Model year guide

2009 Kia Rondo

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Kia Rondo is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 52 on record.

2009 Kia Rondo — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Kia Rondo at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints72
Combined21–22 mpg
Typical price$4,322

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2009 Kia Rondo recalls 2

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #13V114000 · manufacturer #SC098 · 01/04/2013

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 Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, m…

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 may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage NHTSA Campaign #08V459000 · manufacturer #SC074 · 11/09/2008

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 ILLUMINATE.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2009 Kia Rondo common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2009 Kia Rondo safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2009 Kia Rondo 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2009 Kia Rondo MPG & running costs

Combined21–22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,125
EPA size classMidsize Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Automatic 5-spd
Passenger volume108 cu ft
Cargo volume32 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,625 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2009 Kia Rondo worth?

Low
$2,500
Typical price
$4,322
High
$6,300

From 51 comparable 2009 Kia Rondo listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Kia Rondo costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,625
Fuel only$15,625
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
179.1 in
Width
71.7 in
Height
65.0 in
Wheelbase
106.3 in
Curb weight
3,340–3,450 lb
Front track
61.4 in
Rear track
61.0 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2009 Kia Rondo — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Loss of Motive Power Closed

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 s…

NHTSA #DP22003 · Engine · opened Sep 2022 · closed Dec 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 28

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 28.

TECHNICAL 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 inf…

Bulletin TSB_BOD055_R1 · Structure, Exterior Lighting · Sep 2021

TSB_CHA021_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED

Bulletin TSB_CHA021_CLSD · Structure, Suspension · May 2021

PITSTOP - 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.

Bulletin PS539 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2018

TSB: 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 nu…

Bulletin TSB-GEN085R1 · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jan 2017

TSB: 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 pi…

Bulletin TSB-GEN085 · Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Nov 2016

TSB: 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…

Bulletin TSB-SC135R1 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Oct 2016

OWNER 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.

Bulletin SC135OWNER · Engine · Sep 2016

DEALER 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…

Bulletin SC135DEALERP · Equipment, Engine · Sep 2016

DEALER 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 T…

Bulletin SC135DEALERPSM · Engine, Equipment · Sep 2016

TSB: 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…

Bulletin TSBSC135 · Engine, Equipment · Sep 2016

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RONDO FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2009 Kia Rondo. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch.

Transport Canada #2013098 · Apr 2013

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2009 Kia Rondo trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · UN
Engines
2.4L · 2.7L 6-cyl

2009 Kia Rondo vehicles on record

Other Kia Rondo model years

2009 Kia Rondo — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Kia Rondo have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2009 Kia Rondo. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Rondo?

Across all 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, air bags, electrical system.

What is the 2009 Kia Rondo safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2009 Kia Rondo crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Kia Rondo get?

The 2009 Kia Rondo has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2009 Kia Rondo worth?

Comparable 2009 Kia Rondo listings run roughly $2,500–$6,300, typically around $4,322 (from 51 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.