2006 Kia Sportage Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 146,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Kia Sportage, 5% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 146,400 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“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“Previously reported engine surges / erratic idle at 177800 miles, and throttle body cleaned at 177900 miles. At 178345 the idle air control valve was cleaned as a precaution, due to the previous symptoms. At 178377 while driving on the highway I found the throttle stuck in the full open position. After safely stopping the vehicle, I had to manually return the throttle to the normal position. Upon restarting the vehicle I began experiencing erratic idling 3000 to 4000 RPM. Once parked at 178382 the idle air control valve was rechecked, and engine idle RPM returned to normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #11243525, filed 2019-08, 178,377 miles“Transmission was slipping in first and second gear. So I went to the dealer and they told me I needed a trans. Ok, I bought a used trans because they said I could nt get a new one. Well as soon as I pulled out on to the road after they installed the trans it started to do the same thing it was doing when I took it in the first time. Well, they told me they had to put it on the computer to reset it. Well that worked. My problem is that I asked them if they could reset it when I first took it to them and they said no. Well why did they reset it the second time and not the first time? …”
NHTSA complaint #10444797, filed 2012-01, 146,400 miles“I am writing this letter, in hopes of receiving some type of direct assistance from your agency on these safety related deceptive automotive dealers, who continue to play with the life, death and safety of many consumers like myself, it seem like the better business bureau (bbb), is constantly being held powerless, when it comes to consumers complaint(s), those dealership are always given the go ahead and then permitted to carry on these deceptive life threatening safety practices, whenever complaints are file and forwarded to that dealership, they then intentionally fail to comply by being…”
NHTSA complaint #10660284, filed 2014-11, 85,000 miles“Vehicle stalled while driving on highway at appx. 40 MPH. Vehicle did not restart, and will not restart. Mechanics have problem connecting scanners to pmc and effecting repairs. Several scanners, including professional scanners are unable to retrieve vehicle's data. Scanners, says check connection to vehicle computer and waiting for response from vehicle . Vehicle is completely disabled. Total operating milage of vehicle is 38,500 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11164234, filed 2018-12Related service bulletins
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
- 10031946Aug 1, 2009Kia: vehicles with 4wd system may exhibit a droning noise originating from the 4wd coupling while driving between 12-37mph. The cause of this condition may be the internal part…
- 10021561Jan 1, 2007Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 19 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 18 | 11% |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% |
| 2011 | 23 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 12% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 57 | 20% |
| 1998 | 63 | 21% |
| 1997 | 25 | 14% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia Sportage
38 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsEngine
15 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 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 31, 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