Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Kia Rondo, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 16 | 22% |
| Air bags | 11 | 15% |
| Seat belts | 4 | 6% |
| Steering | 3 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 4% |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 3% |
| Steering | 2 | 3% |
| Fuel system | 2 | 3% |
| Power train | 2 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the exterior brake lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the ESC warning light was illuminated while driving. T
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
No compression in cylinder 3 due to oil drainage in spark plug panel caused Loss of motive power and Almost a wreck so to vehicle shutting down on the interstate . As I look I see that this is in investigation already an
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I had to replace the tires on this car several times in 3 years. They alarm had a glitch that the car would not start and you had to take it specifically to a Kia dealer to have they alarm reprogrammed. Even upon repairs
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I am reporting premature sub frame corrosion. The corroded area would cause a safety hazard if the corroded part of the frame broke all the way off as a result of hitting a large bump or perhaps a big pothole. Fortunatel
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Engine Star making very loud noise. Will driving. Mechanic told me engine is damaged and need replacement
NHTSA complaint: Engine
MY HUSBAND WAS SITTING IN OUR KIA, IN PARK AND CAR TURNED OFF, WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING SOUND. CAR TOWED TO SHOP RESULTED IN MECHANIC STATING OUR FRONT DRIVER STRUT "EXPLODED" INTO SEVERAL PIECES. LUCKY WE WERE NO
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
EVERY TIME I GO THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE I LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING THE VEHICLE. IT HAS HAPPENED BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY NUMEROUS TIMES, LASTS A FEW MINUTES AND THEN I REGAIN CONTROL OF STEERING. FORTUNATELY, IT'S HAPPE
NHTSA complaint: Steering
WHEN I DRIVE IN WET CONDITIONS, SOMETIMES THE STEERING WHEEL IS INOPERABLE FOR A FEW SECONDS. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER PEOPLE SAY THEY'VE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE AND KIA CLAIMS THAT THERE'S NOTHING WRO
NHTSA complaint: Steering
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2009 Kia Rondo. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
KIA IS RECALLING 6,680 MY 2008-2009 RONDO LX AND EX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.4 LITER ENGINE. THE FUEL PUMP MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN NOT ENOUGH FUEL GETTING TO THE ENGINE. POOR ENGINE STARTING, ENGINE HESITATION, AND OTHER IMPAIRMENT MAY RESULT, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MAY ILLUMIN
Risk: UNUSUALLY SEVERE IMPAIRMENT WHILE DRIVING COULD EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUB-ASSEMBLY WITH AN IMPROVED PART. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
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 201
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 trans
Fix: 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
| Reliability raw | 73 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 88 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 57 | average |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other wagons in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 16 of them (22%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 73/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2009 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.