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.
2009 Kia Rondo
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Kia Rondo do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 72.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Rondo years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
55 reports with mileage · 17 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
72 reportsLOST POWER STEERING AFTER GOING THROUGH A PUDDLE TODAY DURING A RAINSTORM. I WAS GOING ABOUT 25MPH WHEN I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE ATTEMPT TO TURN RIGHT ONTO A CURVED RIGHT UPHILL. IT LASTED A FEW SECONDS A CHARGER LIGHT WENT ON BUT THAT ALSO LASTED A FEW SECONDS.
THE ENGINE FAN KEEPS RUNNING WHEN THE CAR IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN, IT DRAINS THE BATTERY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 1/15/16 *CN
THIS 2009 KIA RONDO HAS HAD THREE AIR BAG RELATED PROBLEMS. 1.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS REPLACED AT $1700 BECAUSE A SENSOR CAUSED THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO DISPLAY. 2.THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG UNIT WAS REPLACED AT $900 BECAUSE AGAIN THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. 3.THE SAME DAY THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG UNIT WAS REPLACED THE …
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THIS 2009 KIA RONDO HAS HAD THREE AIR BAG RELATED PROBLEMS. 1.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS REPLACED AT $1700 BECAUSE A SENSOR CAUSED THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO DISPLAY. 2.THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG UNIT WAS REPLACED AT $900 BECAUSE AGAIN THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. 3.THE SAME DAY THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG UNIT WAS REPLACED THE AIR BAG LIGHT AGAIN DISPLAYED AND THIS TIME THE CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. THESE AIR BAG PROBLEMS RAISE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF KIA VEHICLES.
IN OCTOBER 2014, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING WHEN GOING THROUGH PUDDLES. I GOT THE ALTERNATOR BELT REPLACED AND IT SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IN JUNE 2015, IT OCCURRED AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO LOKEY KIA IN CLEARWATER, FL TO FIX THE PROBLEM (ALONG WITH AN AIR BAG ISSUE PROBLEM) AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS AN AC COMPRESSOR PROBLEM (THEY…
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IN OCTOBER 2014, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING WHEN GOING THROUGH PUDDLES. I GOT THE ALTERNATOR BELT REPLACED AND IT SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IN JUNE 2015, IT OCCURRED AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO LOKEY KIA IN CLEARWATER, FL TO FIX THE PROBLEM (ALONG WITH AN AIR BAG ISSUE PROBLEM) AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS AN AC COMPRESSOR PROBLEM (THEY DID NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM) AND THE AIR BAG ISSUE WAS DUE TO THE CLOCK SPRING. I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED THAT DAY AND CAME HOME AND REPORTED IT ON THIS WEBSITE. I GOT A CALL FROM KIA CORP. OFFICE OF PRODUCT LIABILITY SAYING THAT THEY CALLED BECAUSE OF MY COMPLAINT HERE. (I ONLY REPORTED THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM HERE, NOT THE AIR BAG ISSUE.) IN THE END, KIA PAID TO HAVE THE AIR BAG PROBLEM FIXED AND NOT THE POWER STEERING CLAIMING THAT THE AIRBAG ISSUE WAS A "SAFETY" ISSUE AND THEY WERE REPAIRING IT FOR FREE IN "GOODWILL." THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR FOR FREE OR REDUCE THE COST OF THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A "SAFETY" ISSUE AND THE PROBLEM I ORIGINALLY REPORTED HERE!! HOW IS LOSING MY POWER STEERING NOT A "SAFETY" ISSUE? I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR IN THE RAIN, ESPECIALLY WITH MY GRANDKIDS IN THE CAR.
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED AND WON'T GO OFF. WHICH MAY RESULT IN POSSIBLE FAILURE IN A CRASH.
NOTHING UNORDINARY HAPPENED. HOWEVER I BELIEVE IT MAY HAVE BEEN AROUND THE TIME I HAD A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED IN MY CAR. IT WENT FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT, WHERE ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAN ON AND HASN'T GONE OFF SINCE. I'VE HAD NO ACCIDENT, NO MAJOR REPAIR, NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. NOW, I'M LOOKING TO TAKE IT TO…
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NOTHING UNORDINARY HAPPENED. HOWEVER I BELIEVE IT MAY HAVE BEEN AROUND THE TIME I HAD A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED IN MY CAR. IT WENT FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT, WHERE ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAN ON AND HASN'T GONE OFF SINCE. I'VE HAD NO ACCIDENT, NO MAJOR REPAIR, NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. NOW, I'M LOOKING TO TAKE IT TO THE KIA DEALER, WHO WANTS TO CHARGE ME $120 JUST TO GET CODES AND DETERMINE WHY THE LIGHT IS ON. I FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BEING THAT THERE IS NOTHING A DRIVER COULD DO TO CAUSE A MALFUNCTION OR DISCONNECTION WITH THE AIRBAGS AND HOW THEY FUNCTION. I'VE SEEN THREE OTHER POSTS ON HERE WHERE THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO. THE BIG DETERMINING FACTOR FOR MY PURCHASE OF THE KIA RONDO, WAS IT'S SAFETY FEATURES, AND ALL THE AIRBAGS THAT ARE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. SOMETHING SEEM TERRIBLY WRONG WITH HAVING TO PAY TWICE FOR SOMETHING, THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN FAULTY OFF THE MANUFACTURING LINE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING BELT FAILE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. THE VIN WAS NOT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Official recalls
213V114000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Apr 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.
08V459000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
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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