Problem: Pulling to the right

[dmac93]

I was brushed off more than once with the whole 'crest of the road' argument but it's a load of BS. I've never driven a vehicle that acted this way like the Rondo does.

UPDATE:

Although the PULLING TO THE RIGHT wasn't corrected ... the wheel shake at 80km/h and up was fixed.

They did a full tire rotation and balanced each one and it fixed the problem.

The mechanic suggested not to worry much about the pulling to the right - he seemed to think it was only slight - not enough to warrant a alignment (which I know won't fix it).

I'm over the 20k mark so they're not covering the alignment. The service manager told me flat out that I'd have to fight with KIA CANADA over that one.

[conwelpic]

unfortunately I don't think that video proves much, as any vehicle could start drifting to the right (depending on the road) after a few hundred feet when you are not holding the steering wheel. It didn't pull immediately (which would be a major concern).

A more controlled section of road would prove a more definate conclusion where you could try different vehicles and see how each one reacts to that same section of road.

[Narvo]

Originally Posted by conwelpic

unfortunately I don't think that video proves much, as any vehicle could start drifting to the right (depending on the road) after a few hundred feet when you are not holding the steering wheel. It didn't pull immediately (which would be a major concern).

A more controlled section of road would prove a more definite conclusion where you could try different vehicles and see how each one reacts to that same section of road.

When I watched it, it seemed to act the way mine was before it was fixed. The pull is immediate. When you let go of the steering wheel you can see it move slightly right and the car starts to veer to the right. I agree that a vehicle should not go straight down the road without correcting the wheel for miles but this was definitely a problem in my case. It was also very annoying and fatiguing when driving.

Since I own two vehicles I was able to test them both on the same road and they did not act in the same manner. The Rondo pull was always much more evident in the Rondo compared to my Santa Fe.

I am glad someone posted a video to get a visual perspective. It's obvious that more and more owners are complaining about this issue. I don't even think that the youtube poster is a forum member.

What I don't understand is why Kia Canada is being mum on the service bulletin and why hasn't a recall been issued to correct this problem? I wasn't able to get a copy of the service bulletin. You'll see all over these forums that many consumers are delaying or not purchasing a Rondo at all because of this problem. It certainly is hurting sales I would think.

[Carens UK]

Mine is doing the same, but pulling to the left, I wonder if there is a connection, i.e Canada left hand drive, pulling to the right, UK right hand drive pulling to the left??

[cjfin]

Hi guys,

Same problem with our Rondo pulling to the right since day one. Several visits to Kia and no solution. We paid for an alignment specialist to do the front wheels. He identified right away that there is a significant problem and even called the local Kia dealer to see if there was a recall! This in addition to the front toe being out 1/8". We didn't suggest the problem to him but let him find it himself during the road test. In addition to pulling to the right, it intermittently wanders and is a fight to keep going straight. Kia insists there is no problem during the drive tests we have gone on with them. The alignment specialist adamantly disagrees. He indicates the following to be looked into;

Vehicle has 'memory' steer - does not return
Upper strut bearing - rack and pinion?
Lack of power steering at low speed

I have contacted Kia once again with this "new" info and am waiting for a reply.

I looked at what appears to be the shop manual and it lists these problems;
1. Steering wheel operation is not smooth (Insufficient power assist)
2. Steering wheel does not return properly
3. Vehicle pulls to one side

Probable cause, per the manual, which is common for all three problems;
Defective front suspension and steering.

Solution per the manual;
Adjustment or Replace

Maybe this is why our Rondo handles like my 1982 Chev pickup

[Narvo]

cjfin, I have added you to the list on the first post. Thank you for your post. It continues to be V6 owners that are complaining about this. I would like to know what are the differences in steering and suspension between the V6 and I4. If we knew this then we could probably have a short list of what part(s) are causing this problem.

[Narvo]

Originally Posted by 3kid2cat1dog

And maybe it is time to get a video on YouTube.

Good luck you guys KC

Video is now posted. See post above, if you have not already done so.

[cjfin]

Thanks Narvo,

The shop manual I was directed to by this forum shows the same steering rack and front suspension for the V6 and I4. I haven't taken the time to sort through the rest of the front end components yet. The manual is located here Kia Global Information System (KGIS)
There is a lot of info on this site, including the "pit stop" section. I found this bulletin #KT2005061705 (Kia Technical Assistance Center Guidelines) there and pasted it below. I guess I should be asking Kia if the form "Technical Assistance Center worksheet P/N UN980 PS001" was filled out since no resolution was found for my problems after at least three visits. Anyone ever have one of these things filled out by their dealer?


Kia Technical Assistance Center Guidelines

The purpose of the Kia Technical Assistance Center (TechLine) is to assist Kia dealers with Kia

vehicle repair related technical problems.

When to Use the Technical Assistance Center

• When all normal repair resources have been used (i.e., Service Manual, TSBs, Technician

Times, KSIS, kdealer.net, DPSM assistance, etc.)

• Vehicle is in for the second repair attempt or greater than 1/2 hour diagnostic time without

being able to find the source of the problem.

How to Use the Technical Assistance Center

• Fill in the Technical Assistance Center worksheet P/N UN980 PS001 (available on kdealer.net,

Technical Forms section) with the following information and have it ready before calling:

* Complete VIN * Production date

* R.O. Number / Mileage * Owner’s name

* Repair history - number of repair attempts

* Explanation of problem condition (customer and dealer description)

• Each vehicle repair will be entered into the TechLine database and a case number will be

given to the caller for follow-up calls and case closure.

Additional Guidelines

• Only Kia dealers can use the Technical Assistance Center.

• Always have the vehicle present and attempt a repair before calling.

• TechLine does not authorize warranty claims.

• For help with Warranty issues, call the Warranty Hotline at 800-225-3217.

• For help with Parts information, call the Kia Motors America Parts HotLine at 800-542-5611

• To get radio codes for 1996 and 1997 vehicles, use your dealer DCS system as outlined in

TSB Volume 1, Accessories 001.

• All TechLine cases must be closed within 30 days. Be sure to provide confirmation of the

repair as outlined below.

To close a case: 1. Call the TechLine and leave a message in the close case voice mailbox with

the case number and resolution.

2. Fax a copy of the TechLine worksheet with resolution to 949-470-2800

Technical Assistance Center Number: 800-494-4542

[conwelpic]

good info and there is also Kia Motors main site that can be contacted if you are not satisfied with the way the dealer or region is handling your problem.

[kech]

Hi All,
It will be 1 year this Sunday since owning my Rondo I4 and have been experiencing the same pull to the right like everyone else. I tried to down play it, but after reviewing the YouTube video, I'm convinced that the problem is there for both engine types. Hope KIA does something sooner rather than later. FYI, I, too, have tested this on many road types with the same results!!!!