Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Airbag- we started the car up and the airbag light came on and has not went off (other than when the car is shut down). After research discovered that an airbag failure was part of a recall for this model, but only for Optima's manufactured from sept 2005 forward. This one was manufactured a few weeks prior, yet has the same problem. After a google search, the issue can be found on Optima's with a manufacture date as far back as April of 2005. The recall needs to be expanded to all 2006 models. Driver door locks- when the door is locked, it will not unlock without a lot of playing with the fob or using key and 'getting lucky' to grab the handle at the correct time while doing so, otherwise it locks back immediately upon pulling the handle. This is a safety issue on 2 levels. …
I have an 06 Optima (06.5/ ms) 2.4 engine but the problem im having juging from Kia internet forums is spread acros meney years and models it is an intermitant engine stall it can happen at any time ive had it happen at 65mph on interstate this is followed by a series of start stall then it will run fine for a while ive had a complete wire harness check reaced several sensors and other parts nothing has cured the problem it should be recalled and repaired by Kia before some one gets hurt not after.this is a totally random happening
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 start to flash. Replaced alternator and battery, still not fixed. Seen a lot of reviews complaining about the exact some problem.
I was trapped inside the car when the drivers door would not open by activating the inside door handle, the inside door unlock lever or the remote key fob. When I used the door handle nothing happened. When I pressed the inside door unlock lever I could hear the power unlock mechanism activate but the door would not open. Nor would the door open when the remote key fob unlock was pressed even though I could hear the unlock mechanism activate. The door latch would not release and allow the door to open. I had to crawl across the front console to exit the car thru the passenger door. Due to the small size of the car this could easily have been impossible with an injury or for an elderly person. In case of a fire where the only exit was thru the drivers door this would be a fatal component failure. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Kia Optima. While driving 45 MPH, the TPMS illuminated, which indicated that the tire pressure was low. The dealer stated that there was a sensor malfunction for the driver side rear tire. They replaced the sensor; however, the failure continued. She took the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that the electrical system caused the failure. The dealer installed a new TPMS indicator, but the failure still continued. The contact took the vehicle back several times and each time the dealer would replace the sensor and/or electrical system. However, the failure continued to occur. As of November 1, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. They stated that her cell phone or radio frequencies May have caused the light to illuminate. The manufacturer inspected the vehicle and stated that the sensor caused the failure. …
A co-worker followed me home and told me my right rear brake light was out. Then my right turn signal indicator on the dash started flashing real fast. Few days later my dash lights started flashing on & off. Had a friend watch the exterior lights and he said they were flashing on & off with the dash. Said he had never seen anything like that! If my headlights are on the lights don't flash. Even though my lights come on, the brake & signal lights don't work when I apply them. I have not driven my car because of it. Every one tells me with as little mileage as I have on my car - I should not be having these type of problems. I haven't taken my car to the dealer because I don't want to get a ticket or possibly cause an accident because my light don't work! I'm single mother and can't afford to have a mechanic tear my car up to see if he can find the problem.
I brought a new 2006.5 Kia opt. At less than 3000 miles parking lights would stay on when car was off, auto lights would not turn off, dash lights would flicker. Took to dealer about 4 times and they just played with the switches and said not to worry. At about 5500 miles and a day after the first year of owner ship the car was dead and needed a tow. New battery.two later same thing, then again 4 weeks later, replaced light switch and did wiring repairs, I now have 23500 miles on the car and have had over 12 tows or jump starts. Third battery, fuse box, alternator and other repairs. In 12/2009 with 23000 miles it dies again 4 times in 3 weeks and had to be towed, another new battery. Something unknown is draining the battery and they can't find it. Am worried that car will die out when driving it or the lighting will all go out causing me to crash.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Kia Optima. The contact stated that he had to replace the headlights every six months since purchasing the vehicle new. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the dealer added an extra ground wire to the headlight assembly. However, the failure still occurred. The contact replaced the headlights again. The failure mileage was approximately 5,500. The current mileage was 65,983. Updated 8/9/10 the consumer stated the wires were too small which prevented amp flow, which caused the bulbs to burn. Updated 08/11/10
My Kia Optima 2006 has had several problems: bad oxygen sensor, an electrical short, and most recently- will not shift out of first gear. Kia says my VIN is not included in the current recall. I took the car to a Kia dealer a few weeks before the gears quit shifting, but they couldn't find a problem. I have replaced six headlights and three tail lights. This car is a lemon! Please ask Kia to extend their current recall as, obviously more cars are affected than they are reporting. Please investigate!
Tl* - the contact called regarding a 2006 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the contact's vehicle struck another vehicle at 5 MPH, and the airbags did not deploy. The road conditions were icy. The contact stated the airbag light stayed on. He took the vehicle to a Kia dealer, and was told the airbag module would need to be replaced. The current and failure mileage were 7558. The consumer stated a ground wire was replaced. Updated 03/30/07.
Electrical complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Kia Optima, 15% of the model year's 155 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Kia Optima electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Kia Optima, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Kia Optima electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.