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2006 Kia Optima LX Auto

The 2006 Kia Optima LX Auto is a 138-hp inline-4 with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $17,650 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.

It makes 138 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 147 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

The Optima measures 185.9 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,281 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$17,650 ($28,454 *)
MSRP with Destination$18,240 ($29,405 *)
Destination Charge$590
Engine
Engine TypeSirius II G4JS 2.4L DOHC inline-4, MPI, naturally aspirated
Horsepower138 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque147 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 16-valve
Bore and Stroke86.5 x 100
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15 in
Wheels Rear15 in
Tires Front205/60HR15
Tires Rear205/60HR15
Dimensions & Weight
Length185.9 in
Width71.5 in
Height55.5 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Ground Clearance6.1 in
Cargo Volume13.6 ft³
Curb Weight3,281 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39 in
Headroom Rear37.6 in
Legroom Front43.3 in
Legroom Rear36.2 in
Shoulder Room Front56.9 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.7 in
Hip Room Front55.8 in
Hip Room Rear55.8 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2006 Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB Later Release
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2006 Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB Early Release: overall not rated

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Kia OPTIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jan 17, 2012 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.

Consequence: IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign 12V014000

Mar 9, 2011 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE LAST USED GEAR BEFORE DETACHMENT.

Consequence: IF THE DRIVER LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL INJURE A PERSON IN ITS PATH OR CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign 11V153000

155 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2006 Kia OPTIMA

Owner Complaints

155 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Kia OPTIMA (3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags46
Latches/Locks/Linkages27
Electrical System23
Exterior Lighting16
Power Train14
Structure12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 14, 2023 · Unknown Or Other
“The front subframe is dangerously rusted. The same way the other optima were recalled for.”
Nov 11, 2020 · Exterior Lighting
“I HAVE A 2006.5 KIA OPTIMA. I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH STICKING AS OTHER KIAS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL. MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. AM I OUT OF LUCK ON THIS ONE?”
Sep 24, 2019 · Latches/Locks/Linkages
“HOOD RELEASED WHILE IN MOTION, FOLDED BACK OVER WINDSHIELD AND ROOF TOP TOTALLY BLINDING DRIVER WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, TRAVELING SOUTH ON NC HWY 16 AT A RATE OF 50 MPH, TWO LANE ROAD…”
Sep 9, 2019 · Electrical System
“CAR WILL NOT ALWAYS START. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT 24 HOURS AND PICK UP THE CAR WHEREVER I HAD TO LEAVE IT CAUSE IT WOULDN'T START. WHEN TRYING TO START THERE'S A CLICKING SOUND AND ALL PANEL LIGHT…”
Jul 26, 2019 · Power Train
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REVERSE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE SHIFTER WAS IN PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2006 KIA OPTIMA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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