NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
9 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 1, 2023
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes
I had to replace the tires on this car several times in 3 years. They alarm had a glitch that the car would not start and you had to take it specifically to a Kia dealer to have they alarm reprogrammed. Even upon repairs to your local mechanic. Costing them more money and me more money because they could not get in the car by pa…
Read full complaint
I had to replace the tires on this car several times in 3 years. They alarm had a glitch that the car would not start and you had to take it specifically to a Kia dealer to have they alarm reprogrammed. Even upon repairs to your local mechanic. Costing them more money and me more money because they could not get in the car by pass they alarm without using kia first to reprogram it. The brakes locked up. The lights woukd go off for airbag and stay on. The anti lick brake light would stay on .. Very dangerous. I had to spend more money to because of they alarm. Even just replacing the battery in the alarm remote cost more money for the remote and the programming of the remote . You could not just replace the battery. The tires and brakes gave me several issues in 3 years To the tube of close 3000. And that's being fair.
NHTSA ODI #11499666
130,000 miles · Feb 19, 2020
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension
WHEN IT IS RAINING OR AFTER RAIN IF THERE ARE STILL PUDDLES IN THE ROAD, WHEN THE CAR GOES THROUGH ANY PUDDLES THE STEERING LOCKS UP FOR AT LEAST 45 SECONDS. I HAD MY DAUGHTER LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE AND THIS HAPPENED TO HER. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PUTTING MY CHILD AT RISK LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY WITH THE PRICE OF THIS CA…
Read full complaint
WHEN IT IS RAINING OR AFTER RAIN IF THERE ARE STILL PUDDLES IN THE ROAD, WHEN THE CAR GOES THROUGH ANY PUDDLES THE STEERING LOCKS UP FOR AT LEAST 45 SECONDS. I HAD MY DAUGHTER LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE AND THIS HAPPENED TO HER. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PUTTING MY CHILD AT RISK LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY WITH THE PRICE OF THIS CAR. I'VE HAD THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED AND IT STILL DOES THIS. MY ESC LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I GOT THE CAR. SO ANY TIME I HIT THE SMALLEST BUMP OR WHEN TRYING TO STOP ON A BUMPY ROAD OR ON SNOW OR ICE, THE CAR LOCKS UP. THE BRAKES GO OUT AND ITS LIKE EVERYTHING IN THE CAR LOCKS UP FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT IS TERRIFYING ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO STOP AT A LIGHT. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE EXPERIENCED SO MANY ISSUES IN A VEHICLE BEFORE OWNING A KIA RONDO. I HAVE HAD THE WHOLE FRONT END SUSPENSION REPLACED, NEW TIRES AND RIMS AND A MONTH LATER THE CAR IS WOBBLING AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11310060
90,000 miles · Dec 10, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainService Brakes
THE ESC LIGHT WENT TO ESC OFF STATUS. TRIED TO REPAIR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BRAKE LIGHT PLUNGER STOPPER WAS BROKEN. CANNOT FIND REPLACEMENT STOPPER OF THIS TYPE. APPEARS THIS IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY THAN ORIGINAL RONDO LX 2009. THERE WAS DEFINITELY A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE AND WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. NEED ASSIS…
Read full complaint
THE ESC LIGHT WENT TO ESC OFF STATUS. TRIED TO REPAIR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BRAKE LIGHT PLUNGER STOPPER WAS BROKEN. CANNOT FIND REPLACEMENT STOPPER OF THIS TYPE. APPEARS THIS IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY THAN ORIGINAL RONDO LX 2009. THERE WAS DEFINITELY A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE AND WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. NEED ASSISTANCE IN MAKING SAFETY ISSUE CORRECTED. PARK POSITION CAN ALSO SLIP OUT WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. BRAKE LIGHTS CAN STICK ON. NEED ASSISTANCE ASAP FROM KIA.
