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2008 Kia Rondo engine problems

16 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 64,753.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
16%
typical mileage
64,753
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Rondo engine problems in other years

2007200820092011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Kia Rondo engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 12Stalling 10Won't start 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened September 12, 2022, closed December 12, 2023

the federal safety agency 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 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 the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency 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

DP22003

What 2008 Kia Rondo owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 16, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 187,025 miles · OH

My vehicle reves up high when I start it and when I'm on the highway it would just cut off and there's gas fumes I smellinside my kia, it also hesitates while driving.

Filed Nov 16, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

My rondo speeds up while I'm driving it on the road, and it smells of gas inside my rondo, it runs high when I start it and there's a hesitation before it drives.

Filed Oct 18, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 229,000 miles · CT

My check engine light is on. When I refuel my vehicle it has difficulty restarting. Over the course of the last couple months, it has started to stall. Looking at forums I found quite a few people with the same "issue" but no solutions. I have had my vehicle on a diagnostic machine and it comes back with an evap code. The codes have been cleared but come right back on. I see the fuel pump has been recalled, I have had my car since the fall of 2009 and to my knowledge I haven't had this repaired, but for some reason this does not show up when I do the recall search. Has it already been repaired prior to my purchasing the vehicle?

Filed Oct 9, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 150,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia rondo. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving and shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. A passerby inspected the vehicle and stated that the fuel pump or alternator may have failed. The passerby banged on the fuel tank a couple of times and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home and was then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump failed. The contact researched the failure online and found many unknown recalls on other vehicles. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer, but all lines LED back to roadside assistance; therefore, the contact was unable to speak with a live representative. The contact called bill dodge kia (3 saunders way, westbrook, me 04092, (207) 854-3200) and they initially hung up on her. They later stated that their website was down and promised a call back. The contact had not yet heard back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2018 · Body, Engine · 65,000 miles · OH

Steering system has experienced a thumping grind on reverse turns when steering wheel is fully engaged. Repaired multiple times by lubing stops. Brake calipers do not engage properly and have been replaced numerous times. Air conditioning drain line is located directly above passenger side engine cradle mounting excess condensation has completely rusted through the cradle and broken apart. Vehicle only has 65,000 miles.

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Engine · NY

Did oil change regularly, it has 905908 miles, while driving oil light came pulled over, look and no oil stop , stopped at a gas station and bought oil,added oil to car, then making noise to it to dealer and needs a new engine , took car home , on way oil light came on again look and no oil, doesn't leak and no oil burn out, but mo oil again. Added oil junking car.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Body, Engine · 99,600 miles · ME

During an inspection of the undercarriage on my kia, an auto mechanic informed me that my oil pan had rusted through and engine oil was seeping through the metal. The cost of parts and labor for a replacement is approximately $250. The service manager of the auto repair garage stated that in his experience this was not an uncommon problem with some kia and hyundai models. In my opinion, this is a major manufacturing defect. That is, the metal used to manufacture a critical part on the engine (mine is 2.4 liter/4 cylinder) is defective either in composition or gauge. I've owned vehicles for over 40 years and, prior to this, I've never heard of an oil pan rusting through. As background, I purchased this vehicle new. I'm retired and I do not drive regularly (no commute). Although I live in maine where road salt is used liberally on roads, I have avoided driving in winter storms whenever possible.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 61,003 miles · NJ

The check engine light comes on and the engine timing/ computer being impacted instance happen june 19, 2013 car failed nj inspection cost to repair $782.85.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Engine · 64,753 miles · NJ

Check engine light comes on associated with cvvt assemble/timing and the computer in the engine.

Filed Jan 27, 2014 · Engine · 51,673 miles · PA

2008 kia rondo. Consumer writes in regards to gasket/ oil pan problems. *smd the consumer stated during a routine oil change, he was informed there was a small leak in the oil pan gasket and it would be corrected during the next service, since the oil had already been changed. During the service, it was determined that the oil pan was porous and because the consumer was not the original owner, it would not be corrected and it was no longer covered under warranty.

Questions about the 2008 Kia Rondo engine

Does the 2008 Kia Rondo have engine problems?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Kia Rondo, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Kia Rondo engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 64,753 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Kia Rondo engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Kia Rondo have bad engine?

The Kia Rondo model years with the most engine complaints are 2007 (28 complaints) and 2008 (16 complaints).

Other 2008 Kia Rondo problems

Fuel system 22Airbags 18Acceleration 11Body 11Suspension 10Steering 8Brakes 6Electrical 6Transmission 6Lights 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 2Locks 2Tires 2Visibility 2

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