kia rondo Problems

kia rondo 2008 Complaints

STRUCTURE

the car vibrates and makes loud noise when rolling down any of the rear windows. ,

Reported in: LAWRENCEVILLE GA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526487

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

i have a 2008 kia rondo lx (v6) which has around 6300miles. i am the first owner and drove it for the last 6 months. even epa fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg (city : 14 to 22 mpg) and 26 mpg (highway: 21 to 31 mpg) at the window sticker, they were not realistic. i do not complain on city mpg and it is 19-20 mpg in average but in highway mpg, it was very disappointing. i had several travels which take 2 hours at the speed of 65-70 mpg. every time, it was 21-22 mpg in average. the best one with 65 mph using cruise control was 23.2mpg. i have never had 31 mpg at all as well as highway average mpg of 26. so i think that kia a lot overstated the highway mpg.

Reported in: COLLEGE STATION TX || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526987

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Reported in: COLLEGE STATION TX || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526987

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

tl*the contact owns a 2008 kia rondo lx. the transmission is stalling and grinding the gears. the vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately six times. this failure has occurred since there months ago which is when the vehicle was purchased. the kia manufacturer sent a letter to the dealer to replace the transmission and they refuse to replace it. the failure mileage was 150.

Reported in: ALTO GA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526287

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

i took my 2008 rondo in to steven kia on 4/10/2009 because the check engine light was on. they still have not fixed my car and it has been in their shop for over 60 days. they say the engine has defective parts. i want to know if kia will give me a car that is not defective or return my purchase cost. if this car is defective then i want to get another car. i bought it for my daughter and i no longer trust that she will be driving a safe vehicle.

Reported in: WICHITA KS || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526487

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

headlights shine at a short angle down to the road with a distinct horizon line causing a very short visibility distance for night driving. the issue is not as bad in city driving where there is ambient light or street lights, but in the country, it is dangerous with hills, curves, and creatures of the night. driving with lights on high-beam helps, but interferes with visibility of on-coming drivers.

Reported in: NEW WOODSTOCK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526187

STEERING

severe vibration and shaking felt in steering wheel and seat while driving at speed over 50 mph. dealership has balanced wheels, resurfaced rotors, worked on brakes, and is still unable to correct the problem.

Reported in: NEW WOODSTOCK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526187

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.

Reported in: NEW WOODSTOCK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526187

AIR BAGS

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.

Reported in: CADILLAC MI || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFG525387

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Reported in: MISSISSAUGA 00 || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG525987

AIR BAGS

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.

Reported in: BARDSTOWN KY || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFG525887

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

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.

Reported in: HAYWARD WI || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFG525887

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

Reported in: BIDWELL OH || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFG526387

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 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

Reported in: OKLAHOMA CITY OK || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526387

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Reported in: ANDOVER OH || Crash: N || VIN #:

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 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.

Reported in: BROADALBIN NY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG525687

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Reported in: REDFORD MI || Crash: Y || VIN #: 4X4TSVH299L

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

my 2008 kia rondo 2.7 always hesitates after i fill the gas tank, and recently it cuts off while i am driving, when this occurs i lose my ability to steer the car.

Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526787

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

i own a 2008 kia rondo with a 2.7 liter 6 cyl engine. i have been having identical problems that the 2.4 liter 4 cyl has had that caused a fuel pump recall. it stalls because it can not get sufficient gas. it does not want to start after getting gas, and it is having a gas starvation issue. i have taken the car to a mechanic, who indicated it should have been recalled with the 4 cyl. i contacted kia and they are refusing to repair the issue as a recall. at one point the car stalled while i was driving and i almost wrecked.

Reported in: CHARLOTTE NC || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526687

