Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Kia Rondo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
No compression in cylinder 3 due to oil drainage in spark plug panel caused Loss of motive power and Almost a wreck so to vehicle shutting down on the interstate . As I look I see that this is in investigation already and needs to be took into consideration as soon as possible if our lives really matter to Kia as your customers . So very sad how the engines and fuel systems are on kias
Every time I go through a small puddle I lose control of steering the vehicle. It has happened backing out of my driveway numerous times, lasts a few minutes and then I regain control of steering. Fortunately, it's happened on my street for the most part. Last week, September 16, 2020, I was on a very busy main road when I was making a right turn into a shopping center. I turned right, went through a small puddle, and lost control of steering. Fortunately there was no one behind me so I shifted backwards and tried to force the steering wheel with no luck. I repeated going backwards and after a few attempts the steering function came back. I've had the drive belt replaced so that can't be the problem. I've recently had an alignment, two new tires installed, and tires rotated. Nothing was mentioned about any issues. …
In October 2014, my car lost power steering when going through puddles. I got the alternator belt replaced and it seemed to fix the problem. In June 2015, it occurred again. I took it to lokey Kia in clearwater, fl to fix the problem (along with an air bag issue problem) and they diagnosed it as an ac compressor problem (they did not replicate the problem) and the air bag issue was due to the clock spring. I did not have it repaired that day and came home and reported it on this website. I got a call from Kia corp. Office of product liability saying that they called because of my complaint here. …
This started on 10/2012, and has been happening whenever I tried to drive in rain since. Ive had to wait to try to see what is wrong because I couldnt afford to do anything about it . It was raining outside and I left my home to go to the store and went to turn the corner and there was a very loud grinding noise and the steering wheel froze, just completely seized on me and I drove right into the curb opposite the road. I had a child in the car with me and it was terrifying! Now, I cannot drive at all in the rain or even if there's puddles on the road! I see that there's others that have had this same issue, even some having wrecks on the freeway! Why isnt this a recall issue!? …
When it is raining or after rain if there are still puddles in the road, when the car goes through any puddles the steering locks up for at least 45 seconds. I had my daughter learning how to drive and this happened to her. I should not have to worry about putting my child at risk like this especially with the price of this car. I've had the power steering pump replaced and it still does this. My ESC light has been on since I got the car. So any time I hit the smallest bump or when trying to stop on a bumpy road or on snow or ice, the car locks up. The brakes go out and its like everything in the car locks up for a few seconds. It is terrifying especially when trying to stop at a light. I have never in my life experienced so many issues in a vehicle before owning a Kia Rondo. …
Since I purchased the car at the Kia dealership in nc - it was raining and I drover over a puddle of water, I was making a right turn in the process and all lights turned on on dash - it slowed my car down almost turned off. Airbag light turned on (still on). Car turned back on but everytime it rains - I am afraid because my car stalls and it stops depending on the amount of water. This is dangerous especially if I am on the highway. I called the Kia shop and they find nothing wrong with my car and I have to pay to get the airbag light fixed. I don't think I should pay for something that I did not break. Since I have had my car - it has done the above at least 4 times and the airbag light is still on.
2009 Kia Rondo - 115,000 miles. For the past 2-3 months, the steering locks up when I go through rain puddles, first making a loud noise underneath, then loosing power. Two lights appear on the dashboard. I have found if I turn off the air conditioner, the problem corrects itself. This has to be associated with the air conditioner or air compressor. We just went through tropical storm hermine and this was a constant problem. Something needs to be done by the dealer - such as a recall to get this fixed before the car crashes and I have no control.
Multiple occurrences of power steering cuts out in wet conditions with battery light and another light illuminating. Once the lights go off, power steering is regained. It is my daughters car and now we I don't let her drive when it rains or if it is wet out. Kia states there is no recall or TSB for what I am experiencing. How is this not a safety concern? Each occurrence the car has to be stopped and at highway speeds this has almost caused a crash multiple times. When making a turn have to slam on breaks to the stop to regain heading control.
Twice in the last two weeks, while driving in the rain, both the power steering and the brakes failed. The steering wheel would not turn at all, no matter how hard I tried. The brakes were completely inoperable. After 5-10 seconds, the power steering and the brakes would work again. The worst incident ocurred while attempting to turn in a busy intersection; thank god no one was hurt. The other incident was in a school crossing zone, while children were walking or bicycling to school. We are afraid to drive the car until it can be repaired.
On three occasions within the past twelve months, I have completely lost power steering while driving. The wheel becomes almost unmovable (I am a strong, adult male). On one of these occasions, the weather was damp and the engine also stalled. Fortunately I was able to muscle and coast the car onto the shoulder where I was able to restart the car and drive away. On the remaining two occasions I was driving at 65 MPH on the interstate when the power steering ceased to work. Terrifying and deadly. Latest event was May 9, 2018.
Steering complaints in other Rondo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Kia Rondo?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Kia Rondo, 43% of the model year's 72 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Kia Rondo steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Kia Rondo, though it has 2 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 2009 Kia Rondo steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.