NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
97 reports130,000 miles · Dec 28, 2014
Air BagsExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PREMIERE KIA OF KENNER, AND ALSO CONTACTED KCA/IRVINE 7:40AM CALL; ISSUE CAR SPUTTERS WHEN GAS PEDAL APPLIED; CAR DOES NOT START AFTER FUELING, REQUIRES MULTIPLE STARTS; CAR STALLED TWICE ON HWY NOV. 20, 2014 ISSUES BEGAN. KIA DEALER REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED SERVICE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL # 08V459000 RECA…
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VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PREMIERE KIA OF KENNER, AND ALSO CONTACTED KCA/IRVINE 7:40AM CALL; ISSUE CAR SPUTTERS WHEN GAS PEDAL APPLIED; CAR DOES NOT START AFTER FUELING, REQUIRES MULTIPLE STARTS; CAR STALLED TWICE ON HWY NOV. 20, 2014 ISSUES BEGAN. KIA DEALER REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED SERVICE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL # 08V459000 RECALL DATE SEPT. 17, 2008, SUBSEQUENTLY CONTACTED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS IN IRVINE, CA. CALL CENTER THE PHONE CALL OUTCOME CSR STATED WOULD CONTACT THE LOCAL DISTRICT MANAGER FOR APPROVAL OF RECALL WOULD EXPEDITE PROCESS, CSR STATED WOULD CONTACT LOCAL DM WITHIN TWO HOURS AND GET BACK; RECEIVED DENIAL LETTER IN MAIL. RECALLS SHOWS 6,680 ?POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED FOR THIS RECALL 08V459000 FUEL PUMP SUB ASSEMBLY, WHEREAS CAMPAIGN RECALL # 12V014000 SHOWS 145,755 UNITS AFFECTED FOR ?AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY? AND RECALL # 13V114000 SHOWS 623,658 UNITS AFFECTED FOR ?STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY.? ON THE SURFACE SEEMS KIA IS ONLY INCLUDING FULL RECALLS FOR VEHICLES ONLY IF IT POSES THE LEAST FINANCIAL HARM TO THE CORPORATE COMPANY PROFIT AS SHOWN IN THE NUMBER OF RECALLS OF ?EASY TO FIX? ISSUES BUT THOSE SUCH AS THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF ISSUED RECALLS REPRESENTING A NEGLIGIBLE AMOUNT OF TOTAL VEHICLES. IS KIA SACRIFICING SAFETY FOR PROFIT WITH THESE CORPORATE DECISIONS? KIA HAS DENIED A RECALL OF THE SAME ISSUES THAT MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING AS STATED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN: ?THE FUEL PUMP MAY NOT SUPPLY ENOUGH FUEL TO THE ENGINE, CAUSING HARD STARTING, ENGINE HESITATION, OR OTHER POTENTIAL IMPAIRMENT. UNUSUALLY SEVERE HESITATION OR OTHER IMPAIRMENT COULD EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO THE RISK OF A CRASH. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUB-ASSEMBLY WITH AN UPDATED PART.? KIA HAS NEGLECTED TO RESOLVE FAULTY ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE KIA TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION BY REPAIRING THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668584
100,000 miles · Dec 24, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD, THE EYE, AND THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD, THE EYE, AND THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V014000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10668112
150,000 miles · Dec 7, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
AFTER SMELLING A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN OUR GARAGE, WE TOOK OUR KIA RONDO TO FIRESTONE TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THEY FOUND THAT A SEAM ON THE GAS TANK HAD SEPARATED AND THERE WAS RUST IN THE AREA THAT THEY BELIEVED WAS CAUSED BY ROAD SALT APPLIED TO OUR ROADS DURING THE WINTERS WE HAVE HAD THE CAR (ST. LOUIS). WE TOOK THE …
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AFTER SMELLING A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN OUR GARAGE, WE TOOK OUR KIA RONDO TO FIRESTONE TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THEY FOUND THAT A SEAM ON THE GAS TANK HAD SEPARATED AND THERE WAS RUST IN THE AREA THAT THEY BELIEVED WAS CAUSED BY ROAD SALT APPLIED TO OUR ROADS DURING THE WINTERS WE HAVE HAD THE CAR (ST. LOUIS). WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE GAS TANK, WHICH IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. THIS GAS TANK IS METAL AND IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED ON ALL 2008 KIA RONDOS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10662647
