807, filed 2010-02, 10 miles“Front suspension rattles, bounces not absorbing bumps and road well for a new car. Tires sound hollow over bumps, and ping also. Tires have been replaced by kumho tire manufacture, but still have the same problem. Dealer says there is no problem with the front end of the car. I have been requesting help from dealer since I bought the car. The tire pressure monitoring system light is always going on no matter if I have less air or more air in the tires, its become a real problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10212571, filed 2007-12, 39 miles“I bought a new 2006 Kia Optima ex in apr 2006. Sept 2006 the key fobs quit working and the pass side back seat does not secure itself in place at the bottom of the seat and stay/taken to a dealership and fixed. July 2007, the key fob again quit working/taken to the dealership and I was told a TSB was out on this problem and they would replace the receiver which was done. Nov 2007 after the TSB supposedly was taken care of, again the key fob quits working/dealership has again reprogrammed to work again and currently they continue to work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10219099, filed 2008-02, 2,000 miles“Oh rear lower swing arm supporting the spring broke letting the spring come out of position and letting the wheel tilt as if flat. The lower arm had rusted in two allowing this to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11206558, filed 2019-05, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that the rear passenger side of the vehicle was dragging on the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side control arm had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10758898, filed 2015-08, 129,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 6 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 26 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 2% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 19 | 8% |
| 2003 | 9 | 6% |
| 2002 | 21 | 20% |
| 2001 | 28 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia Optima
46 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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