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

accelerator is "drive by wire". the engine experiences hesitation, when taking off from a stop, about 50% of the time, when the ac is on. sometimes the vehicle begins to accelerate, then the engine drops to idle speed, even when you depress the pedal to the floor. this can cause you to be struck by oncoming traffic, when you are entering a highway or roadway. usually the vehicle will then take off unexpectedly screeching the tires, when this occurs. but, sometimes, when it does begin to accelerate after one of these occurrences, it will very slowly begin to pick up speed, as if it is starving for gas. this could also put you in danger of being struck from oncoming traffic. these occurrences are worse, when the air conditioning is on. sometimes, when you are taking off from a stop and putting very little pressure on the accelerator pedal, the car takes off abruptly, squealing the tires as if you had depressed the pedal to the floor suddenly. when the pavement is wet, this will cause the tires to spin and then the engine will drop to an idle, leaving you susceptible to being struck from oncoming traffic. the dealer has told me there is nothing wrong with the vehicle, even after the "mechanic" rode with me and said he could feel it accelerating in steps. these occurrences of dropping to idle speed, unexpectedly, may occur only once in two months or they may occur two or three times in one week. hotter outside air temperature seems to cause the problem to worsen. *kb

Reported in: ROANOKE VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526187

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Reported in: ROANOKE VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526187

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Reported in: ROANOKE VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526187

TIRES:VALVE

tpms valves break while trying to check pressure or inflate. *kb

Reported in: ALBUQUERQUE NM || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526487

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

tpms valves break while trying to check pressure or inflate. *kb

Reported in: ALBUQUERQUE NM || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526487

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia rondo. the contact stated that the stomp lamp switch malfunctioned and and as a result, none of the brake lights illuminated. in addition, the cruise control function would not disengage when activated and the esc off warning light illuminated remained illuminated. the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the stomp lamp switch malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 65,200. the approximate failure mileage was 65,100.

Reported in: KISSIMMEE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526687

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Reported in: KISSIMMEE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526687

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia rondo. the contact stated that once started, the vehicle began to jerk violently with the illumination of the check engine warning light. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance and referred the contact to the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 57,000.

Reported in: WATERBERRY CT || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526087

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

i have a 2008 kia rondo, for the past few months i have been having issues when i get gas. it is the 2.7l engine and when i stop to get gas it won't start. i have to push the gas to get it to crank and then have to hold it down for approximately 2 minutes before it will stay cranked. if i do not keep the gas pressed down for that length of time it cuts off or hesitates then cuts off. i have inquired with the kia dealership about the recall for the 2.4l engines and was informed that my car did not qualify for that recall. however, my car is having the same issues as the ones that were recalled.

Reported in: HIGH POINT NC || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526787

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia rondo. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed a sputtering noise and a hesitation while accelerating. the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated that a coil would have to be replaced but the contact was not aware of the exact repair needed. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 08v459000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage) that could have been related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Reported in: WICHITA KS || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526587

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER

the brake lights on my 2008 kia rondo have not been working consistently. i have been told by several individuals who were driving behind me in the past few days that my brake lights are "out". however, they did work when i checked at one point after the warning and then another driver told me the same thing. i replaced the lights and now they do not work at all. i have checked the fuses and the fuses have not blown. i have seen a "recall" for an earlier year kia. the same thing is happening to my kia. my kia should be included in the "recall". this could cause a serious crash. i have no idea if the lights will work or not. right now, they do not. kia has too, too many problems with its vehicles to even argue against my point. this is far from the only dangerous issue that i have with my kia. at this point, i am simply fed up. i called kia motors and spoke to a customer service representative and asked how to make a formal complaint because i received two "voluntary service campaign" notices; one for the air bag and one for the rear cross-member of the car. i am facing problem after problem with this car. the other issues are surging of the car without pressing on the gas and even while pressing on the brake and the air conditioner failing right after the warranty ended. kia needs to be reprimanded and forced to fix these cars. additionally, it is a serious conflict of interest to have kia customer service employees responsible for sending notifications of problems with kia cars to the nhsta. who oversees that this is done honestly by the car companies?

Reported in: NEW ALBANY OH || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526087

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Reported in: NEW ALBANY OH || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526087

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Reported in: NEW ALBANY OH || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526087

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER

on may 24, 2011, i realized that my air conditioner no longer worked. it was blowing hot air. may 27th, i took it to my mechanic, who checked it out and said it was my condenser and that it was still under warranty. so i scheduled an appointment with the dealer to have the repair done. the serviceman told me that there are many parts to an air conditioner that the repair may not be under warranty. he proceeded to tell me that if it was hit by a rock, it was not covered. when i asked how that could happen he replied "the rock could bounce up from the road and hit the air conditioner". when i returned to pick up my car, the mechanic said a rock hit my air conditioner. i asked how a rock could bounce up from the road, passed the skid plate and hit the air conditioner so hard that it damaged it; he said "it happens". while he was explaining this to me, there was another customer there that also had a rock bounce up from the road and hit his air conditioner. why doesn't kia just admit that they made faulty air conditioners and recall them. now i'm out $190.64 and still don't have a working air conditioner. it will cost another $736.00 to get a new air conditioner. i've been a kia owner for over 12 years and when i buy a car next year, it most likely won't be a kia. *js

