2011 Kia Rondo recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
What could happen: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18…
What to do
- Park outside, away from houses, garages and other cars — there is a fire risk even when the vehicle is off.
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 RONDO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Kia dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V652000 (manufacturer code SC284).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-333-4542.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2011 Kia Rondo owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Steering (1), Electrical system (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
06/09/2017 · Brakes
BRAKING WITHOUT TOUCHING PEDAL MESSAGE: MON 6/5/17 AS WE WERE DRIVING IT FELT LIKE THE RONDO APPLIED THE BRAKES WITHOUT US TOUCHING THE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL.AFTER A FEW HOURS IT STOPPED.TODAY FRI 06/09 IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF FOR 15 MINS IT WAS NORMAL
10/31/2016 · Steering
I HAVE A 2011 KIA RONDO (148,000 KMS). FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS, WHEN DRIVING ON WET ROADS, I LOSE CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING - IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON DURING THIS PERIOD FOR BETWEEN 5-30 SECONDS AS YOU LOOSE ALMOST ALL CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE'S STEERING. JUST AS YOUR VEHICLE GAINS POWER STEERING AGAIN, A SCREECHING SOUNDS COME…