2006 Kia Amanti problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2006 Kia Amanti sits mid-pack among Amanti years: 61 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 48, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (14), speed control (11), and electrical system (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
61
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2006 compare to other Amanti years?
What are the most common 2006 Kia Amanti problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 14 | 23% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 11 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 8 | 13% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Airbags | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SMELLED PLASTIC LIKE SMOKE INSIDE VEHICLE, ROLLED DOWN WINDOW , VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PRESSING AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT DOWN. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL STRIKING A TREE AND ROLLING OVER. *TR”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA AMANTI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN ORDER TO MAKE A TURN. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THERE WAS A LOW ENGINE POWER RESPONSE WITH HESITATION. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED NUMEROUS TIMES, AND THEN SUDDENLY AN EXCESSIVE…”
“SMELLED PLASTIC LIKE SMOKE INSIDE VEHICLE, ROLLED DOWN WINDOW , VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PRESSING AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT DOWN. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL STRIKING A TREE AND ROLLING OVER. *TR”
“WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT, CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO DEPRESSION OF GAS PEDAL FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT CATCHES UP AND TIRES SQUEAL AND THE CAR GOES FROM 5 MPH TO 30 MPH LIKE A DRAGSTER. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROX. 18 TIMES FROM SEPT. 09 TO THE PRESENT. *TR”
“TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA AMANTI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE ON A PATCH OF ICE AND THEN CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATION OF BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER LIPS, INCLUDING A BUMP ON THE HEAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF…”
2006 Kia Amanti — common questions
Is the 2006 Kia Amanti reliable?
It is close to typical for the Amanti: 61 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2006 Amanti problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (14 complaints), speed control (11 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).
Does the 2006 Kia Amanti have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 Kia Amanti.
Which Kia Amanti years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Amanti years to avoid are 2005, 2004. The cleanest record among Amanti years belongs to 2009.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.