The contact owns a 2009 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the exterior brake lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the ESC warning light was illuminated while driving. The contact had to depress the brake pedal three times to turn off the exterior brake lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The worst 2009 Kia Rondo problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering31
- Airbags14
- Brakes10
- Electrical10
- Engine7
- Driver assistance6
- Fuel system6
- Transmission5
- Seat belts4
- Lights3
- Suspension3
- Acceleration2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Kia Rondo
Airbag light 10Steering lock-up 10Loss of power 6Stalling 6Power steering loss 5
Recalls 2
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 13V114000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 08V459000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2009 Kia Rondo
Defect investigations
Loss of Motive Power
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 Petitionersâ 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. ODIâs 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. Â 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 agencyâs 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Kia Rondo 28
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Technical service bulletin closed
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: evaporative canister inspection and/or replacement (SC135)
- Owner notification letter (SC135) - dear kia owner, kia motors america, inc
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: evaporative canister inspection and/or replacement (SC135) - this...
- Dealer principal memo (SC135) - attention: all dealer principals, kia motors america, inc
- Dealer parts & service manager memo (SC135) - attention: all dealer parts and service managers, kia motors...
2009 Kia Rondo fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20 | 27 | 22 |
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
What 2009 Kia Rondo owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
No compression in cylinder 3 due to oil drainage in spark plug panel caused Loss of motive power and Almost a wreck so to vehicle shutting down on the interstate . As I look I see that this is in investigation already and needs to be took into consideration as soon as possible if our lives really matter to Kia as your customers . So very sad how the engines and fuel systems are on kias
I had to replace the tires on this car several times in 3 years. They alarm had a glitch that the car would not start and you had to take it specifically to a Kia dealer to have they alarm reprogrammed. Even upon repairs to your local mechanic. Costing them more money and me more money because they could not get in the car by pass they alarm without using kia first to reprogram it. The brakes locked up. The lights woukd go off for airbag and stay on. The anti lick brake light would stay on .. Very dangerous. I had to spend more money to because of they alarm. Even just replacing the battery in the alarm remote cost more money for the remote and the programming of the remote . You could not just replace the battery. The tires and brakes gave me several issues in 3 years To the tube of close 3000. And that's being fair.
I am reporting premature sub frame corrosion. The corroded area would cause a safety hazard if the corroded part of the frame broke all the way off as a result of hitting a large bump or perhaps a big pothole. Fortunately i discovered the problem when I was getting the tires balanced. I will no longer drive the vehicle until it is repaired safely.
Engine Star making very loud noise. Will driving. Mechanic told me engine is damaged and need replacement
My husband was sitting in our kia, in park and car turned off, when he heard a loud snapping sound. Car towed to shop resulted in mechanic stating our front driver strut "exploded" into several pieces. Lucky we were not driving when it happened, he stated. Never had a car do this before, ever!
Every time I go through a small puddle I lose control of steering the vehicle. It has happened backing out of my driveway numerous times, lasts a few minutes and then I regain control of steering. Fortunately, it's happened on my street for the most part. Last week, september 16, 2020, I was on a very busy main road when I was making a right turn into a shopping center. I turned right, went through a small puddle, and lost control of steering. Fortunately there was no one behind me so I shifted backwards and tried to force the steering wheel with no luck. I repeated going backwards and after a few attempts the steering function came back. I've had the drive belt replaced so that can't be the problem. I've recently had an alignment, two new tires installed, and tires rotated. Nothing was mentioned about any issues. I take my vehicle to the same repair shop and have had everything checked out. I know the vehicle is otherwise functioning well. I was on-line searching to see if other people have had this problem. There are many complaints about the same thing happening to other people. There are no recalls but I think this is a serious enough problem that kia should investigate and correct.
When I drive in wet conditions, sometimes the steering wheel is inoperable for a few seconds. I've seen many other people say they've experienced the same issues with their vehicle and kia claims that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle. This is an issue that could cause injury or death. This needs to be addressed and they need to be recalling these vehicles before something very bad happens.
When it is raining or after rain if there are still puddles in the road, when the car goes through any puddles the steering locks up for at least 45 seconds. I had my daughter learning how to drive and this happened to her. I should not have to worry about putting my child at risk like this especially with the price of this car. I've had the power steering pump replaced and it still does this. My ESC light has been on since I got the car. So any time I hit the smallest bump or when trying to stop on a bumpy road or on snow or ice, the car locks up. The brakes go out and its like everything in the car locks up for a few seconds. It is terrifying especially when trying to stop at a light. I have never in my life experienced so many issues in a vehicle before owning a kia rondo. I have had the whole front end suspension replaced, new tires and rims and a month later the car is wobbling again.
The ESC light went to ESC off status. Tried to repair brake light switch. Brake light plunger stopper was broken. Cannot find replacement stopper of this type. Appears this is a completely different brake pedal assembly than original rondo lx 2009. There was definitely a recall for this issue and we were not notified. Need assistance in making safety issue corrected. Park position can also slip out without applying the brake. Brake lights can stick on. Need assistance asap from kia.
Compare the 2009 Kia Rondo
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Questions about the 2009 Kia Rondo
Is the 2009 Kia Rondo reliable?
Owners have filed 72 complaints about the 2009 Kia Rondo, close to a typical Rondo model year.
What is the 2009 Kia Rondo year score?
The 2009 Kia Rondo scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Rondo: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Kia Rondo?
Steering, with 31 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is airbags (14).
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Rondo have?
2 recalls, covering exterior lighting and fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Kia Rondo get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Kia Rondo range from 21 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 27 highway.
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