NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
117 reports140,000 miles · Nov 15, 2022
Air Bags
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the traction control warning light and driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact became aware of Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number: SC094 (Clock Spring Assembly Replacement). The vehicle w…
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The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the traction control warning light and driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact became aware of Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number: SC094 (Clock Spring Assembly Replacement). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was a Canadian VIN. The contact was referred to Kia Canada for recall information. The contact then contacted Kia Canada who informed her that the vehicle was previously serviced under the independent recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #11493651
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2022
Electrical SystemService Brakes
NHTSA ID Number: 11476858 Brake lights will not go off.I found white Plastic nylon washer broke into many pieces in floor board mat. It is the Brake pedal pad stop washer. After researching, This is a common issue with these vehicles. This defective component has a high probabilty of causing rear end collisions due to the Brake …
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NHTSA ID Number: 11476858 Brake lights will not go off.I found white Plastic nylon washer broke into many pieces in floor board mat. It is the Brake pedal pad stop washer. After researching, This is a common issue with these vehicles. This defective component has a high probabilty of causing rear end collisions due to the Brake lights staying on. NHTSA should do a safety recall on these vehicles.
NHTSA ODI #11485396
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2022
Exterior Lighting
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake lights remained illuminated at all time. Additionally, the brake lights also remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The fuse was removed to turn the brake lights off. The cause of the failure was not determined. The …
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The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake lights remained illuminated at all time. Additionally, the brake lights also remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The fuse was removed to turn the brake lights off. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11476858
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2021
Engine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2.4L Theta engine has developed a knocking sound at 155,600 miles. Oil consumption is excessive. Currently vehicle has Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W20 oil. It has been approximately 5600 miles since last oil and filter chang…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2.4L Theta engine has developed a knocking sound at 155,600 miles. Oil consumption is excessive. Currently vehicle has Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W20 oil. It has been approximately 5600 miles since last oil and filter change, and vehicle was 2 qts low. Knocking sound is consistent with what others have reported with the later 2.4L Theta II engine. Symptom is consistent with spun rod bearing. It is currently available for inspection, pending me selling the car. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car is a serious risk of stalling. Has previously stalled before. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Selling dealership is under different ownership and has disavowed prior ownership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None.
NHTSA ODI #11419589
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2021
Structure
THE A/C LINE DRAINES ONTO THE FRONT SUBFRAME. DOING THIS I BELIEVE HAS CAUSED IT TO RUST OVER THE YEARS. NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE ENGINE OR FRONT CONTROL WILL BRING THE CAR TO A HALT. IT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT
NHTSA ODI #11413028
113,000 miles · Oct 29, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering
IN THE MORNING I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AND THE SPRINKLERS OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WHERE ON AS USUAL, WHICH MADE PUDDLES OF WATER ON THE STREET. I WENT THROUGH ONE AND I LOST ALL STEERING POWER. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SQUICK REALLY LOUDLY AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME AN IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE A/C STOP BLOWING COLD AIR, I …
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IN THE MORNING I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AND THE SPRINKLERS OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WHERE ON AS USUAL, WHICH MADE PUDDLES OF WATER ON THE STREET. I WENT THROUGH ONE AND I LOST ALL STEERING POWER. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SQUICK REALLY LOUDLY AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME AN IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE A/C STOP BLOWING COLD AIR, I PROVIDED TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING IT AND THEN IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL AGAIN. I STARTED MOVING AND WENT THROUGH ANOTHER PUDDLE AND EVERY THING I MENTIONED ABOVE HAPPENED AGAIN. ANY TIME THAT THE FLOOR IS WET I CANNOT USE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I LOOS TOTAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING.
NHTSA ODI #11277008
94,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
Service BrakesSteeringTraction Control System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN THE RAIN AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION; H…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN THE RAIN AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION; HOWEVER, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ECM WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #11242450
100,000 miles · May 19, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherFire
MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE ...THE FIRE WAS STARTED NEAR OR AROUND THE FUEL RAIL/ OR INJECTORS. I RESEARCHED KIA RECALLS AND OTHER YEARS AND OTHER MODELS OF KIA'S WERE PART OF A SIMILAR RISK. I FEEL THAT THIS WAS A HUGE SAFETY RISK....LUCKILY MY CAR ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE VERY CLOSE TO MY HOME, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN MY DRIVEWAY A…
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MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE ...THE FIRE WAS STARTED NEAR OR AROUND THE FUEL RAIL/ OR INJECTORS. I RESEARCHED KIA RECALLS AND OTHER YEARS AND OTHER MODELS OF KIA'S WERE PART OF A SIMILAR RISK. I FEEL THAT THIS WAS A HUGE SAFETY RISK....LUCKILY MY CAR ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE VERY CLOSE TO MY HOME, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN MY DRIVEWAY AND CALL THE FIRE DEPT. I WAS INJURED IN THIS EVENT....BUT THE BURN WAS MINOR. I AM MOST CONCERNED WITH KIA ACKNOWLEDGING THE HUGE SAFETY RISK....AND THE LOSS THAT I AND OTHERS COULD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE. MY VEHICLE WAS IN GREAT SHAPE BEFORE THIS ENGINE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #11208545
192,000 miles · Dec 28, 2018
Air BagsVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
NHTSA ODI #11163799
93,000 miles · Oct 19, 2018
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLANTED TO THE LEFT WHEN STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE CONTAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLANTED TO THE LEFT WHEN STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE CONTACT SENT A PICTURE OF THE DAMAGE TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO JEFFREY KIA (30800 GRATIOT AVE, ROSEVILLE, MI 48066, (586) 460-7061). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH OTHER POSSIBLE REPAIRS AFTER THE SUBFRAME WAS REMOVED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE 2015 MODELS REGARDING THE RUST. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COSTS AND WOULD TOW THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
NHTSA ODI #11141456
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.
Apr 17, 2009
HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER 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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