Model year guide

2006 Kia Sportage

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Kia Sportage is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 49 on record.

2006 Kia Sportage at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints111
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$3,791

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

2006 Kia Sportage recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #09V130000 · 17/04/2009

HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT …

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER 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 Sportage common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2006 Kia Sportage MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,980

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

What's a 2006 Kia Sportage worth?

Low
$2,000
Typical price
$3,791
High
$5,991

From 49 comparable 2006 Kia Sportage listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,900
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,250
Total$17,150
Per mile$0.23

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 ($3,791) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,544), 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 Sportage trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · KM
Engines
2.7L · 2.0L

2006 Kia Sportage vehicles on record

Other Kia Sportage model years

2006 Kia Sportage — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Kia Sportage have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2006 Kia Sportage. 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 Sportage?

Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Sportage get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Kia Sportage at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2006 Kia Sportage worth?

Comparable 2006 Kia Sportage listings run roughly $2,000–$5,991, typically around $3,791 (from 49 vehicles).

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