Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Kia Rondo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Rondo. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving and shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. A passerby inspected the vehicle and stated that the fuel pump or alternator May have failed. The passerby banged on the fuel tank a couple of times and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home and was then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump failed. The contact researched the failure online and found many unknown recalls on other vehicles. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer, but all lines LED back to roadside assistance; therefore, the contact was unable to speak with a live representative. The contact called bill Dodge Kia (3 saunders way, westbrook, me 04092, [phone]) and they initially hung up on her. …
My check engine light is on. When I refuel my vehicle it has difficulty restarting. Over the course of the last couple months, it has started to stall. Looking at forums I found quite a few people with the same "issue" but no solutions. I have had my vehicle on a diagnostic machine and it comes back with an EVAP code. The codes have been cleared but come right back on. I see the fuel pump has been recalled, I have had my car since the fall of 2009 and to my knowledge I haven't had this repaired, but for some reason this does not show up when I do the recall search. Has it already been repaired prior to my purchasing the vehicle?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Rondo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning indicator had been illuminated for two days prior to the failure. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge decreased to approximately a quarter of a tank. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Rondo. After the vehicle was refueled, it hesitated to start and stalled at various speeds without warning. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The contact also indicated that the tire pressure monitoring system illuminated although the tire pressure was normal. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Went to get rear tires put on my car and the mechanic noticed the fuel tank was leaking above the support on the drivers side. To replace the fuel tank is over 900 dollars, according to the dealer. I know this is a problem in the same area for rondos because a Kia mechanic told me that he just had one in that had a leak in the same exact area. Have not had it fixed yet due to the expense, even though its a safety risk.
It takes 2 or 3 attempts to start my car after getting gas. Recently, after getting gas, the car stalled while I was driving on a busy main road going approx 40mph. Today, the car stalled 2x while driving. Everything turned off, had to use the emergency brake to stop the car.
In September 2011, check engine light came on. The vehicle would not restart after refueling. I would have to pump the gas before the car would restart and it would make a sound like it was trying to suck up gas through a straw that had a hole in it. I had a fuel injection flush and dye added but unable to detect what was causing the problem. This went on for several months. Currently, the car does not turn over on the first attempt. It takes approximately 3 attempts for the car to start. This is in addition to the car not starting after refueling. I took car in for repair and was told that I needed to replace the fuel pump assembly. As I researched the recommended repair, I learned that Kia recalled other 2008 Rondo's, so I called them and was told that my vehicle is a 2.7 liter and not part of the recall campaign. …
In 2010, check engine light came on. The vehicle would not restart after refueling. I would have to pump the gas before the car would restart and it would make sounds and the RPM will rev. I had a diagnosis performed by several mechanics but unable to detect what was causing the problem. Had guesstimates as to o2 sensors, fuel pump to canisters replacement. This has gone on since 2010. Currently, the car does not turn over on the first attempt after fueling. I took car in to the dealership and was told that I needed to replace the fuel pump assembly. As I researched the recommended repair, I learned that Kia recalled other 2008 Rondo's, so I called them and was told that my vehicle is a v6 and not part of the recall campaign. I am having the same problem as the vehicles in the recall campaign and think that this matter should be further investigated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Rondo. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact noticed a sputtering noise and a hesitation while accelerating. The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated that a coil would have to be replaced but the contact was not aware of the exact repair needed. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 08V459000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
I own a 2008 Kia Rondo with a 2.7 liter 6 cyl engine. I have been having identical problems that the 2.4 liter 4 cyl has had that caused a fuel pump recall. It stalls because it can not get sufficient gas. It does not want to start after getting gas, and it is having a gas starvation issue. I have taken the car to a mechanic, who indicated it should have been recalled with the 4 cyl. I contacted Kia and they are refusing to repair the issue as a recall. At one point the car stalled while I was driving and I almost wrecked.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel System complaints in other Rondo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2008 Kia Rondo?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2008 Kia Rondo, 23% of the model year's 97 complaints. The component named most often is storage (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Kia Rondo fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-459 (storage, Sep 11, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Kia Rondo fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
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.