2006 Kia Spectra Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 46%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,500miles
- 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 Spectra, 46% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,500 miles. 22 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Air bag light on driver side turned on? It goes on and off sporadically, dealership wants unreasonable repair cost for such. I believe this is a defect in electrical warning system. A recall to repair should be issued. Kia customers are raising this issue and we are not being heard? Do we have to wait for a tragic incident to have your organization do something about this?”
NHTSA complaint #10556219, filed 2013-12, 54,000 miles“The airbag light is on in my car and didn't pass inspection was told by mechanic probably under recall...also my vehicle was involve in a crash in 2010 or 2011 and front end was smashed in and none of. The airbags went off!”
NHTSA complaint #10874246, filed 2016-06, 125,000 miles“On january 31, 2014, I was driving home from work and was in a head-on collision. The other driver was at fault. The air bags in my 2006 Kia Spectra did not deploy! The police officer also documented this in the police report. I contacted Kia on february 1, 2014 with photographs and the police report. It is now march 13, 2014 and they have not resolved the problem. I am concerned that there are other Kia Spectra owners who are unaware of this problem. There was never a recall about the air bags.”
NHTSA complaint #10569071, filed 2014-03, 80,000 miles“I had a near-frontal crash in my 2006 Kia Spectra in which the front airbag did not deploy. Speed at time of crash is estimated to be between 40-50 MPH. The front-left part of my hood was struck by a turning vehicle. The airbag in the other vehicle did deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10235861, filed 2008-07, 25,600 miles“I was driving on hwy 40 e approaching exit 153 in heavy rainfall. Approximately 0.25 miles from the exit the truck already on the exit ahead of me began applying its brakes. Pre-braking measures were taken. The wheels locked up and I collided with the truck in front of me and flew forward into the steering wheel. I had been braking the entire time, but my seat-belt did not lock into place. My airbag did not deploy. I suffered bruising, severe headaches, and minor cuts as a result. Insurance declared car as total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10474247, filed 2012-09, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017975Mar 1, 2006Airbag control unit (acu) logic reprogramming. Kia is changing the acu logic to permit side curtain airbag deployment at all times.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 76 | 67% |
| 2008 | 61 | 50% |
| 2007 | 56 | 37% |
| 2006 | 46 | 46% |
| 2005 | 43 | 42% |
| 2004 | 26 | 37% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 22 | 24% |
| 2001 | 9 | 23% |
| 2000 | 9 | 39% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia Spectra
15 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Kia Spectra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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