Reported in: LEVITTOWN PA || Crash: N || VIN #:

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM

as warm weather in kentucky ended (2011) we noticed the air not being cool. this year (2012) when it became hot enough to turn on the air conditioner we received nothing but hot air. the car was taken to have radiator flushed and coolant put in. then freon was added. that's when the verdict came in as being the compressor was not working. why would there been a compressor that goes out in a 2008 kia?

Reported in: LOUISVILLE KY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526287

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Reported in: LOUISVILLE KY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526287

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER

Reported in: LOUISVILLE KY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526287

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Reported in: ALLEN TX || Crash: N || VIN #:

SUSPENSION

i recently took vehicle in for wheel alignment. i was told that due to manufacturing quirk that one of the alignment adjustments to the rear wheels can not be accomplished. the dealer was unable to help either. i was told that a specialty alignment shop might have the appropriate equipment and parts to do the alignment.

Reported in: CUYAHOGA FALLS OH || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

2008 kia rondo. consumer writes in regards to defective part *tgw the consumer stated she had difficulty starting the vehicle after filling the gas tank and the check engine light was constantly on due to an issue with a defective valve on the charcoal canister. the consumer discovered a recall had been issued for the exact part, she was having a problem with. the consumer made an appointment with the dealer after describing the problem. however, when she arrived and her vehicle identification number was entered, she was then informed her vehicle was not included in the recall. the consumer referenced recall # 08v459000

Reported in: CROSSVILLE TN || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526587

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia rondo. the contact was sitting in the parked vehicle when another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side door of the contact's vehicle. the second vehicle was traveling at an unknown speed upon impact. the contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. as a result, the contact sustained head, arm, neck and ankle injuries. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where the failure could not be replicated. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the issue and advised the contact to have the vehicle repaired under nhtsa campaign id number 12v244000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module). the manufacturer also advised that they would contact her at a later date but failed to do so. the failure and current mileages were unavailable. updated 12/13/12 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired for damges caused by the accident. the vehicle was turned into the dealer. the consumer was having thought processing issues that was not a problem prior to the accident. updated 1/2/2013 *js

Reported in: EAST SYRACUSE NY || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFG526687

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

in september 2011, check engine light came on. the vehicle would not restart after refueling. i would have to pump the gas before the car would restart and it would make a sound like it was trying to suck up gas through a straw that had a hole in it. i had a fuel injection flush and dye added but unable to detect what was causing the problem. this went on for several months. currently, the car does not turn over on the first attempt. it takes approximately 3 attempts for the car to start. this is in addition to the car not starting after refueling. i took car in for repair and was told that i needed to replace the fuel pump assembly. as i researched the recommended repair, i learned that kia recalled other 2008 rondo's, so i called them and was told that my vehicle is a 2.7 liter and not part of the recall campaign. i am having the same problem as the vehicles in the recall campaign and think that this matter should be further investigated.

Reported in: BUCKEYE AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526487

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia rondo. the contact stated that when braking to a stop, the vehicle would surge forward without warning. the contact stated that he had to shift into park for the vehicle to completely stop. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, they were unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 13,378. the current mileage was approximately 41,131.

Reported in: BEXLEY OH || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFG526X87

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

in 2010, check engine light came on. the vehicle would not restart after refueling. i would have to pump the gas before the car would restart and it would make sounds and the rpm will rev. i had a diagnosis performed by several mechanics but unable to detect what was causing the problem. had guesstimates as to o2 sensors, fuel pump to canisters replacement. this has gone on since 2010. currently, the car does not turn over on the first attempt after fueling. i took car in to the dealership and was told that i needed to replace the fuel pump assembly. as i researched the recommended repair, i learned that kia recalled other 2008 rondo's, so i called them and was told that my vehicle is a v6 and not part of the recall campaign. i am having the same problem as the vehicles in the recall campaign and think that this matter should be further investigated.