Head-to-head reliability
KIA Rondo vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA Rondo and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Rondo vs Toyota Camry: The Rondo averages 29.7 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Rondo's top issues are steering and air bags; the Camry's are power train and engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Rondo or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Rondo
The KIA Rondo is a compact multi-purpose vehicle that averages about 30 complaints per year, with steering and air bag issues standing out. Owners frequently report losing steering control after hitting puddles, and some say air bags failed to deploy in crashes. With 11 recalls and 24 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection of safety systems before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 214 per year—but that reflects its huge popularity. The most common complaints involve power train (transmission grinding, sudden acceleration), engine issues, and brake problems. Despite 31 recalls and 163 injuries, many issues are addressed by recalls, and the Camry generally has a strong reliability reputation.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Rondo | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 297 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 33 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Rondo
- 01STEERING50
- 02AIR BAGS50
- 03ENGINE42
- 04SERVICE BRAKES41
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
Owners report that driving through puddles causes the steering to lock up or become uncontrollable for up to 45 seconds. This is a serious safety concern, especially in wet conditions, and could lead to loss of control.
Several complaints describe air bags failing to deploy in crashes, including a rollover where only passenger-side bags deployed. This puts occupants at risk of serious injury, and buyers should verify any recall repairs.
Engine stalling and power steering seizure are reported, sometimes while driving. This can leave a driver stranded or unable to steer, making it a critical issue to check during a test drive.
Brake-related complaints often overlap with steering issues, such as loss of control in rain. Some owners also mention repeated tire replacements and alarm glitches, but brake performance in wet conditions is the main worry.
“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. LAS…”
“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 PU…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sometimes requiring replacement, and sudden acceleration incidents. These can be costly and dangerous, so a thorough transmission check is essential.
Complaints include sudden acceleration and coolant valve issues that may not be covered by recalls. Engine problems can lead to crashes or expensive repairs, so check for recall completion.
Some drivers experience a complete loss of brake response, such as when descending a hill. This is a severe safety risk, and any used Camry should have its braking system inspected.
Many complaints involve AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors. While not safety-critical, these issues can be annoying and costly to fix.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Rondo — 11 recalls
The defect: 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…
The risk: 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…
The defect: 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 201…
The risk: 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…
The fix: 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…
The defect: 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…
The risk: 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…
The defect: 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 201…
The risk: 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…
The fix: 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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
KIA Rondo or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The KIA Rondo has far fewer complaints per year (about 30 vs. 214 for the Camry), but its issues often involve sudden loss of steering or air bag failure, which are immediate safety risks. The Camry's higher complaint count is partly due to its larger sales volume, and many problems are covered by recalls. In practice, the Rondo may need more urgent attention to safety defects, while the Camry's issues are more varied but often manageable.
Key differences
- The KIA Rondo has 297 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2143, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- Rondo owners frequently report steering lock-up in puddles and air bag non-deployment, whereas Camry complaints often involve transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 31 recalls vs. 11 for the Rondo, meaning more potential fixes are available for known issues.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Rondo's 24 injuries from 33 crash-related complaints suggest a higher injury rate per crash than the Camry's 163 injuries from 181 crashes.
- Test the steering in wet conditions or after driving through puddles to see if it locks up or becomes difficult.
- Ask for proof that air bag recalls have been performed, and check for any warning lights related to the air bag system.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test for any hesitation or sudden acceleration.
- Check for a complete brake pedal response, especially when decelerating from higher speeds or on inclines.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired.
- Take a test drive that includes wet roads (for Rondo) and highway braking (for Camry).
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system, air bags, and transmission before purchase.
- For the Camry, specifically check the AC condenser for damage and ask about any mildew odor.
- Verify that the vehicle's VIN is not part of any unrepaired recall campaign.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Rondo or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Rondo vs Toyota Camry
- KIA Rondo total complaints
- 297
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- KIA Rondo total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA Rondo avg complaints/year
- 29.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- KIA Rondo
- KIA Rondo top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN