Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Kia Rondo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2.4L Theta engine has developed a knocking sound at 155,600 miles. Oil consumption is excessive. Currently vehicle has Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W20 oil. It has been approximately 5600 miles since last oil and filter change, and vehicle was 2 qts low. Knocking sound is consistent with what others have reported with the later 2.4L Theta II engine. Symptom is consistent with spun rod bearing. It is currently available for inspection, pending me selling the car. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car is a serious risk of stalling. Has previously stalled before. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Selling dealership is under different ownership and has disavowed prior ownership. …
My engine caught on fire ...the fire was started near or around the fuel rail/ or injectors. I researched Kia recalls and other years and other models of Kia's were part of a similar risk. I feel that this was a huge safety risk....luckily my car engine caught fire very close to my home, and I was able to pull in my driveway and call the fire dept. I was injured in this event....but the burn was minor. I am most concerned with Kia acknowledging the huge safety risk....and the loss that I and others could experience with this safety issue. My vehicle was in great shape before this engine fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact heard a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The grinding sound continued and the vehicle was taken to the dealer (south hills Kia, 3644 washington rd, canonsburg, pa 15317) where it was diagnosed that the cradle and coil spring were rusted. The dealer did not inspect the vehicle to check for other failures. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was over the 60,000 mile warranty; therefore, they would not assist. The manufacturer opened case number: 12707877. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had been at the dealer since April 26, 2018, but had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the temperature gauge reading increased into the red zone with a constant noise of flowing coolant. The engine was turned off. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed that the engine had overheated. After waiting two hours for the engine to cool, the vehicle was driven cautiously and taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis where the radiator fan motor was replaced. The failure later recurred. The contact planned to take the vehicle back to the dealer. In addition, the stabilizer bar was faulty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
About 3 months after I purchased my Kia Rondo I noticed that every time I filled the tank there was a problem.for the last 5 years I have replaced a sensor every year to turn the check engine light of due to this problem. After putting gas in my tank all hell breaks loose. The tank begins to gargle the has the car revs high n then low until it shuts off and if I can get it on again it will rev high n low again while driving until it ahuta off in middle of road while driving. I've learned how to manage it but I don't think that when a car costs you 15 grand u should ha e to deal with what I believe to be a defect in the car.
My 2007 Rondo has been acting up, will not start directly after getting gas. My check engine light is on. Yesterday I did not get gas, however it stalled while I was driving and would not start as it does when I get gas. I fortunately was at an intersection. If it had stalled a little farther up the road I would have been rear ended as there was a car directly behind me. I have previously replaced the purge valve solenoid as suggested, no difference. Why is the 2.7 Rondo not recalled for this as the 2.4 engine was?
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. While driving approximately 40 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle jerked abruptly and the vehicle continued to move forward at a slower speed. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the wheel speed and oxygen sensors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that the oil pan corroded and fractured causing oil to leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the metal oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 03/04/15 updated 10/8/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Kia Rondo. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,100.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
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.
Engine complaints in other Rondo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Kia Rondo?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Kia Rondo, 24% of the model year's 117 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2007 Kia Rondo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Kia Rondo, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Kia Rondo engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.