2009 Kia Rondo Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 Kia Rondo ranks 3rd worst of 5 model years, with a complaint index of 50 and 72 complaints logged with NHTSA, earning a Caution verdict. Steering (43% of complaints) and airbag non-deployment (19%) are the top concerns, alongside two recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #3 of 5 Rondo years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 72
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2009 Kia Rondo problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering31 (43%)
- Airbags14 (19%)
- Brakes13 (18%)
- Electrical System12 (17%)
- Engine8 (11%)
- Fuel System6 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (7%)
- Other4 (6%)
- Seat Belts4 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering can seize or produce a loud grinding noise, especially when driving in rain, sometimes causing the wheel to freeze suddenly.
- Airbags reportedly fail to deploy in moderate-speed crashes, including side impacts and head-on collisions with parked vehicles.
- Automatic transmission jerks or lunges during shifts at lower speeds, and a transmission solenoid can emit a loud buzzing sound before going into safe mode.
- Water and mud reportedly intrude into the engine compartment during heavy rain, coating wiring and electrical components.
- Fuel system complaints describe fuel odor inside the cabin and fuel seepage from injectors that dealers were unable to locate or fix.
2009 Kia Rondo recalls
2 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 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.
2009 Kia Rondo fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 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.
2009 compared with other Rondo years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Kia Rondo reliable?
- NHTSA lists 72 complaints for the 2009 Rondo with a complaint index of 50, ranking it 3rd worst among the 5 model years with data. It carries a Caution verdict relative to other Rondo years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2009 Kia Rondo?
- Steering issues make up 43% of complaints, the largest problem area, followed by airbags at 19% and brakes at 18%.
- Does the 2009 Kia Rondo have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for the fuel pump under campaign 08V459000 and one covering electrical system components under campaign 13V114000.
- How does the 2009 Rondo compare to other Rondo years?
- The 2009 model's complaint index of 50 is better than 2007 (75, Avoid) and 2008 (100, Avoid), but worse than 2010 (25, Caution) and 2011 (0).