Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I was driving headed to get on the hi-way, heard a noise and a whine and then my car began to run bad. Shaking and like no power steering or something. As I was trying to stop and pull over there was a rattling sound. I am being told 2 things. But they all come down to a bolt that is said to have come loose and cause damage to the camshaft and harmonic balancer. Which I have seen several complaints about and your company is not owning this issue or assisting to have the issue repaired or recalled and research shows you are well aware of the issue, as there was a class action suit that you settled on in 2017. However, I did not purchase my car or have issues with the bolt until after then. What are the options for ppl who are now experiencing this? I have checked with the previous owner and the vehicle was not repaired for this problem and they have no record of being a part of the suit. …
On 11/23/15 I was driving down 85s when I hit something in the road. Had to pull over cause it sounded like the bottom of my car fell out. After waiting 2hrs for help we nticed that the driveshaft (2part shaft) broke off, punctured my gas tank, my cable that runs to my transmission and put a good size hole in the bottom of my back seat. The shop told me that this a reoccuring problem with this type of vehicle. After looking more closely we noticed a lot more damage that was caused by this. My car is still at the shop as of today since we are waiting on insurance. But, this car has given me more trouble than anything in my life! I will never get a Kia again! And the biggest problem is Kia won't do anything about this! …
I was turning at a stop light when I loss power steering and nearly crashed.I was able to get it pulled over.I raised the hood and saw the crankshaft pulley lying on the the bottom skid plate.I looked on the internet only to find there are probably thousands of similar cases worldwide.I called Kia .they basically blew me off!
Overheated on highway wouldnt run nevember 2015 12/23/2015 $3,687.71 engine replacement 03/30/2016-05/23/2016 jeff smith auto multi pt. Inspection replace coils wires plugs timing crank and cam sensors clean tank and replace fuel pump $2,995 and car still had to be towed to the location it sits at now
While driving the vehicle home after buying it, the clutch pedal began sticking after it was depressed and not engaging, leaving the vehicle unpowered. I tried tapping the pedal in order to release it- sometimes this worked, sometimes not.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento and stated the propeller shaft for the four wheel drive continued to fail on the vehicle. The dealer replaced the front drive shaft and road tested the vehicle. Within the next month, the vehicle was taken back to the shop for the same failure. The front drive shaft was replaced a second time to no avail. The failure persisted an additional two times within four months. While driving, the check engine light illuminated on the warning panel and he could smell burning oil coming from the vehicle. The dealer replaced the front drive shaft again. To date, the vehicle was making a very loud noise, when turning right, the steering wheel would become very hard and a loud noise was coming from the steering wheel. No repairs have been made to date to correct the actual failure. The failure mileage was 92,348 and the current was 99,583. Updated 02/02/10 . …
Driving on the highway 230 miles from home, 150 miles from my destination brake light and battery light came on. Pulled off road loss of steering power. Opened hood and found belts off. Towed to nearest town in the middle of nowhere and mechanic diagnosed the crankshaft (harmonic balancer) bolt had sheered off and broken piece still in crankshaft. Towed to nearest Kia dealership 150 miles away and was told possible crankshaft/engine damage. Could not do further diagnosis due to weekend (Saturday) and will need to stay in town until car is repaired (no other transportation). No loaner car offered. This is a dangerous common occurrence with Kia Sorento owners that the company seems to know about but does not want to address or cover cost of repairs. Recall on bolt for 2003 models does not cover later models but dangerous situation still exists with those later models. …
While driving in busy city traffic, heard a loud clunky noise, loss of power steering capabilities immediately along with brake and battery lights appearing on dash. Vehicle taken to local dealership service department where it was found that "crank bolt broken off the crankshaft, removed crank bolt with easy out, replaced damaged crank sprocket, damper pulley, and crank bolt." now ten (10) months later and 7000 miles (approximately) we have the same issue identical to the original. Am currently waiting for resolution from dealership where the vehicle was purchased and serviced. It is currently there waiting repair or replacement. Seems this is an issue that is not fixed by simply repairing or replacing the crank bolt as it has happened twice with my vehicle, leading me to believe that there is a stressor elsewhere! More than likely a manufacturers defect of the engine block somewhere.
Just driving down the road in the neighborhood. Made a turn on to a street and heard a loud noise and engine cut off and power steering had quit working. If I was going fast would have been a wreck. I got it stopped and had to have it towed home. My husband looked under hood and a belt was loose and the crankshaft bolt was laying there broke off.called Kia and they said it is not under warranty for that. I have 92,500 on my SUV and the powertrain is for 100,000 miles but they say a bolt is not covered. I have read online - this has happened to several people. Now hundreds of dollars to have it fixed. Should be a recall before someone gets killed... Also they should recall about the head and tail lights - they have to have a bulb replaced at least once a month and the interior light does not work. Has been this way since I bought the vehicle.
The crankshaft pulley bolt sheared off on my 2006 Kia Sorento at 70,000 miles. This caused extensive damage the harmonic balancer which caused my belt to fall off its track. Kia has previously issued a recall on older models for this exact same part due to a manufacture defect. This is a major safety issue since this has also caused the steering to lock and drivers can loose control. Their are numerous complaints similar to this issue on the same year, make, and model. I am currently in the process of complaining to Kia & the bbb regarding the repair since they don't feel responsible. The repair would consist of a new engine according to the dealership who hasn't been able to determine or explain the cause. It is imperative that this defect be investigated since it seems to be a common issue for several Kia models and years.
Transmission complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Kia Sorento, 14% of the model year's 242 complaints. The component named most often is clutch assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Kia Sorento transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Kia Sorento, though it has 1 recall 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 Sorento transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
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.