2008 Kia Rondo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Kia Rondo: 3 recalls, 97 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #08V459000 · 2008 · 6,680 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Unusually severe impairment while driving could expose the driver to the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump sub-assembly with an improved part. The recall began on September 22, 2008.
Airbags Vehicle recall #12V014000 · 2012 · 145,755 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia motors america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Kia optima vehicles manufactured from September 29, 2005, through January 29, 2008, and model year 2007 and 2008 Kia rondo vehicles manufactured from September 13, 2006, through March 21, 2008. The clock spring contact assembly for the driver's side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) May become damaged through usage over time. If the…
Why it matters: If the clock spring develops high resistance, in the event of a crash, the drivers air bag will not deploy and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vehicle's air bag clock spring contact assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 11, 2012.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V114000 · 2013 · 980,377 vehicles
What's wrong: Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 rondo and sportage, model year 2007-2011 sorento, model year 2007 sedona, model year 2010-2011 soul, and model year 2011 optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp…
Why it matters: 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 transmission shifter May be able to be moved out of park without first applying the brake. This May lead…
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (18): the most common themes are warning light on (7), fails to deploy (6).
- Fuel & propulsion (16): the most common themes are warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (5).
- Body & structure (11): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4), noise or vibration (3), rust / corrosion (3).
- Speed control / throttle (11): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (4).
The 2008 Kia Rondo has 97 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 Rondo model years for complaints (1.6× the average Rondo year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 69,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (117 complaints, 3 recalls), 2009 (72 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Kia Rondo.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2008 Kia Rondo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Kia Rondo. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Kia Rondo problems?
Owners have filed 97 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (18), fuel & propulsion (16), body & structure (11).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Kia Rondo get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Kia Rondo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.