Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2010 KIA Rondo with NHTSA between 2014 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 9
Against the median year of the KIA Rondo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2010 KIA Rondo
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
421.1%
Median failure at 81,619 miles
Steering
421.1%
Median failure at 85,000 miles
Electrical System
421.1%
Median failure at 92,950 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,312 mi
Airbags
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,312 mi
Other & Unspecified
15.3%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
15.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.3%
Median failure at 85,900 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
215.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
323.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
323.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
538.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2014peak 5Dec 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2010 KIA Rondo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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 complain...
Recalls on the 2010 KIA Rondo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023529276,225 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 202104048,787 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.4 L MPI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall 2013098106,098 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 30,312 milesTucson, AZCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,312.
NHTSA complaint #10759520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,312 milesTucson, AZCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,312.
NHTSA complaint #10759520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
OAK Ridge, TN
AIR BAGS
FIRST PROBLEM, WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION THE ECS LIGHT TURNS ON AND WHEN WHILE DRIVING MY KIA RONDO FEELS UNSTABLE LIKE I AM GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STIRRING WHEEL. SECOND PROBLEM, WHEN EVER IT RAINS MY KIA WILL STALL WHILE IN MOTION, LOOSE POWER, ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF ANY STREETS, HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS AND THE STEERING WHEEL GET SO HARD TO TURN THE CAR TO A SAFETY PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11290187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Ridge, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FIRST PROBLEM, WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION THE ECS LIGHT TURNS ON AND WHEN WHILE DRIVING MY KIA RONDO FEELS UNSTABLE LIKE I AM GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STIRRING WHEEL. SECOND PROBLEM, WHEN EVER IT RAINS MY KIA WILL STALL WHILE IN MOTION, LOOSE POWER, ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF ANY STREETS, HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS AND THE STEERING WHEEL GET SO HARD TO TURN THE CAR TO A SAFETY PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11290187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Ridge, TN
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
FIRST PROBLEM, WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION THE ECS LIGHT TURNS ON AND WHEN WHILE DRIVING MY KIA RONDO FEELS UNSTABLE LIKE I AM GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STIRRING WHEEL. SECOND PROBLEM, WHEN EVER IT RAINS MY KIA WILL STALL WHILE IN MOTION, LOOSE POWER, ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF ANY STREETS, HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS AND THE STEERING WHEEL GET SO HARD TO TURN THE CAR TO A SAFETY PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11290187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,900 milesTexas City, TX
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS, THE BATTERY, ESC, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THE STEERING LOST POWER. ALSO, THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,900.
NHTSA complaint #11256715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,900 milesTexas City, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS, THE BATTERY, ESC, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THE STEERING LOST POWER. ALSO, THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,900.
NHTSA complaint #11256715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesDeltona, FL
STEERING
DURING RAIN, I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY UP TO A STOP LIGHT. THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER, A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND THEN THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP FOR A FEW SECONDS. I REGAINED THE ABILITY TO TURN THE CAR, PULLED IT OFF THE ROAD AND THE SCREECHING CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO. IT STOPPED WHEN I PARKED MY CAR. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AFTER I HAD IT TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11016301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDeltona, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
LOCKS WORK VERY SPORADICALLY WITH BOTH THE REMOTE AND LOCK BUTTON IN THE CAR. IT AFFECTS ALL DOORS EXCEPT THE TAILGATE. DRIVER WINDOW ALSO HAS DIFFICULTY GOING DOWN SPORADICALLY.
NHTSA complaint #11016302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesDeltona, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING RAIN, I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY UP TO A STOP LIGHT. THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER, A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND THEN THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP FOR A FEW SECONDS. I REGAINED THE ABILITY TO TURN THE CAR, PULLED IT OFF THE ROAD AND THE SCREECHING CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO. IT STOPPED WHEN I PARKED MY CAR. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AFTER I HAD IT TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11016301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDeltona, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LOCKS WORK VERY SPORADICALLY WITH BOTH THE REMOTE AND LOCK BUTTON IN THE CAR. IT AFFECTS ALL DOORS EXCEPT THE TAILGATE. DRIVER WINDOW ALSO HAS DIFFICULTY GOING DOWN SPORADICALLY.
NHTSA complaint #11016302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesDeltona, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
DURING RAIN, I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY UP TO A STOP LIGHT. THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER, A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND THEN THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP FOR A FEW SECONDS. I REGAINED THE ABILITY TO TURN THE CAR, PULLED IT OFF THE ROAD AND THE SCREECHING CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO. IT STOPPED WHEN I PARKED MY CAR. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AFTER I HAD IT TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11016301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asheville, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
WE CANNOT MOVE THE SHIFTER FROM PARK TO DRIVE. AND WE HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS ! THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: SC098UN THE RECALL # 13V114000 RECALL CAMPAIGN # SC098 THEY SAYS ITS A STOP LAMP SWITCH ?
NHTSA complaint #10924687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,312 milesTucson, AZCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,312.
NHTSA complaint #10759520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,312 milesTucson, AZCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,312.
NHTSA complaint #10759520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,238 milesBrowns Mills, NJ
STEERING
DURING WET WEATHER CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, BRAKING ABILITY AND THE BATTERY INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES. MY WIFE, SON, AND DAUGHTER HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME TYPE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN, GOOD THING I THOUGHT QUICK AND GRABBED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE OR I WOULD HAVE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION CAUSE OF THE LOSS OF (POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY). EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY IS AFRAID TO USE THE VEHICLE IN ANY WEATHER CONDITION SINCE THEY EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10714319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,238 milesBrowns Mills, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING WET WEATHER CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, BRAKING ABILITY AND THE BATTERY INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES. MY WIFE, SON, AND DAUGHTER HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME TYPE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN, GOOD THING I THOUGHT QUICK AND GRABBED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE OR I WOULD HAVE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION CAUSE OF THE LOSS OF (POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY). EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY IS AFRAID TO USE THE VEHICLE IN ANY WEATHER CONDITION SINCE THEY EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10714319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,238 milesBrowns Mills, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
DURING WET WEATHER CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, BRAKING ABILITY AND THE BATTERY INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES. MY WIFE, SON, AND DAUGHTER HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME TYPE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN, GOOD THING I THOUGHT QUICK AND GRABBED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE OR I WOULD HAVE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION CAUSE OF THE LOSS OF (POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY). EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY IS AFRAID TO USE THE VEHICLE IN ANY WEATHER CONDITION SINCE THEY EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10714319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS, THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE DISPLAY. POWER STEERING FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER TO SAFETY. THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHLIGHT POWER WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. AFTER COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT STEERING POWER, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND DISENGAGED WITHOUT A CHANGE IN THE ILLUMINATOR LIGHT. THE CAR WAS HESITANT TO MOVE - GRINDING NOISE AND MAJOR DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DURING SIMILAR WEATHER/ROAD CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10667529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS, THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE DISPLAY. POWER STEERING FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER TO SAFETY. THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHLIGHT POWER WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. AFTER COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT STEERING POWER, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND DISENGAGED WITHOUT A CHANGE IN THE ILLUMINATOR LIGHT. THE CAR WAS HESITANT TO MOVE - GRINDING NOISE AND MAJOR DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DURING SIMILAR WEATHER/ROAD CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10667529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesPort Townsend, WA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE SPECIFICS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10663715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.