VehicleVerdict

2011 Kia Rondo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2011 Kia Rondo carries two red flags at once: 4 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Rondo years to avoid.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Rondo years?

Rondo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted179 complaints2007: 179 complaints2008: 139 complaints2009: 105 complaints2010: 19 complaints2011: 4 complaints
Rondo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rondo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Kia Rondo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes125%
Electrical System125%
Engine125%
Steering125%

Does the 2011 Kia Rondo have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

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 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 30, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 30, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 2016

“ 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 9, 2017

2011 Kia Rondo — common questions

Is the 2011 Kia Rondo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 4 complaints put the 2011 model at #5 of 5 Rondo years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Rondo years to avoid.

Does the 2011 Kia Rondo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Kia Rondo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Kia Rondo under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Rondo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rondo years to avoid are 2007, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Rondo years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.