NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 9, 2023
StructureSuspension
After hearing a popping in my front end for two days I took my car into my mechanic. He took a look at it and said he’d never seen anything like it before. My stabilizer bar had completely ripped apart from my subframe. He said the metal was as thin as a few pieces of paper and there was rust. He contacted Kia to see if there we…
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After hearing a popping in my front end for two days I took my car into my mechanic. He took a look at it and said he’d never seen anything like it before. My stabilizer bar had completely ripped apart from my subframe. He said the metal was as thin as a few pieces of paper and there was rust. He contacted Kia to see if there were any campaigns on my car and there was one for an anti corrosion coating that was not applied. I took my car to my local Kia dealership and they were not interested in helping and said they couldn’t even look at it for diagnosis for at least a month and even then didn’t know if they would cover it. I am 38 weeks pregnant and have two small children and my mechanic said it was a major safety issue to drive it as is. I contacted Kia corporate and they informed me that it would be covered but I would have to get it diagnosed at a dealership first or pay for it out of pocket. I’ve contacted every dealership within two hours of me and they have all said they can’t help or haven’t gotten back to me. Kia says they can’t be of more help because each dealership is independently owned.
NHTSA ODI #11543589
75,000 miles · Mar 6, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemStructure
TAKATA RECALL-THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING FOR PASSENGER. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DO NOT WORK FOR THE WINDOWS. AND ONE MORE THING. THE HANDLES TO OPEN THE DOORS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC AND EASILY BREAK, SO YOU CAN NO LONGER OPEN THE DOORS.
NHTSA ODI #11184614
65,000 miles · Jul 11, 2018
EngineSteeringStructure
STEERING SYSTEM HAS EXPERIENCED A THUMPING GRIND ON REVERSE TURNS WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS FULLY ENGAGED. REPAIRED MULTIPLE TIMES BY LUBING STOPS. BRAKE CALIPERS DO NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN LINE IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE CRADLE MOUNTING EXCESS CONDEN…
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STEERING SYSTEM HAS EXPERIENCED A THUMPING GRIND ON REVERSE TURNS WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS FULLY ENGAGED. REPAIRED MULTIPLE TIMES BY LUBING STOPS. BRAKE CALIPERS DO NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN LINE IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE CRADLE MOUNTING EXCESS CONDENSATION HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE CRADLE AND BROKEN APART. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11110886
50,000 miles · May 8, 2018
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA DULUTH (1701 W MICHIGAN ST #2, DULUTH, MN 55806), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA DULUTH (1701 W MICHIGAN ST #2, DULUTH, MN 55806), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #11092458
108,000 miles · Mar 2, 2016
SteeringStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE STEERING LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER THE WATER DRAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPLASH GUARDS WERE NOT KEEPING THE WATER OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE STEERING LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER THE WATER DRAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPLASH GUARDS WERE NOT KEEPING THE WATER OFF THE BELTS. THE MECHANIC FURTHER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPLASH GUARDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
NHTSA ODI #10839566
99,600 miles · Jan 5, 2015
EngineStructure
DURING AN INSPECTION OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE ON MY KIA, AN AUTO MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT MY OIL PAN HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND ENGINE OIL WAS SEEPING THROUGH THE METAL. THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR FOR A REPLACEMENT IS APPROXIMATELY $250. THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE AUTO REPAIR GARAGE STATED THAT IN HIS EXPERIENCE THIS WAS NOT AN UNCO…
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DURING AN INSPECTION OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE ON MY KIA, AN AUTO MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT MY OIL PAN HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND ENGINE OIL WAS SEEPING THROUGH THE METAL. THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR FOR A REPLACEMENT IS APPROXIMATELY $250. THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE AUTO REPAIR GARAGE STATED THAT IN HIS EXPERIENCE THIS WAS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH SOME KIA AND HYUNDAI MODELS. IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THAT IS, THE METAL USED TO MANUFACTURE A CRITICAL PART ON THE ENGINE (MINE IS 2.4 LITER/4 CYLINDER) IS DEFECTIVE EITHER IN COMPOSITION OR GAUGE. I'VE OWNED VEHICLES FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND, PRIOR TO THIS, I'VE NEVER HEARD OF AN OIL PAN RUSTING THROUGH. AS BACKGROUND, I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. I'M RETIRED AND I DO NOT DRIVE REGULARLY (NO COMMUTE). ALTHOUGH I LIVE IN MAINE WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED LIBERALLY ON ROADS, I HAVE AVOIDED DRIVING IN WINTER STORMS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10670090
61,000 miles · Oct 18, 2014
Structure
BOTH REAR DOOR HANDLES PART BROKE AND HAD NO WAY OF GETTING IN OR OUT. IT'S THE PART INSIDE THE DOOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10648539
95,423 miles · Jul 13, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
KIA; THERE IS A STRONG CONCERN ABOUT THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE INSIDE THE DOORS THAT IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND I THINK COULD BE CHANGED TO A PULL SYSTEM TO OPEN THE DOORS, I HAVE 2 OF THEM THAT HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE LAST JULY 2012 AND I HAD ONE THAT THE CHILD LOCK WAS ON AND YOU COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM EITHER SIDE AND IF THE PERS…
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KIA; THERE IS A STRONG CONCERN ABOUT THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE INSIDE THE DOORS THAT IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND I THINK COULD BE CHANGED TO A PULL SYSTEM TO OPEN THE DOORS, I HAVE 2 OF THEM THAT HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE LAST JULY 2012 AND I HAD ONE THAT THE CHILD LOCK WAS ON AND YOU COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM EITHER SIDE AND IF THE PERSON HAD TO GET OUT BECAUSE OF A FIRE OR FLOODING YOU COULD NOT GET OUT. I NOW HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW TO OPEN THE DOOR OR REACH THROUGH THE FRONT DOORS TO OPEN THEM. I THINK THE HEAT IS THE PROBLEM WHEN THE SUN BAKES THE CAR DOOR AND IF SOME ONE TRIES TO OPEN THE LOCKED DOOR IT TWISTS THE RELEASE INSIDE THE DOOR AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH OF THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS. THEY ARE STILL NOT FIXED BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A BOOK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY DON'T SELL THEM AND CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE IT IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10610149
33,122 miles · May 5, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesStructureCrashInjury
HUSBAND DRIVING , CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY, HE HIT BRAKES , BRAKES FAILED, AND REAR ENDED CAR IN FRONT, WHO THEN HIT CAR IN FRONT, WHO THEN HIT CAR IN FRONT. 1 OR 2 PEOPLE INJURED AND WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL. WE ARE SORE, BUT WILL SURVIVE. WAS RECALL ON PART THAT WAS REPLACED ,FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN SEPT. 2…
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
NHTSA ODI #10586635
32,000 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Structure
THE CAR VIBRATES AND MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN ROLLING DOWN ANY OF THE REAR WINDOWS. *TR ,
NHTSA ODI #10250242
Official recalls
3Apr 1, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Jan 17, 2012
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Sep 11, 2008
KIA IS RECALLING 6,680 MY 2008-2009 RONDO LX AND EX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.4 LITER ENGINE. THE FUEL PUMP MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN NOT ENOUGH FUEL GETTING TO THE ENGINE. POOR ENGINE STARTING, ENGINE HESITATION, AND OTHER IMPAIRMENT MAY RESULT, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNUSUALLY SEVERE IMPAIRMENT WHILE DRIVING COULD EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUB-ASSEMBLY WITH AN IMPROVED PART. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
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) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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