105,000 miles · Nov 25, 2014
Electrical System
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, OUR KIA RONDO HAS EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT AFFECTS OUR POWER STEERING AND OUR DASHBOARD LIGHTS. THESE HAVE ALL OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS. WE DROVE THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE IN THE ROAD AND OUR POWER STEERING FAILED. AT THE SAME TIME OUR SEATBELT LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND OUR BRAKE LI…
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ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, OUR KIA RONDO HAS EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT AFFECTS OUR POWER STEERING AND OUR DASHBOARD LIGHTS. THESE HAVE ALL OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS. WE DROVE THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE IN THE ROAD AND OUR POWER STEERING FAILED. AT THE SAME TIME OUR SEATBELT LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND OUR BRAKE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON. WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND EVERYTHING BEGAN WORKING AGAIN IN ABOUT ONE MINUTE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10660821
64,328 miles · Nov 16, 2014
Wheels
DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY AND A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE LEFT WHEEL. SLOW DOWN NOISE LOWER BUT NOT HAS STOP. REPAIR MAN SAYS I NEED WHEEL BEARINGS. I WONDER IF THERE WERE A RECALL FOR THE WHEEL BEARINGS THAT I DON'T KNOW ABOUT . HAS THERE BE AN A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED ON THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM? I WAS ALSO TOLD MY BRAKES WEAR …
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DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY AND A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE LEFT WHEEL. SLOW DOWN NOISE LOWER BUT NOT HAS STOP. REPAIR MAN SAYS I NEED WHEEL BEARINGS. I WONDER IF THERE WERE A RECALL FOR THE WHEEL BEARINGS THAT I DON'T KNOW ABOUT . HAS THERE BE AN A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED ON THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM? I WAS ALSO TOLD MY BRAKES WEAR UNEVENLY SO A GET A SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10655291
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
111,000 miles · Aug 4, 2014
Suspension
LAST WEEK WENT IN TO GET NEW TIRES AND MECHANIC BROUGHT TO ME 2 LARGE PIECES OF BOTH MY FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THEY HAD BROKEN OFF BUT LUCKILY NOT IN A WAY THAT WOULD PUNCTURE THE TIRES. BOTH SHOWED RUST ON THE END OF THE SPRINGS WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE METAL. THEY WILL COST ME $500.00+ TO REPLACE. THIS WE…
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LAST WEEK WENT IN TO GET NEW TIRES AND MECHANIC BROUGHT TO ME 2 LARGE PIECES OF BOTH MY FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THEY HAD BROKEN OFF BUT LUCKILY NOT IN A WAY THAT WOULD PUNCTURE THE TIRES. BOTH SHOWED RUST ON THE END OF THE SPRINGS WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE METAL. THEY WILL COST ME $500.00+ TO REPLACE. THIS WEEKEND HYUNDAI, ALSO MADE IN SOUTH KOREA, ANNOUNCED A RECALL OF THEIR VEHICLES DUE TO FAULTY FRONT COIL SPRINGS, ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER STATES, WHICH WE ARE. . I HAVE TRIED TO RESEARCH WHETHER KIA USED THE SAME SPRINGS BUT CANNOT FIND THAT INFO ONLINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10618715
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
42,000 miles · Apr 24, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT TWO NEW DOOR LATCHES MUST BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT TWO NEW DOOR LATCHES MUST BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
NHTSA ODI #10584683
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.