NHTSA ODI #11288174
60,947 miles · Oct 26, 2019
Service BrakesSteering
TWICE IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS, WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, BOTH THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL, NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED. THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. AFTER 5-10 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES WOULD WORK AGAIN. THE WORST INCIDENT OCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTIN…
Read full complaint
TWICE IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS, WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, BOTH THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL, NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED. THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. AFTER 5-10 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES WOULD WORK AGAIN. THE WORST INCIDENT OCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN IN A BUSY INTERSECTION; THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT. THE OTHER INCIDENT WAS IN A SCHOOL CROSSING ZONE, WHILE CHILDREN WERE WALKING OR BICYCLING TO SCHOOL. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #11271169
65,000 miles · Oct 1, 2017
Service BrakesSteering
ANY TIME THERE IS WATER ON THE ROAD MY CAR LOSES STEERING AND BRAKING CAPABILITIES. DOESN'T MATER IF IT IS A SMALL PUDDLE OR A LARGE ONE. INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS COME ON AND A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE HAPPENS. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE LOOKED AT AND THEY SAID THE SHIELD IS IN PLACE AND THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN…
Read full complaint
ANY TIME THERE IS WATER ON THE ROAD MY CAR LOSES STEERING AND BRAKING CAPABILITIES. DOESN'T MATER IF IT IS A SMALL PUDDLE OR A LARGE ONE. INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS COME ON AND A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE HAPPENS. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE LOOKED AT AND THEY SAID THE SHIELD IS IN PLACE AND THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2010 AND IT STARTED DOING THIS IN 2013.
NHTSA ODI #11030756
125,000 miles · Jan 9, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
COMPLAINT: I'VE HAD MY CAR A LITTLE UNDER 2 YEARS, AND I CONTINUOUSLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AND STEERING. I'VE GOTTEN MY BRAKES FIXED AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES SINCE I HAD THE VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT DRIVE OR BRAKE CORRECTLY WHEN COLD BUT MOSTLY WHEN IT'S RAINING OR WET OUTSIDE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I'M AFRAI…
Read full complaint
COMPLAINT: I'VE HAD MY CAR A LITTLE UNDER 2 YEARS, AND I CONTINUOUSLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AND STEERING. I'VE GOTTEN MY BRAKES FIXED AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES SINCE I HAD THE VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT DRIVE OR BRAKE CORRECTLY WHEN COLD BUT MOSTLY WHEN IT'S RAINING OR WET OUTSIDE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I'M AFRAID OF MY OWN VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING IN RAIN, PUDDLES, ETC. BECAUSE IT DOESN'T STOP WITH URGENCY OR STAY IN CONTROL WHEN I GO OVER EVEN SMALL PUDDLES. ( I DON'T HAVE AN EXACT DATE, I JUST KNOW IT'S HAPPENED MULTIPLEEEE TIMES WHILE DRIVING) *TR
NHTSA ODI #10943996
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2015
Air BagsService Brakes
WHEN I BRAKE THE CAR IN THE HIGH SPEED(MAYBE 40 MILES AND MORE IN HIGHWAY), THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING, AND I NEED TO HANDLE IT VERY HARD. AND THIS SITUATION IS MORE SERIOUS IN HIGHWAY. AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WHEN I AM DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10816369
92,000 miles · Jun 21, 2014
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering
2009 KIA RONDO HAS POWER STEERING AND ALTERNATOR FAILURE DURING RAIN STORMS. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOSES POWER STEERING, THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD, AND CAR SOMETIMES SHUTS OFF. THE CAR WILL RESTART, BUT MAKES A HIGH-PITCHED SCREECHING NOISE TEMPORARILY. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOSTLY WHEN THE CAR IS TURNIN…
Read full complaint
2009 KIA RONDO HAS POWER STEERING AND ALTERNATOR FAILURE DURING RAIN STORMS. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOSES POWER STEERING, THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD, AND CAR SOMETIMES SHUTS OFF. THE CAR WILL RESTART, BUT MAKES A HIGH-PITCHED SCREECHING NOISE TEMPORARILY. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOSTLY WHEN THE CAR IS TURNING. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT YET, BUT IT WORRIES ME TO DRIVE IT IN THE RAIN (IT EVEN DOES IT SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE). I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON DIFFERENT FORUMS, INCLUDING KIA.COM FORUMS. A COUPLE LINKS ARE LISTED BELOW: WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2009/KIA/RONDO/ HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/KIA-CARENS-RONDO-FORUM/82332-POWER-STEERING-FAILURE-WET-CONDITIONS-KIA.HTML IT IS SURPRISING THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL OF ANY TYPE ON THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10604973
120,000 miles · May 29, 2014
Service BrakesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH DURING INCLEMENT CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF TH…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH DURING INCLEMENT CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10594789
Official recalls
2Apr 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.
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.