CarRecallWatchThe 2008 Kia Optima has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA, including 20 crashes, 4 fires, 22 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (58 reports).
2008 Kia Optima recalls
Most common 2008 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 144 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 58 |
| Engine | 19 |
| Power Train | 18 |
| Electrical System | 16 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Visibility | 7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 5 |
What owners report
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 wonât start with a new starter and battery. I have no light on the dash, it currently sits at 124,000 miles on it. Itâs a grate car I just need the problem fixed
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.
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.
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 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
Air bag line came on, dealer states is clock spring.
2008 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2008 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 Kia Optima: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch; Air Bags:Frontal; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Optima?
Based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (58), Engine (19), Power Train (18).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Kia Optima has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.