NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
97 reports34,000 miles · Jan 22, 2011
Electrical SystemCrash
I TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY (3 TIME) TO TURN OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL AS TRAFFIC GOT SLOWER. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO TURN OFF BY USING THE OFF (CANCEL) BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL, TAPPING THE BRAKE TO TURN IT OFF DIDN'T WORK EITHER. I DID END UP COMING TO A STOP (SKIDDING TO A STOP) IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW BANK IN A…
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I TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY (3 TIME) TO TURN OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL AS TRAFFIC GOT SLOWER. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO TURN OFF BY USING THE OFF (CANCEL) BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL, TAPPING THE BRAKE TO TURN IT OFF DIDN'T WORK EITHER. I DID END UP COMING TO A STOP (SKIDDING TO A STOP) IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW BANK IN A FIELD OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378263
69,000 miles · Dec 16, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
THERE WERE THINGS LEADING UP TO THE INCIDENT THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF AS A PROBLEM AS THE ESC LIGHT WOULD GO ON, BUT THEN IT WOULD TURN OFF AND I WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANYTHING UNLESS THE LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON, SO I NEVER HAD IT CHECKED. THE OTHER NIGHT AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I HAD MY …
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THERE WERE THINGS LEADING UP TO THE INCIDENT THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF AS A PROBLEM AS THE ESC LIGHT WOULD GO ON, BUT THEN IT WOULD TURN OFF AND I WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANYTHING UNLESS THE LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON, SO I NEVER HAD IT CHECKED. THE OTHER NIGHT AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I HAD MY 2008 KIA RONDO IN CRUISE CONTROL. WHEN I NEEDED TO BREAK, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE, BUT THE AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE MY CAR. THE PRACTICE OF APPLYING THE BREAK DID NOT TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND I CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. ONLY WHEN I HIT THE CANCEL BUTTON ON THE COLUMN DID THE CRUISE CONTROL TURN OFF. WHEN I GOT TO THE LOCATION I NEEDED TO GO TO I COULD ONLY GET THE CAR TO GO FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. IT WOULD NOT GO BACK INTO PARK AND LET ME TAKE THE KEYS OUT OF THE CAR. WHEN I WENT BACK HOME THIS STOPPED AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. UPON CALLING THE DEALERSHIP WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON, THEY ASKED IF I EVER HAD THE BREAK SWITCH REPLACED. I SAID NO. THEY SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THAT WAS WHAT IT WAS, BUT IF IT WERE UNDER RECALL, I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN A NOTICE. THEY SAID THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT ANYWAY. I LOOKED AND SAW THAT THE 2007 RONDO HAD A RECALL WITH THE EXACT SAME THING MY CAR HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE I NOW HAD 69,000 MILES ON MY CAR, THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE ME TO REPLACE THE SWITCH. BUT, HAD I GONE IN BEFORE 60,000 THEY ARE JUST REPLACING THEM AUTOMATICALLY IN ALL RONDO VEHICLES. IT FEELS TO ME THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO GET AROUND ANOTHER RECALL, BUT TRYING TO MAKE MONEY ON THOSE OF US WHO DRIVE LONG DISTANCES AT WORK AND ARE NOW HAVING PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10370863
37,000 miles · Jul 8, 2010
Suspension
I OWN A 2008 KIA RONDO AND FOUND OUT THERE IS NO WAY TO ALIGN THE REAR TIRES AND MY BACK END IS SO BAD THAT THE TIRES ARE TIPPING. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON A FIX BUT IT HAS BEEN OVER TWO MONTHS. MY TIRES ARE SO WORN OUT FROM THE MISALIGNMENT THAT THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE A T…
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I OWN A 2008 KIA RONDO AND FOUND OUT THERE IS NO WAY TO ALIGN THE REAR TIRES AND MY BACK END IS SO BAD THAT THE TIRES ARE TIPPING. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON A FIX BUT IT HAS BEEN OVER TWO MONTHS. MY TIRES ARE SO WORN OUT FROM THE MISALIGNMENT THAT THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE A TANK GOING DOWN THE STREET AND WHEN IT RAINS IT IS HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR. KIA HAS OFFERED TO REPLACE THE TIRES BUT UNLESS THE UNDERLINING PROBLEM IS FIXED IN A FEW MONTHS I WILL BE BACK TO SQUARE ONE. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION BUT KIA HAS DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. PLEASE HELP AND HAVE THIS CAR RECALLED AND HAVE KIA BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECTIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10342028
39,000 miles · Jun 30, 2010
Steering
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. AS YOU ARE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT IS VERY HARD TO STEER, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP ON YOU. THIS HAS HAPPEN AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND NO PROBLEM, AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. SHE WAS ADVISED TO JERK THE…
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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. AS YOU ARE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT IS VERY HARD TO STEER, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP ON YOU. THIS HAS HAPPEN AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND NO PROBLEM, AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. SHE WAS ADVISED TO JERK THE WHEEL TO GET IT OUT OF THE LOCK POSITION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED; I PROVIDED THE NUMBER 800-333-4542 TO HER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39, 00 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.DWH
NHTSA ODI #10340734
60,200 miles · May 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKES HARDER AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND THAT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKES HARDER AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND THAT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY BEFORE AND THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE THROTTLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,200.
