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Vehicle safety record

2008 Kia Optima Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2008 Kia Optima with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (57) and the engine & cooling (24). Those complaints describe 20 crashes, 4 fires, 22 injuries and 8 deaths. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in April 2013 for the switch. For comparison, the 2007 has 167 and the 2009 has 116.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Optima year, for its age

#97 most complained-about 2008 vehicle

Complaints
144
Recalls
3
Crashes
20
Fires
4
Injuries
22
Deaths
8

Most common 2008 Kia Optima problems

Share of all 144 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2008 Kia Optima recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: switch

13V114000980,377 vehicles affected

The problem
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 switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
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 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.
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 recall campaign number is SC098.

Air bags: frontal

12V014000145,755 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Power train: column shift

11V15300070,115 vehicles affected

The problem
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through june 13, 2007. There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the park (p) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.
The risk
If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 23, 2011. Owner may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

What owners say

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144 complaints about the 2008 Kia Optima

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.

Engine & cooling

Basically the engine secede up while driving from one place to another. Causing Me to suddenly just stop in traffic almost causing an accident . Now the car won't start with a new starter and battery. I have no light on the dash, it currently sits at 124,000 miles on it. It's a grate car I just need the problem fixed

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11764663
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingElectrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2008 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle's transmission failure. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 198,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 217,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Electrical systemNHTSA 11716258
Airbags

Occupant airbag sensor doesn't recognize whether someone is sitting or not. The occupant airbag sensor light goes on and off whether there is a passenger sitting on the seat or not. Kia has extended warranty on this issue however it doesn't let customer know about this part is defected. I was doing my research how to fix the issue and learn that kia had extended warranty for 15 years from the first day of service. the warranty currently expired right now. if I knew there was a warranty, I would go to dealer to fix the issue the day that my wife bought the car.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11671023
Transmission & drivetrainLightsAirbags

Power train: at low idle or while slowing down, the car will lose power for a minute until you get on the accelerator and it all comes back on. Alternator had been replaced. And is going to be replaced again soon. Not sure if it's just a bad part. Power steering pump was replaced. The pulley seized. Unrelated. Lighting: third brake light constantly flickers. All Lighting including head lights flicker on and off. Worse when slowing down. Lights on dash board, dome, rear light and head light Bulbs have been...

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replaced. At night when the head lights flicker I cannot see the road. Airbags: the air bag light on dash is always on. Codes have been ran and there are so many. Tried resetting codes it comes back on soon after. Not sure how to go about trying to fix it. All of this has been happening since I purchased the car in November 2024.

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 11645823
Airbags

Air bag line came on, dealer states is clock spring.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11526018
AirbagsBody, doors & structureFuel system

have taken my kia to halleen kia sandusky dealership for safety recall driver air bags, and to assess my subframe. was turned away because they said the subframe of my car was too rusty and they "didn't feel safe letting their technicians do repairs as per safety recalls" and would not investigate the cars subframe.

Filed Incident Air bags · Structure · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11501217
Other & unknown

Many times the base unit does not properly accept the car seat. Setting the car seat on the base will not click in and lock. After more than a dozen or so events the base refuses to accept the car seat and I have had to user other methods to fasten the car seat.

Filed Incident Other / i am not sureNHTSA 11490271
Airbags

This car have a Warranty Extension for OCS Sensor Mat. Warranty extension dated June 2016 Airbag light was first turned on in August 2020 Went to the dealer and said it was related to seat buckle and got it fixed Airbag light again turned on in August 2021 Went to the dealer and said it was related to clock spring and that the driver seat needs to be replaced, which would take time and did not get repaired In November 2021, the airbag light got turned off by itself I am very concerned whether the air bag for my car is really working.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11444039
Airbags

I had my airbag light turned on last year and the dealership fixed the issue. Within a year, the airbag light got turned on again and now they say that it is related to the clock spring and is not covered in the extended warranty.This is a part that should not fail and very important for the safety and security of the driver and the other passengers.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11437742
SuspensionEngine & cooling

I bought my car in 2008 a Kia optima lx I stored it till 2021. But in 2013 i took my car to El Paso tx. And I felt that beer to the side and stored it again in a garage toil this it's only got 6000 miles can it still qualify for a recall

Filed Incident Suspension · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11432605
Transmission & drivetrain

I went to back out of my driveway and ended up in the middle of the road and not able to shift into drive. The dash shows that I am currently stuck in neutral and am not able to change gears. I looked up recalls and I see that there is a Power Train: Automatic Transmission Lever and Linkage Column shift recall from March 2011. I bought this car in June 2011. When I and the Kia dealership here in town look up my VIN number, it is not showing any recalls currently. How do I go about getting this fixed if it is...

