2008 Kia Rondo Service and Repair Manual
Kia built the 2008 Rondo around two engines and four trim levels, and this factory service and repair manual is keyed to that exact lineup — the figures in it are the ones Kia published for the 2008 model year, not close-enough numbers carried over from an earlier or later Rondo.
Engines covered
- 2.4L inline-four — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
- 2.7L V6 — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
Body styles covered
- 4-door wagon
Trims covered
- EX
- EX Luxury
- EX Premium
- LX
Known issues on the 2008 Rondo. Three recalls are on federal record for this model year. The first covers the frontal air bags: the clock spring can develop high resistance. The second covers the gasoline fuel system on LX and EX models with the 2.4 liter engine — the fuel pump may not operate properly, resulting in not enough fuel getting to the engine, and unusually severe impairment while driving could expose the driver to the risk of a crash. The third covers the brake light switch: the stop lamps can fail to illuminate during braking, or the cruise control may not disengage. Owners have filed 139 complaints for the year and Kia has issued 18 technical service bulletins.
From tracing a fuel-delivery fault on the 2.4L to testing a stop lamp switch or replacing a clock spring, it puts the Kia-published procedure and the correct specification behind every job on your 2008 Rondo.
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 CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
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.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. 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 sw
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 to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
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.
UNUSUALLY SEVERE IMPAIRMENT WHILE DRIVING COULD EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta
PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIF
TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL
TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLIC
Showing the 8 most recent of 19 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
HUSBAND DRIVING , CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY, HE HIT BRAKES , BRAKES FAILED, AND REAR ENDED CAR IN FRONT, WHO THEN HIT CAR IN FRONT, WHO THEN HIT CAR IN FRONT. 1 OR 2 PEOPLE INJURED AND WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL. WE ARE SORE, BUT WILL SURVIVE. WAS RECALL ON PART THAT WAS REPLACED ,FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN SEPT. 2013 AND ACCIDENT WAS 11-12-13. HAD MECHANIC CHECKED AND CODES C1513 AND C1616 CAME UP. HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. CONCERNED THAT A PART THAT WAS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD, THE EYE, AND THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V014000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFAC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POWER CABLE UNIT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HAND. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,500. UPDATED 01/09/14 UPDATED 03/05/14*LJ
REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AT 35 MPH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. THE SEAT BELT NEVER CAUGHT EITHER THROWING DRIVER INTO STEERING WHEEL. *TR
WAS IN CAR ACCIDENT AT 55 MPH 3 CAR WRECK. IMPACT WITH REAR OF A PICK-UP TRUCK. AIR BAGS ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY. WAS ON HIGHWAY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN THE PARKED VEHICLE WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, ARM, NECK AND ANKLE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA
I WAS BROADSIDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE AIR BAG COVER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE POPPED OFF AND HIT ME (THE DRIVER) IN THE HEAD. THE AIR BAGS ON THE FRONT AND BACK PASSENGER'S SIDE FELL OUT BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. THE AIR BAGS WERE LESS THAN WORTHLESS, THEY WERE A DANGEROUS FLYING OBJECT. *TR
SINGLE-CAR ACCIDENT; ROLLOVER, 2008 KIA RONDO DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE CO.; SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDED ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL; 6 AIRBAGS INCLUDING SIDE/HEAD CURTAIN AND NOT ONE DEPLOYED - I SUFFER FROM APPROX 6" LESION WITH PARTIAL SKULL SHOWING (16 STAPLES) TO LEFT SIDE OF HEAD FROM THE SIDEROOF SLAMMED INTO ME; I WAS WEARING A SEATBELT AND IT SAVED MY LIFE - GLASS EXPLODED EVERYWHERE, I HAVE SEVERE WHIPLASH AND CONCUSSION. *TR
I WAS INVOLVED IN 2 SEPARATE VEHICLE COLLISIONS IN MY 2008 KIA RONDO ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. I WAS SITTING IN THE STOPPED VEHICLE WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR/REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED UPON IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ON BOTH OCCASIONS. AS A RESULT, I SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE AND NOT TOWED, BUT DRIVEN TO A DEALER/PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE AI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ABILITY TO STEER SEIZED. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKES HARDER AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND THAT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY BEFORE AND THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE THROTTLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS UNINTENTIONALLY BUMPED AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION. THE POLICE ARRIVED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILU
I WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY WHEN I STARTED TO BACK UP TO STRAIGHTEN MYSELF UP SO THAT I COULD PULL STRAIGHT UP INTO THE DRIVEWAY. AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL, THE PEDAL WAS STUCK CAUSING ME TO ACCELERATE AT ABOUT 60MPH. MY CAR WENT OVER A TREE STUMP RESULTING IN ME CRASHING INTO THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE. WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT PROPERLY WORK. *TR
I TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY (3 TIME) TO TURN OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL AS TRAFFIC GOT SLOWER. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO TURN OFF BY USING THE OFF (CANCEL) BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL, TAPPING THE BRAKE TO TURN IT OFF DIDN'T WORK EITHER. I DID END UP COMING TO A STOP (SKIDDING TO A STOP) IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW BANK IN A FIELD OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
TODAY 9/15/2018 APPROX. 3PM I HAD THE MOST FRIGHTENING NERVE WRECKING EXPERIENCE WITH MY KIA RONDO 2008. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE SLOWING DOWN GOING INTO THE PARKING SPACE ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED JUMPED THE MEDIAN MISSING THE CAR ON MY LEFT AND MISSING THE CAR ON MY RIGHT KNOCKED SOME SHRUBS BEFORE IT BARELY MISSED HITTING THE TREE. THERE WAS A THICK BRANCH STUCK IN THE BACK WHEEL, DRIVER SIDE AND DAMAGE TO THE FRONT PANEL UNDER THE CAR. THA
Showing the 15 most serious of 97 complaints filed with NHTSA.
