Model year guide

2006 Kia Spectra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Kia Spectra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 90 on record.

2006 Kia Spectra — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Kia Spectra at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints118
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$2,164

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2006 Kia Spectra recalls 1

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:mounting NHTSA Campaign #11V256000 · 25/04/2011

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 SPECTRA LD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 6, 2007, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. T…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND ATTACHING HARDWARE WITH NEW ZINC COATED PARTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2006 Kia Spectra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2006 Kia Spectra safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2006 Kia Spectra 4-DR w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2006 Kia Spectra MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,450

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2006 Kia Spectra worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,164
High
$3,300

From 89 comparable 2006 Kia Spectra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Kia Spectra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,400
Total$13,650
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,164) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,050), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 Kia Spectra trims & engines on record

Trims
EX · Spectra5 · SX · LX · LD
Engines
2.0L

2006 Kia Spectra vehicles on record

2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121065297125 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161965365657 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121865256841 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121465277749 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161065313950 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121465250003 2006 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161265206382 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE122465297895 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra SXKNAFE121465229006 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121965358374 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE122465255842 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121165346073 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161X65338354 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121X65324296 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121365299130 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE122365370402 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121765313658 2006 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161765225302 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121165269429 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121865292108 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121665235728 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121965275589 2006 Kia Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra SXKNAFE121865284199 2006 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE122065233174

Other Kia Spectra model years

2009 2008 2007 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2006 Kia Spectra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Kia Spectra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2006 Kia Spectra. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia Spectra?

Based on 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, engine, air bags.

What is the 2006 Kia Spectra safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2006 Kia Spectra crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Spectra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Kia Spectra at about 25 mpg combined (22 city / 31 highway).

How much is a 2006 Kia Spectra worth?

Comparable 2006 Kia Spectra listings run roughly $1,000–$3,300, typically around $2,164 (from 89 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.