The vehicle dossier US · 2006

2006 Kia
SPECTRAProblems & recalls

100 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Air bags appears in 46 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 100 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Air bags46 reports
Other components18 reports
Fuel system15 reports
Brakes10 reports
Body & structure9 reports
Engine8 reports
Transmission & drivetrain7 reports
Electrical system5 reports
Steering3 reports
Visibility2 reports
Suspension1 reports
See original component labels
AIR BAGS38
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE6
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
POWER TRAIN5
ENGINE5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
STRUCTURE3
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2
STEERING2
TIRES2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
SEAT BELTS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES1
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC1
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1
SEATS1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 29, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

67,000 miles is the median among 83 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 13,200–100,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Apr 25, 2011 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTINGCampaign 11V256000

Reported concern

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. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH HOLD THE TANK MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY SEPARATE ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY DISRUPT THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANK.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: SC090

Read campaign 11V256000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

19 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Sep 13, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_BOD055_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin…NHTSA ID 10201529

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10201529 at NHTSA
Mar 2, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS539PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.NHTSA ID 10133170

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10133170 at NHTSA
Jan 18, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085R1TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.?…NHTSA ID 10109812

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109812 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft …NHTSA ID 10109777

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109777 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS443TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their …NHTSA ID 10183431

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10183431 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsQASC122QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 – UNDERBODY – ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENTNHTSA ID 10089668

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 – UNDERBODY – ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089668 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOWNERSC122SPECTROWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2004-2009 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES TH…NHTSA ID 10089667

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2004-2009 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089667 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDEALERPSMSC122DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 M…NHTSA ID 10089662

DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA, 2010-2013 MY SOUL, AND 2007-2010 MY RONDO VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE 21 SALT BELT STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED. THE 21 SALT-BELT STATES ARE: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV. IN ADDITION TO THE SALT BELT STATES, THE FOLLOWING STATES HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY RAISED THEIR USE OF ROAD SALT IN RECENT YEARS AND ARE ALSO PART OF THIS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: KS, KY, NE, ND, SD, UT, AND AK.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089662 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDEALERPSC122DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. WILL BE CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 …NHTSA ID 10089642

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. WILL BE CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA, 2010-2013 MY SOUL, AND 2007-2010 MY RONDO VEHICLES ORIGINALLY RETAILED AND/OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089642 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSBSC122"TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UND…NHTSA ID 10089618

"TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UNDERBODY COMPONENTS OF SOME 2010~2013MY SOUL (AM), 2004~2009MY SPECTRA (LD), 2006~2010MY OPTIMA (MG), 2006~2011MY RIO (JB) AND 2007~2010MY RONDO (UN) VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY RETAILED OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS HEAVILY USED. THE STATES ARE: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV KS, KY, NE, ND, SD, UT, AND AK. KIA BELIEVES THAT SUCH ADDITIONAL PROTECTION CAN BE HELPFUL, ESPECIALLY IN VERY HIGH MILEAGE SITUATIONS. PLEASE REMIND ALL CUSTOMERS OF THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THEIR OWNER’S MANUAL, AS SHOWN BELOW, TO REGULARLY HAVE THE UNDERBODY OF THEIR VEHICLES WASHED WHEN ROAD SALT IS BEING USED IN THEIR AREA."

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089618 at NHTSA
Jul 1, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSC-122KIA: AN ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION WILL BE APPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES UNDERBODY COMPONENTS TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION. MODEL 2004-09 SPECTRA, 2006-10 OPTIMA, 2006-11 RIO 2007-10 RONDO AND 2010-13 SOUL. *PENHTSA ID 10058518

KIA: AN ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION WILL BE APPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES UNDERBODY COMPONENTS TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION. MODEL 2004-09 SPECTRA, 2006-10 OPTIMA, 2006-11 RIO 2007-10 RONDO AND 2010-13 SOUL. *PE

Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10058518 at NHTSA
Dec 6, 2013 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSBTRA046TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECI…NHTSA ID 10091489

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROCEDURES/ INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT SECTION FOR THE CORRECT ATF CHECK/FILL PROCEDURES.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10091489 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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