Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) and associated the recall with the failure. The contact contacted an unknown dealer and was awaiting a call back. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
My 2006 Kia Sorento has had a few problems that I fear May be very dangerous. A few months ago I was driving on highway and it felt like it was speeding up on its own. As I got off the highway on an s curve the car completely died. The battery and check engine light came on. It started back up and I got to work. The next morning on the way to work it died again at the same spot on the off ramp. I had to have it towed and missed a day of work because of it. I brought it into the shop and mechanic said the alternator belt was loose and he fixed it. However its happened since numerous times when I turn the car off and try to start it again the car wont start at all for 20 minutes to a couple hours. Now recently it will shut off as I'm driving and steering wheel is very hard to turn. It is getting more and more frequent and is effecting work. …
I purchased this vehicle used from a local dealership back in 2013.it had 53000 miles on it I bought the extended warranty and have been unable to use it due to when the issues developed. Within three months I had to replace the passenger side then driver side low beam lights and the front and rear tail lights. This has occurred while driving. I had to do this about once a year. I recently June 2016 changed the passenger side bulb low beam again. Now I have noticed I have no tag lights. I ordered replacement bulbs from the dealership and had them installed and they still do not work. Yet no fuses are blown and there is no smell of burning wires or melted wires anywhere.
Since the day I purchased this vehicle I have had to replace the headlights or tail lights almost every other month. I believe there is something wrong with the electrical system. Lately the lights and the fan will not shut off on the car. I had to pull out the battery just to get it to go off. The ac and heater switch back and forth constantly. One day you can only use the heater then the next week you can only use the ac. I have replace switches over and over and it only temporarily fixes these problems. Gas mileage is absolutely terrible.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the low beam headlights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where it was diagnosed that an electrical shortage was causing the low beams to fail prematurely. The low beam bulbs were replaced numerous times, but the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the headlights overheated and failed. The contact stated that the bulbs would have to be replaced every three to six months. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or a local mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 03/24/11
Since purchasing my Sorento in 2008 my husband has had to change headlights and\or break lights at least once a month sometimes more. On two occasions I was driving in the dark when I've lost both headlights and had to use the high beams. So in 7 years we have replaced approximately 84 headlights and/or breaklights.
This 2006 Kia Sorento was purchased new (only owner) and has had numerous problems with the interior and exterior electrical system as follows: 1. The power control to both side mirrors no longer functions. 2. The electric door locks will suddenly lock on their own just by opening and closing a door. 3. The front and rear window washers no longer work (safety hazard); dealer wants to charge over $500 to fix without even saying what is exactly wrong. 4. Brake lights and headlights burn out or short out far too often, creating severe safety hazards. I have never had to replace lights on a vehicle so often, and I have owned at least 12 different vehicles in my life. 5. Seat belt straps no longer retract properly and places a lot of tension on your lap/waist when used. There have been thousands of complaints on this very same model for the same reasons. …
2006 Kia Sorento complaint: engine , steering, electrical system , exterior lighting ,throttle position sensor I am changing the head lights every 4-5 month and I think it needs to be looked at. Was driving 35 MPH when the engine light and brake light came on with no warning. And just last week 2/2/2014 the engine stopped and I had no power steering and also no brakes. I was able to coast to a side road and barely got the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was taken to an mechanic, who diagnosed and had to replace a throttle position sensor and a mass air flow meter and air filter and the harmonic balancer. This is crazy these problems and requires extensive and expensive repair to the engine. This indicates to us a manufacturer's design flaw and probable safety issue that should be addressed by Kia worldwide. …
2006 Sorento ex was bought in 2009, with 56,000 miles. Currently has 103,000 miles and is a constant electrical battle. Have replaced numerous headlights and tail lights. The interior dome light only works when manually switched "on," and the "A/C" setting control dial only lights up after you fiddle with it. The driver's seat motor has partially died so that the seat reclines back but will not go straight up again. The front two window motors seem to be on their last legs. The front passenger door lock actuator mechanism died last year and would make an awful, loud buzzing sound whenever the door lock button would be pressed. The interior dash lights are starting to intermittently go out. It's quite scary to be driving along at night and everything on the panel goes black. Have replaced battery once since buying it when it died with absolutely no warning.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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…
Remedy: 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.
Headlight complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2006 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the lights of the 2006 Kia Sorento, 23% of the model year's 242 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Kia Sorento headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-130 (switch, Apr 17, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Kia Sorento headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.