2006 Kia Sportage Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 14%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 126,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Kia Sportage, 14% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 126,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I previously reported at 177,800 miles that I was experiencing engine surges. While driving if I depressed the clutch engine would rise to 2000 rpms. If I pulled the accelerator pedal up with tip of my foot, the engine rpms would return normal. At 177, 900 miles the throttle body assembly was cleaned, and I am no longer experiencing engine surges.”
NHTSA complaint #11242925, filed 2019-08, 177,900 miles“I was riding down the road and the airbag light came on. Two days later the check engine light came on. My mechanic thinks it is a sensor for the check engine light. Having trouble with covid-19 getting the part, been waiting for over a week. My mechanic has recommended me taking the car to a Kia dealer ship with the airbag light coming on. He though for sure it would have a recall but I do not see one listed.”
NHTSA complaint #11385351, filed 2020-12, 146,367 miles“While driving, my car just shuts down. The engine dies. On several occasions, drivers behind me had to slam on brakes or swerve outof the way. This is dangerous while traveling on the highway. Took vehicle to mechanic, they don't know what the problem is. Went on internet, and many customers having the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11051134, filed 2017-11, 64,500 miles“My friend and I were driving home at 55 MPH when my Sportage starting speeding up on its own. Then when I tried to stopped for a red light it wanted to cut off. So when the light changed it started speeding up and slowing on it's own. This went on for about 15 miles. I have never had a car do this. It was really scary. At one point it cut out in the middle of the highway. Thank god there was noone else behind me. I did make it home and it died pulling in the drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11365239, filed 2020-10, 122,000 miles“While braking the vehicle appeared to be picking up speed. When I depressed the clutch the engine surged past 2000 RPM. While driving on a downgrade the vehicle was picking up speed, and I depressed the clutch and the engine RPM went 2000 RPM for several seconds. From my experiences with other vehicles I thought: maybe the driver's mat shifted, or some other object may have fallen and was interfering with the accelerator pedal. I felt around the pedal with my foot, but found no foreign objects. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242745, filed 2019-08, 177,800 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 13% |
| 2024 | 11 | 15% |
| 2023 | 38 | 20% |
| 2022 | 21 | 46% |
| 2021 | 23 | 43% |
| 2020 | 77 | 47% |
| 2019 | 37 | 52% |
| 2018 | 91 | 55% |
| 2017 | 222 | 55% |
| 2016 | 62 | 46% |
| 2015 | 84 | 58% |
| 2014 | 73 | 58% |
| 2013 | 301 | 79% |
| 2012 | 328 | 84% |
| 2011 | 77 | 43% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 10 | 13% |
| 2008 | 17 | 17% |
| 2007 | 8 | 10% |
| 2006 | 15 | 14% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia Sportage
38 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 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