Is the 2008 Kia Optima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia Optima is rated "better than typical".

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

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Optima have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Kia Optima

▲ Better than typical

2008 Kia Optima
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:15.053Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 144
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 144 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	143
2002	107
2003	141
2004	225
2005	144
2006	155
2007	166
2008	144
2009	116
2010	75
2011	594
2012	919
2013	1,384
2014	588
2015	1,009
2016	759
2017	257
2018	232
2019	212
2020	151

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

40% · 58 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Our son vehicle was driving on a 1 way street and crossing the 4 corner intersection on a green light when he was hit by a 2018 chevy trax running a red light.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-19

We were hit in the passenger side and the entire side of the car was crushed and none of the air bags ever deployed and the passenger side seat belt did not lock.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-06

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and a fatality was reported.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-14

Also filed under Engine

Engine

13% · 19 reports

CRASHFIREDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Was driving on the highway when the car burst into flames

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-06

Also filed under Electrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-16

Power train

13% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and floor shift.

CRASH

Electrical system

11% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and ignition.

FIRE

Exterior lighting

6% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2010-11-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-04-05 Transmission Shift Cable Detachment
R

2011-03-23Power train11V153000 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…

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2012-07-11Air bags12V014000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 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…

Remedy: 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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 58 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V153000 · Power train
Recall 12V014000 · Air bags
Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Kia Optima reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia Optima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Optima?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Optima have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.