NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2011 Kia Rondo. Most complaints involve service brakes (1) and steering (1). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined.
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 engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“BRAKING WITHOUT TOUCHING PEDAL MESSAGE: MON 6/5/17 AS WE WERE DRIVING IT FELT LIKE THE RONDO APPLIED THE BRAKES WITHOUT US TOUCHING THE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL.AFTER A FEW HOURS IT STOPPED.TODAY FRI 06/09 IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF FOR 15 MINS IT WAS NORMAL”
“I HAVE A 2011 KIA RONDO (148,000 KMS). FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS, WHEN DRIVING ON WET ROADS, I LOSE CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING - IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON DURING THIS PERIOD FOR BETWEEN 5-30 SECONDS AS YOU LOOSE ALMOST ALL CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE'S STEERING. JUST AS YOUR VEHICLE GAINS POWER STEERING AGAIN, A SCREECHING SOUNDS COMES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (MAYBE BELTS RE-ENGAGING). IT HAS BEEN RAINING HERE THE PAST WEEK AND THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES. SOMETIMES DIRECTLY AFTER DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES, AND SOMETIMES JUST WHILE DRIVING. THE ISSUE ONLY OCCURS THOUGH WHEN THE ROADS ARE WET. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!!! *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rondo Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Rondo Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (1), steering (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Kia Rondo at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).