2008 Kia Rondo Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Kia Rondo ranks worst of the 5 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 97 complaints covering 14 crashes and 11 injuries. Engine issues top the list at 25% of complaints, followed by fuel system problems at 23%, and the year carries 3 recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 5 Rondo years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 97
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 14
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 18.5 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2008 Kia Rondo problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine24 (25%)
- Fuel System22 (23%)
- Airbags18 (19%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (13%)
- Structure & Body12 (12%)
- Electrical System10 (10%)
- Other10 (10%)
- Steering8 (8%)
- Brakes7 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during rear-end and side-impact collisions, including a rollover that left a driver with a head injury despite wearing a seatbelt.
- Some drivers reported sudden unintended acceleration, including one case where the vehicle sped up while backing into a driveway and crashed into a house.
- Owners described brakes that did not slow the vehicle during braking, leading to collisions with vehicles ahead.
- The gear shift was reported to unintentionally slip into drive, causing the vehicle to roll away and crash while the engine was off.
- Cruise control reportedly could not be disengaged using the cancel button or brake pedal, forcing a driver to skid to a stop.
2008 Kia Rondo recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Electrical System980,377 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 12V014000Jan 17, 2012Airbags145,755 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 08V459000Sep 11, 2008Fuel System6,680 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage
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.
Risk: 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.
2008 Kia Rondo fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,025
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Rondo years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Kia Rondo reliable?
- Among the 5 Rondo model years with data, 2008 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, with 97 complaints, 14 crashes, and 11 injuries reported to NHTSA.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Rondo?
- Engine problems make up 25% of complaints and fuel system problems make up 23%, followed by airbag issues at 19%, based on NHTSA data.
- Does the 2008 Kia Rondo have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Rondo, covering the electrical system, airbags, and the fuel system, including a fuel pump replacement recall covering 6,680 vehicles.
- What year Kia Rondo should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2008 model year has the highest complaint index (100) among Rondo years and is rated Avoid, followed by 2007 with an index of 75, also rated Avoid.
- Did the 2008 Kia Rondo have airbag deployment failures?
- NHTSA complaints describe multiple crashes where airbags failed to deploy, including a rollover and side-impact collisions, and airbags account for 19% of complaints for this year.