2006 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Kia Sportage, 7% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“After several times that the engine stopped running and Kia dealership couldn't find the problem, as I turned into the dealership the engine stopped running and I coasted into the parking lot. Repair order stated possible solenoid failure (code p0665) and replaced bank 2 intake manifold tuning valve solenoid.this was on 10/2010. The car was bought by us as new. Again, the engine has stopped while decelerating and/'or turning (dec. 21, 2011). This is the third time in 3-4 weeks. Called Kia consumer telephone number in owner's manual and they have no other incidents reported for this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10440892, filed 2011-12, 61,200 miles“I have a 2006 Kia Sportage. From the day I bought it ,it's made a boiling sound in the dash broad when I turn my car off. I took it to the dealership and dropped it off to have it looked at. When I picked it up I was told that my cooling system had not been burped right. So they drained the system and re-filled it. And that at should take care of the problem. Well it didn't !!!!!!! It's worse now than before. And to add to it, it looks like I'm growing magic rocks on the left and right side of the radiator. It's so green in color plus it looks fuzzy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10192421, filed 2007-06, 1,000 miles“2006 Kia Sportage ex has repeated problem with engine shutdown/stall upon starting from a stop at an intersection. Both left and right turns. Both with and without air conditioning, and in all weather conditions also with and without lights. No code has shown up on the computer. No warning. First indication there is a problem is when we take off and steering is stiff (e.g. No ps) and the car doesn't move.”
NHTSA complaint #10319668, filed 2010-03, 28,000 miles“2006 Kia Sportage ex with v-6 has a habit of completely shutting down electrically, killing the engine and thus all lights, power assist to steering/brakes, etc. Previously this occurred only when taking off from a stop (previously reported). This time our daughter was driving at highway speeds at night in the middle of utah when this occurred again. She was able to get it off the highway safely without incident in complete darkness and no power assists. Car was running on cruise control so no driver function could have caused the incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10358922, filed 2010-10, 33,000 miles“The contact has 2006 Kia Sportage that has burned off anti-freeze coming through the air vent. The coil is thining and causing it to come through the window. There was an in cabin air filter placed in the veihicle that did not help. This problem started around november of 2008. 35000 miles when problem started and 45962 now”
NHTSA complaint #10295344, filed 2009-12, 35,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
- 10023626Nov 1, 2007This bulletin provides information relating to an engine hesitation or the illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) for p0123 (throttle position sensor / switch (a)…
- 10022199Jun 1, 2007Muffler pipe drain ice accumulation in very low climate conditions may cause a no start engine.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 14 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 69 | 29% |
| 2001 | 45 | 20% |
| 2000 | 45 | 15% |
| 1999 | 79 | 28% |
| 1998 | 79 | 26% |
| 1997 | 56 | 31% |
| 1996 | 10 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia Sportage
38 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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