NHTSA ODI #10331138
21,000 miles · Apr 27, 2010
Power TrainCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS UNINTENTIONALLY BUMPED AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND THE KEYS WERE NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS UNINTENTIONALLY BUMPED AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION. THE POLICE ARRIVED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 21,000.
NHTSA ODI #10327676
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury
SINGLE-CAR ACCIDENT; ROLLOVER, 2008 KIA RONDO DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE CO.; SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDED ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL; 6 AIRBAGS INCLUDING SIDE/HEAD CURTAIN AND NOT ONE DEPLOYED - I SUFFER FROM APPROX 6" LESION WITH PARTIAL SKULL SHOWING (16 STAPLES) TO LEFT SIDE OF HEAD FROM THE SIDEROOF SLAMMED INTO ME; I…
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SINGLE-CAR ACCIDENT; ROLLOVER, 2008 KIA RONDO DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE CO.; SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDED ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL; 6 AIRBAGS INCLUDING SIDE/HEAD CURTAIN AND NOT ONE DEPLOYED - I SUFFER FROM APPROX 6" LESION WITH PARTIAL SKULL SHOWING (16 STAPLES) TO LEFT SIDE OF HEAD FROM THE SIDEROOF SLAMMED INTO ME; I WAS WEARING A SEATBELT AND IT SAVED MY LIFE - GLASS EXPLODED EVERYWHERE, I HAVE SEVERE WHIPLASH AND CONCUSSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303275
25,000 miles · Jan 15, 2010
Power Train
I HAVE 2008 KIA RONDO EX. IT JERKS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FROM 2ND GEAR TO 3RD GEAR. DURING THE SHIFT, THE VEHICLES SUDDENLY PULLS BACK (FEELS LIKE THE BRAKE WAS SUDDENLY PUSHED) AND THEN ACCELERATES. THIS HAS BEEN A CONCERN FOR ME AS IT MAY LEAD INTO ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER WHEN ROADS ARE SLIPPERY. SOMETIMES EV…
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I HAVE 2008 KIA RONDO EX. IT JERKS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FROM 2ND GEAR TO 3RD GEAR. DURING THE SHIFT, THE VEHICLES SUDDENLY PULLS BACK (FEELS LIKE THE BRAKE WAS SUDDENLY PUSHED) AND THEN ACCELERATES. THIS HAS BEEN A CONCERN FOR ME AS IT MAY LEAD INTO ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER WHEN ROADS ARE SLIPPERY. SOMETIMES EVERYTHING SEEMS WELL. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WITH JERK EFFECT LOW TO HIGH. I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED THREE TIMES ABOUT IT WITH THE KIA DEALER BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE NOT FOUND ANY PROBLEM AND INSISTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY. THEY DON'T SEEM TO WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND I GUESS THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL A FEW PEOPLE REALLY GET INTO TROUBLE. THAT'S WHY I WANTED TO REPORT IT HERE AS A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH KIA RONDA. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10299831
34,000 miles · Nov 21, 2009
Air BagsCrashInjury
REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AT 35 MPH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. THE SEAT BELT NEVER CAUGHT EITHER THROWING DRIVER INTO STEERING WHEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293119
10,000 miles · Jul 23, 2009
Air Bags
AIRBAG AND PASSENGER SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS REMAIN ON AT ALL TIMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ONLY A MINOR NUISANCE, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON, THE AIRBAG IS INOPERABLE AND WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278081
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.
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