What Kia Rondo owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Kia Rondo safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2010 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Kia Rondo complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
FIRST PROBLEM, WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION THE ECS LIGHT TURNS ON AND WHEN WHILE DRIVING MY KIA RONDO FEELS UNSTABLE LIKE I AM GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STIRRING WHEEL. SECOND PROBLEM, WHEN EVER IT RAINS MY KIA WILL STALL WHILE IN MOTION, LOOSE POWER, ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF ANY STREETS, HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS AND THE STEERING WHEEL GET SO HARD TO TURN THE CAR TO A SAFETY PLACE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS, THE BATTERY, ESC, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THE STEERING LOST POWER. ALSO, THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,900.
LOCKS WORK VERY SPORADICALLY WITH BOTH THE REMOTE AND LOCK BUTTON IN THE CAR. IT AFFECTS ALL DOORS EXCEPT THE TAILGATE. DRIVER WINDOW ALSO HAS DIFFICULTY GOING DOWN SPORADICALLY.
DURING RAIN, I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY UP TO A STOP LIGHT. THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER, A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND THEN THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP FOR A FEW SECONDS. I REGAINED THE ABILITY TO TURN THE CAR, PULLED IT OFF THE ROAD AND THE SCREECHING CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO. IT STOPPED WHEN I PARKED MY CAR. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AFTER I HAD IT TOWED.
BRAKING WITHOUT TOUCHING PEDAL MESSAGE: MON 6/5/17 AS WE WERE DRIVING IT FELT LIKE THE RONDO APPLIED THE BRAKES WITHOUT US TOUCHING THE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL.AFTER A FEW HOURS IT STOPPED.TODAY FRI 06/09 IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF FOR 15 MINS IT WAS NORMAL
WE CANNOT MOVE THE SHIFTER FROM PARK TO DRIVE. AND WE HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS ! THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: SC098UN THE RECALL # 13V114000 RECALL CAMPAIGN # SC098 THEY SAYS ITS A STOP LAMP SWITCH ?
I HAVE A 2011 KIA RONDO (148,000 KMS). FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS, WHEN DRIVING ON WET ROADS, I LOSE CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING - IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON DURING THIS PERIOD FOR BETWEEN 5-30 SECONDS AS YOU LOOSE ALMOST ALL CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE'S STEERING. JUST AS YOUR VEHICLE GAINS POWER STEERING AGAIN, A SCREECHING SOUNDS COMES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (MAYBE BELTS RE-ENGAGING). IT HAS BEEN RAINING HERE THE PAST WEEK AND THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES. SOMETIMES DIRECTLY AFTER DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES, AND SOMETIMES JUST WHILE DRIVING. THE ISSUE ONLY OCCURS THOUGH WHEN THE ROADS ARE WET. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!!! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,312.
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL
PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November 29, 2014, some Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through November 29, 2014, some Rondo (UN) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through July 30, 2010, and some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through June 17, 2014. The subject vehicles originally sold or currently regist
OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC135) - DEAR KIA OWNER, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN / WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM REGARDING THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Q AND A (SC135/WTY009) - EVAPORATIVE CANISTER VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN / WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM
DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC135) - ATTENTION: ALL DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN / WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM TO INSPECT THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER. KIA HAS DETERMINED THAT THE FOLLOWING KIA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, MAY EXHIBIT AN EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAK DUE TO PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT
DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC135) - ATTENTION: ALL DEALER PRINCIPALS, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN / WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM TO INSPECT THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER. KIA HAS DETERMINED THAT THE FOLLOWING KIA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, MAY EXHIBIT AN EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAK DUE TO PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT
TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO INSPECT AND/OR REPLACE THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER ASSEMBLY ON SOME OPTIMA (TF) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 THROUGH NOVEMBER 29, 2014, SOME OPTIMA HYBRID (TF HEV) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2011 THROUGH NOVEMBER 29, 2014, SOME RONDO (UN) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM APRIL 1, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010, AND SOME SEDONA (VQ) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM APRIL 1, 2009 THROUGH JUNE 17, 2014. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGIST
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2011, owners most often name: electrical system, service brakes, steering. 11 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
