Problem: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Air bags › Frontal
NHTSA recall 12V014000 · Jan 17, 2012 · 145,755 vehicles
Problem: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
Risk: IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Problem: 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 ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Risk: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2007 Kia Rondo 4-DR. w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Rondo
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Rondo
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
Electrical system Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Wiring
12
1
0
0
28,950 mi
Seat belts
9
2
0
4
54,178 mi
Vehicle speed control Cruise control
9
1
0
0
89,250 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
8
0
1
0
98,074 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
7
1
0
0
9,742 mi
Structure Body
7
2
0
0
78,697 mi
Suspension
6
0
1
0
68,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Sep 15, 2022 · 140,000 milesAir bags The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the traction control warning light and driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact became aware of Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number: SC094 (Clock Spring Assembly Replacement). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was a Canadian VIN. The contact was referred to Kia Canada for recall information. The contact then contacted Kia Canada who informed her that the vehicle was previously serviced under the independent recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Sep 19, 2022Service brakes NHTSA ID Number: 11476858 Brake lights will not go off.I found white Plastic nylon washer broke into many pieces in floor board mat. It is the Brake pedal pad stop washer. After researching, This is a common issue with these vehicles. This defective component has a high probabilty of causing rear end collisions due to the Brake lights staying on. NHTSA should do a safety recall on these vehicles.
Jul 25, 2022Exterior lighting › Brake lights The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake lights remained illuminated at all time. Additionally, the brake lights also remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The fuse was removed to turn the brake lights off. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Jun 3, 2021Engine What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2.4L Theta engine has developed a knocking sound at 155,600 miles. Oil consumption is excessive. Currently vehicle has Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W20 oil. It has been approximately 5600 miles since last oil and filter change, and vehicle was 2 qts low. Knocking sound is consistent with what others have reported with the later 2.4L Theta II engine. Symptom is consistent with spun rod bearing. It is currently available for inspection, pending me selling the car. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car is a serious risk of stalling. Has previously stalled before. Has the…
Apr 8, 2021Structure › Body THE A/C LINE DRAINES ONTO THE FRONT SUBFRAME. DOING THIS I BELIEVE HAS CAUSED IT TO RUST OVER THE YEARS. NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE ENGINE OR FRONT CONTROL WILL BRING THE CAR TO A HALT. IT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT
Oct 25, 2019 · 113,000 milesElectrical system IN THE MORNING I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AND THE SPRINKLERS OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WHERE ON AS USUAL, WHICH MADE PUDDLES OF WATER ON THE STREET. I WENT THROUGH ONE AND I LOST ALL STEERING POWER. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SQUICK REALLY LOUDLY AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME AN IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE A/C STOP BLOWING COLD AIR, I PROVIDED TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING IT AND THEN IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL AGAIN. I STARTED MOVING AND WENT THROUGH ANOTHER PUDDLE AND EVERY THING I MENTIONED ABOVE HAPPENED AGAIN. ANY TIME THAT THE FLOOR IS WET I CANNOT USE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I LOOS TOTAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING.
Aug 6, 2019 · 94,000 milesService brakes TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN THE RAIN AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION; HOWEVER, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ECM WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Aug 25, 2018 · 100,000 miles · fireEngine MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE ...THE FIRE WAS STARTED NEAR OR AROUND THE FUEL RAIL/ OR INJECTORS. I RESEARCHED KIA RECALLS AND OTHER YEARS AND OTHER MODELS OF KIA'S WERE PART OF A SIMILAR RISK. I FEEL THAT THIS WAS A HUGE SAFETY RISK....LUCKILY MY CAR ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE VERY CLOSE TO MY HOME, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN MY DRIVEWAY AND CALL THE FIRE DEPT. I WAS INJURED IN THIS EVENT....BUT THE BURN WAS MINOR. I AM MOST CONCERNED WITH KIA ACKNOWLEDGING THE HUGE SAFETY RISK....AND THE LOSS THAT I AND OTHERS COULD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE. MY VEHICLE WAS IN GREAT SHAPE BEFORE THIS ENGINE FIRE.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
DP22003 · opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023Loss of Motive Power 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 back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003)…
