2009 Kia Rondo
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 117 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 72 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: steering — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THIS STARTED ON 10/2012, AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING WHENEVER I TRIED TO DRIVE IN RAIN SINCE. IVE HAD TO WAIT TO TRY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG BECAUSE I COULDNT AFFORD TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT .
NHTSA ODI report, 20130703
ON THREE OCCASIONS WITHIN THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS, I HAVE COMPLETELY LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE WHEEL BECOMES ALMOST UNMOVABLE (I AM A STRONG, ADULT MALE). ON ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS, THE WEATHER WAS DAMP AND THE ENGINE ALSO STALLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180517
18% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE CHEST AND RIBS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180625
MY SON & HIS FRIEND WERE HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A YOUNG MAN WHO INTENTIONALLY RAN A RED LIGHT. HE HID MY SON SO HARD THAT OUR 2009 KIA RONDO FLIPPED 3 TIMES AND NOT ONE OF THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180323
I WAS ON THE TOLLWAY IN THE RIGHT LANE IT WAS RAINING OUT A TRUCK ON THE LEFT SIDE OF ME LOST CONTROL HIT INTO ME AND I RAN INTO THE LIGHT POLE HEAD ON NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED I HAD MY SEATBELT ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140822
14% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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.
Campaign 08V459000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
Campaign 13V114000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Kia Rondo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V459000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V114000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2009 Kia Rondo reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Rondo?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Rondo have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.