2010 KIA Rondo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2010 KIA Rondo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2010 KIA Rondo. Newest first.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
9 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · 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.
- Electrical system · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · 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.
- Electrical system · Service brakes · 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…
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.
- 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 ?
- Air bags · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Service brakes · 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…
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. *tr
- Service brakes · 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…
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. *tr
- 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.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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 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, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
- 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…
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 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 NHTSA.gov 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10179255PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109855TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedure in this publication.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10109686TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November 29, 2014, some Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through November 29, 2014, some Rondo (UN) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through July 30, 2010, and some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through June 17, 2014. The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the evaporative emission systems, along with DTC(s) P0442 or P0455. For vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the twenty-eight (28) salt belt states, (AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV, KS, KY, NE, ND, SD and UT), the evaporative canister will be inspected, and if no leak is found, the mounting bracket will be replaced with a new improved part. If a crack in the evaporative canister is found, the canister will be replaced with a new improved part. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. For vehicles in other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the evaporative canister from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever occurs first starting from the date of first service. Follow the procedures outlined in this bulletin to resolve the concern.
- 10092102Pitstop: stop lamp switch identification matrix (sc098) - kma has received a number of incorrect warranty return parts related to campaign sc098 and has determined that at times dealer staff may have difficulty in quickly and easily identifying the correct switches while ordering parts, preparing to perform the stop lamp replacement or while preparing to return replaced switches to kma (in case of an existing mandatory part return (mpr) request). To facilitate faster and easier identification of the correct parts, a picture guide as shown on page 2 IS provided. The guides content was purposely formatted to fit on one page so it can be easily printed and kept on or near a workstation, parts counter or tool box.
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10090974Q and a (sc135/wty009) - evaporative canister voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program
- 10090972Owner notification letter (sc135) - dear KIA owner, KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program regarding the evaporative canister in your vehicle.
- 10090970Dealer parts & service manager memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer parts and service managers, KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program to inspect the evaporative canister. KIA has determined that the following KIA vehicles originally sold or currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used, may exhibit an evaporative canister leak due to prolonged exposure to road salt
- 10090969Dealer principal memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer principals, KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program to inspect the evaporative canister. KIA has determined that the following KIA vehicles originally sold or currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used, may exhibit an evaporative canister leak due to prolonged exposure to road salt
- 10090943Tsb: voluntary emissions service campaign: evaporative canister inspection and/or replacement (sc135) - this bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some optima (tf) vehicles, produced from september 2, 2010 through november 29, 2014, some optima hybrid (tf hev) vehicles, produced from february 15, 2011 through november 29, 2014, some rondo (un) vehicles, produced from april 1, 2009 through july 30, 2010, and some sedona (vq) vehicles, produced from april 1, 2009 through june 17, 2014. The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the evaporative emission systems, along with dtc(s) p0442 or p0455. For vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the twenty-eight (28) salt belt states, (ak, ct, dc, de, ia, il, in, ma, md, me, mi, mn, mo, nh, nj, ny, oh, pa, ri, vt, wi, wv, ks, ky, ne, nd, sd and ut), the evaporative canister will be inspected, and if no leak IS found, the mounting bracket will be replaced with a new improved part. If a crack in the evaporative canister IS found, the canister will be replaced with a new improved part. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle IS included in the list of affected vins. For vehicles in other states, KIA IS extending the warranty on the evaporative canister from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever occurs first starting from the date of first service. Follow the procedures outlined in this bulletin to resolve the concern.
- 10090713Tsb: windshield washer pump inlet filter replacement - this bulletin provides information relating to possible foreign debris accumulation on the windshield washer pump inlet filter. Over time, some KIA vehicles may exhibit a limited application of windshield washer fluid when the washer function IS used. Limited application of windshield washer fluid can be caused by foreign debris on the washer pump inlet filter. To correct this condition, replace the washer pump inlet filter and perform the windshield washer reservoir flushing procedure outlined in this tsb.
- 10089668Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc122 underbody additional anti-corrosion treatment
- 10089665Owner notification letter (sc122) - dear KIA rondo owner: KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2007-2010 KIA rondo vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- 10089662Dealer service manager memo (sc122) - KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary service campaign as a preventative measure to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2006-2011 my rio, 2004-2009 my spectra, 2006-2010 my optima, 2010-2013 my soul, and 2007-2010 my rondo vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in one of the 21 salt belt states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 21 salt-belt states are: ct, dc, de, ia, il, in, ma, md, me, mi, mn, mo, nj, ny, oh, pa, ri, vt, wi, wv. In addition to the salt belt states, the following states have substantially raised their use of road salt in recent years and are also part of this service campaign: ks, ky, ne, nd, sd, ut, and ak.
- 10089642Dealer principal memo (sc122) - KIA motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, as a preventative measure, to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2006-2011 my rio, 2004-2009 my spectra, 2006-2010 my optima, 2010-2013 my soul, and 2007-2010 my rondo vehicles originally retailed and/or currently registered in one of the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- 10089618"Tsb: voluntary service campaign - application of additional anti-corrosion material (sc122) - to improve customer satisfaction, KIA IS launching this bulletin to apply additional anticorrosion protection to various vehicle underbody components of some 2010~2013my soul (am), 2004~2009my spectra (ld), 2006~2010my optima (MG), 2006~2011my rio (jb) and 2007~2010my rondo (un) vehicles. The affected vehicles were originally retailed or are currently registered in states where road salt IS heavily used. The states are: ct, dc, de, ia, il, in, ma, md, me, mi, mn, mo, nh, nj, ny, oh, pa, ri, vt, wi, wv ks, ky, ne, nd, sd, ut, and ak. KIA believes that such additional protection can be helpful, especially in very high mileage situations. Please remind all customers of the instructions in their owners manual, as shown below, to regularly have the underbody of their vehicles washed when road salt IS being used in their area."
- 10088983Tsb: kds - audio update module (aum) - the gds audio update module (aum) was introduced in fourth quarter of 2013. This special service tool (sst) was developed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of updating 2010my, and later, KIA audio head units using a gds, and now, the same functionality IS available on kds. Some technicians may not be aware of the benefits the aum tool has to offer. The aum eliminates the need for multiple usb flash drives for specific vehicle models and applications which, if misapplied, may result in an improper audio system software update and/or locked up head unit. Additionally, field reports have indicated that usb drives for audio updates are easily lost or misplaced.
- 10058518KIA: an additional application of anti-corrosion protection will be applied on some vehicles underbody components to help prevent corrosion. Model 2004-09 spectra, 2006-10 optima, 2006-11 rio 2007-10 rondo and 2010-13 soul.
- 10042851KIA: information regarding a procedure for additional protection against anticorrosion to the rear cross member for some vehicles.
- 10041265KIA motors: installing an additional ground cable to the battery may cause sensor problems.
- 10037347KIA: there IS a procedure to reset the electronic throttle control value.
- 10034637KIA: provides information related to the ecm software upgrade of some vehicles with 3.8L and 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with the pcm (powertrain control module) system related dtc(s).
Every KIA Rondo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.