Problems · NHTSA complaints
2007 Kia Rondo problems
Owners filed 117 complaints about the 2007 Kia Rondo with NHTSA between May 2007 and Nov 2022. The most-cited component is engine (24).
Complaints
117
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine24
- Air bags16
- Exterior lighting15
- Electronic stability control (esc)14
- Service brakes13
- Electrical system10
- Vehicle speed control9
- Seat belts9
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Structure7
- Steering6
- Suspension6
- Service brakes, hydraulic6
- Fuel system, gasoline5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
7
14
9
7
13
10
9
17
6
6
10
3
0
2
3
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
24 reports1 crash2 fires
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2.4L Theta engine has developed a knocking sound at 155,600 miles. Oil consumption is excessive. Currently vehicle has Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W20 oil. It has been approximately 5600 miles since last oil and filter change, and vehicle was 2 qts low. Knocking sound is consistent with what others have reported with the later 2.4L Theta II engine. Symptom is consistent with spun rod bearing. It is currently available for inspection, pending me selling the car. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car is a serious risk of stalling. Has previously stalled before. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Selling dealership is under different ownership and has disavowed prior ownership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None.”
Air bags
16 reports8 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the traction control warning light and driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact became aware of Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number: SC094 (Clock Spring Assembly Replacement). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was a Canadian VIN. The contact was referred to Kia Canada for recall information. The contact then contacted Kia Canada who informed her that the vehicle was previously serviced under the independent recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
Exterior lighting
15 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake lights remained illuminated at all time. Additionally, the brake lights also remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The fuse was removed to turn the brake lights off. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Electronic stability control (esc)
14 reports
“WARNING LIGHT ON ESC SYSTEM WILL SHOWS ESC IS OFF AND CONTINUE TO STAY ON, STRANGE BRAKING HABITS.WHEN APPLIED. INHERENT AS LEARNED WITH ALL KIA'S OF THIS MODEL AND YEAR”
Service brakes
13 reports1 crash
“NHTSA ID Number: 11476858 Brake lights will not go off.I found white Plastic nylon washer broke into many pieces in floor board mat. It is the Brake pedal pad stop washer. After researching, This is a common issue with these vehicles. This defective component has a high probabilty of causing rear end collisions due to the Brake lights staying on. NHTSA should do a safety recall on these vehicles.”
Electrical system
10 reports1 crash
“IN THE MORNING I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AND THE SPRINKLERS OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WHERE ON AS USUAL, WHICH MADE PUDDLES OF WATER ON THE STREET. I WENT THROUGH ONE AND I LOST ALL STEERING POWER. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SQUICK REALLY LOUDLY AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME AN IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE A/C STOP BLOWING COLD AIR, I PROVIDED TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING IT AND THEN IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL AGAIN. I STARTED MOVING AND WENT THROUGH ANOTHER PUDDLE AND EVERY THING I MENTIONED ABOVE HAPPENED AGAIN. ANY TIME THAT THE FLOOR IS WET I CANNOT USE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I LOOS TOTAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.