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in fact the exact issue from the Recall no: 11V153000? The dealership would not even look at the recall information I have found. I have not had any issues related to this until yesterday afternoon. I ended up pushing my car up into my driveway for now.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11422440
Transmission & drivetrain

My vehicle locked up while turning around in a driveway so I could park at my daughter's house on the street. It was working fine before that. It got stuck in the drive mode and then I couldn't get it to start or move. I'm referring to NHTSA Campaign ID # 11V15300. I am currently stuck at my daughter's home in Norfolk, Virginia

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11419363
Transmission & drivetrainCrash

While driving, I tried to reverse my vehicle and it got stuck in drive , and wouldn't and my gear shift no longer responded to the gear and my vehicle was locked in place in drive mode.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11419355
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was parking the vehicle, the shifter cable detached and the vehicle kept rolling. The contact stated that the gear shifter was in park but the transmission was still in drive position. The contact stated that his daughter had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he temporary fix the vehicle and later the vehicle was taken to taylor kia of boardman, 7870 market st, youngstown, oh 44512, and was...

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diagnosed that the entire shift cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11389007
LightsAirbagsBody, doors & structureCrash1 injury

I was driving southbound on sepulveda blvd on sep 6 at 0800am and I was over halfway through the green light when I was struck by a toyota making a left turn on a green light who did not yield. The driver [[redacted]] struck my car on the front and left driver bumper and fender causing extensive damage. He failed to yield, lied about it and the front and side air bags did not deploy. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Air bags · StructureNHTSA 11386753
Other & unknown

I had to have my 2008 optima taken to the only dealership in town for a broken shifting cable. I went on the internet for some information and I read that optima has had several problems over the years with the shifting cable on the car over different years. Internet is saying that at the end october that kia is going to announce that install shifting cable incorrectly.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11365615
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that while in reverse, the gear shifted without warning into neutral. The contact managed to stop the vehicle but was unable to change the gear from neutral to drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the shifter cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 11v153000 (power train) as a possible solution to the failure...

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however, the vin was not included. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 57,960.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11339890
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Was driving on the highway when the car burst into flames

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11337790
Engine & cooling

Car has 29,061 miles on it when the engine cracked. The car is 12 years old and well maintained. My dad drove this vehicle and had noticed the car making grinding noise. Prior to and during the day it stopped along a windy road driving 30 miles per hour. I researched this problem there is a noted issue that this happens at this mileage. Kia district manager declined to help with this issue. No car at 29000 miles should have engine crack.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11307579
Engine & cooling

While driving down the interstate the engine began to knock. As I pulled off the interstate the engine shut down and would not restart. The car only has 96,000 miles. This motor has been recalled by hyundai and kia but only in certain models, while the engine has yet to be recalled for all models. I believe the issue is the connecting rod bearings have failed due to insufficient oil flow. The car's oil level was at the proper amount.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11269069
Airbags

Kia recalled optimas up until january 2008 for faulty clock spring. I have a kia optima that was built in march 2008. I just paid almost 500.00 To replace the clock spring because my month and year was not included in the recall. Why did kia stop the recall after january 2008 when there were still 2008's with clock spring issues. I started my car and the airbag light would not go off. I took it to the dealership and was told I had a bad clock spring. I'm sure these things do not wear out being they are associated with the airbag system.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11267367
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While the contact was waiting to have the oil changed in the vehicle, he shifted from park into neutral; however, the gear failed to engage. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed by aaa to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shifter cable disconnected from the shifter. The vehicle was not repaired. Greenway kia of rivergate (1536 gallatin pike n, madison, tn 37115, (615) 860-9888) was contacted and stated that the vin was not included in a recall. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11256489
Transmission & drivetrainBrakesEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While attempting to park the vehicle, it continued to move without warning while in the park position. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Once the emergency brake was applied, the vehicle was unable to start. The vehicle was towed to sons kia (100 sons dr, mcdonough, ga 30253, (678) 619-1393) where it was diagnosed that the throttle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 13v114000 (service brakes, hydraulic,...

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exterior lighting); however, the dealer refused to replace the transmission shifter claiming that the shifter was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11233205
Electrical systemFuel system

When placing the car in park the car isn't recognizing that the car is parked causing it to continue to roll. Once the ignition has been turned off the car will not restart and the gears will not shift.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11232743
Engine & cooling

I bought my kia optima in 2009, it was 1 yr old at that time. I had to replace my timing belt in march of 2017 and I am having to replace it again. It is may of 2019. My car only has 70,000 miles on the original engine.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11206633

Kia Optima: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201292352578Engine & coolingF
201159452333Engine & coolingF
201075172Transmission & drivetrainA
2009116154Transmission & drivetrainB
20081443204AirbagsC
20071672115AirbagsB
2006155231AirbagsB
2005144071Body, doors & structureB
2004225183Body, doors & structureC
All Optima years

2008 Kia Optima vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2008 Kia Optima

Does the 2008 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Kia Optima: switch (April 2013); frontal (January 2012); column shift (March 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Optima?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (57), engine & cooling (24), transmission & drivetrain (18).

How many complaints has the 2008 Kia Optima had?

144 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 26, 2008 and the latest on September 16, 2026. Of these, 20 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 22 injuries and 8 deaths.

Is the 2008 Kia Optima a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 45 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Kia Optima year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kia Optima years have the most complaints?

2013 (1,388), 2015 (1,011), 2012 (923). See every Kia Optima year compared.

What should I do if my 2008 Kia Optima has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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