2008 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 144 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 20 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 22 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJan 17, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 12V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftMar 9, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 11V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
144 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Feb 14, 2010
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT ALWAYS ACTIVATE WHEN AN ADULT SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF. EVEN WITH AN ADULT WEIGHING ABOUT 115 POUNDS OCCUPIES THE SEAT. *TR
Air bags, Feb 8, 2010
INDICATOR LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG HAS IRREGULAR PERFORMANCE. CAN'T DEPEND ON OPERATION OF PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. HAVE MADE 4 OR 5 COMPLAINTS WITH DEALER AND NO RESOLUTION. LOOKING AT INTERNET IT APPEARS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS MODEL YEARS ON THE KIA OPTIMA AND OTHER MODELS WITHIN THE KIA FAMILY. WOULD LIKE TO HAVE RESOLUTION PRIOR TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT WITH SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIR BAG DOES NOT FUNCTION.
Air bags, Jan 9, 2010
WE HAVE A 2008 KIA OPTIMA, WITH 12,000 MILES.. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS. WHILE PEOPLE ARE SEATED, IT COMES ON, INDICATING THE AIR BAG IS OFF; WHICH MEANS, IN CASE OF ACCIDENT IT WILL NOT DEPLOY. IT HAS DONE THIS RECENTLY ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITH THREE DIFFERENT MEDIUM TO LARGE ADULTS. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE LOCAL KIA SERVICE TWICE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD EACH TIME, "YOU ARE NOT SITTING CORRECTLY." THEY EVEN SUPPLIED US WITH A "SERVICE BULLETIN" INSTRUCTING EMPLOYEES HOW TO RESPOND WHEN PEOPLE REPORT THIS CONCERN... INSTRUCTING THE CONSUMER HOW TO "SIT CORRECTLY." AFTER, MUCH CONVERSATION WITH THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES, EVERYONE, THE SERVICE MANAGER, TECH, AND COMPANY MANAGER AGREED THAT WE HAD A PROBLEM BUT THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THEIR REASON WAS KIA WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM AND WOULD NOT COVER IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE MANAGER REPORTED TO ME THAT THE KIA REP WAS NOT PLEASED THAT THE EMPLOYEES HAD USED THE WORD "PROBLEM" WHEN REFERRING TO MY SITUATION. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND IT LEAVES ME WITH A CAR, THAT WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON, I HAVE TO STOP AND MOVE THE PASSENGER TO THE BACK SEAT, AS THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. UPON CHECKING THE INTERNET, I HAVE DISCOVERED PAGES OF OTHERS REPORTING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME INANE INSTRUCTIONS OF "NOT BEING SEATED PROPERLY." IF THE KIA'S SENSOR IS THAT SENSITIVE, IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WE FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND THAT KIA NEEDS TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT! *TR
Suspension, Dec 18, 2009, crash
EARLIER THIS YEAR WE PURCHASED A NEW 2008 KIA OPTIMA LX/EX 4D. YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE HE WAS SLOWING DOWN TO GET OFF ON AN EXIT WHEN THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE AND IT STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT. HE TRIED VERY HARD TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR BUT IT KEPT ON PULLING RIGHT. HE CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VANS THAT WERE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (COUNTY WORKERS). WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS FACING FORWARD WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS FACING COMPLETELY TO THE RIGHT. SINCE THE ACCIDENT I HAVE CONTACTED THE KIA HEADQUARTERS AND REPORTED THE DEFECT. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT FIRST HAD TO BE EVALUATED BY A KIA SERVICE CENTER BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE TOWING. THEY DO NOT WANT TO PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR AND THEY TOLD ME IT WILL BE AT LEAST FOUR DAYS BEFORE THEY CAN EVALUATE THE CAR. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jun 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, AIR WOULD SEEP THROUGH THE WINDOW WHILE IT WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT COULD HEAR THE WIND AT SPEEDS OF 40 AND 60 MPH. ONE DEALER SUGGESTED DRIVING WITH THE REARVIEW MIRROR CLOSED TOWARDS THE DOOR. ANOTHER DEALER ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST THE DOOR, BUT WAS UNSUCCESFUL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 4,000.
Air bags, Apr 20, 2009
BOUGHT A NEW OPTIMA 2008. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ALMOST ALWAYS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATING NORMALLY ON THE FRONT SEAT. THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX IT DESPITE THE CAR BEING BRAND NEW. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT PROVIDING THE APPROPRIATE LIGHTING DISTANCE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $100 TO REPLACE EACH BULB. THE BUMPER WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE BULB. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,878.
Air bags, Jan 2, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED. THE INDICATOR NEVER ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE THAT IT WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT FINDS THIS TO BE VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD ACTIVATE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE PASSENGERS WERE SEATED IMPROPERLY, THE AIR BAG MODULE WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIND ANY RECALLS; THEREFORE, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,843.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 4, 2008
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS DIM AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES OR JUST SLOWING DOWN. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN THE RAIN ON A HIGHWAY AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IT LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HE REAR-ENDED THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE AND CAUSED A MULTI-VEHICLE TRAFFIC COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED ON UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS STRAPS WERE NON-FUNCTIONAL ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE ARRIVED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES AND WAS DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,600.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 22, 2008
2008 KIA OPTIMA EXV6, SINCE NEW, WHEN LIGHTLY BRAKING WHILE DECELERATING FROM 40 MPH, THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS AND HAS AN ACCELERATION SURGE AT AROUND 25 MPH. WHEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THE KIA'S WERE MADE THAT WAY. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT CAN CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION. THE CAR SHOULD HAVE NORMAL ENGINE BRAKING THAT ALLOWS FOR CONTINUOUS DECELERATION AS LONG AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT TOUCHED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 1, 2008, crash
I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT, AND WHILE BRAKING, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND HIT A CONCRETE POLE. *TR
Air bags, Oct 29, 2008
DEALER HAS PUT OFF FOR OVER A MONTH REPAIRING FUNCTIONALITY OF PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM. SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. ONE MONTH WITH RUN AROUND AND DEALER SEEMINGLY UNABLE TO EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THIS SAFETY ISSUE. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTIFIED. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2008
MY NEW KIA HAS ABOUT 700 MILES ON IT, AND WHEN I PARK IT ON AN INCLINE SUCH AS THE ONE ENTERING MY GARAGE AND I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND PLACE IT INTO 1ST GEAR (IT IS A STANDARD SHIFT), THE CAR SLIPS BACKWARD. UPON TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE COMPRESSION IN THE CAR IS TOO LOW TO HOLD THE CAR IN 1ST GEAR ALONE, AND THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE MUST ALSO BE APPLIED. MY QUESTION IS: I HAVE A 3 YR OLD GRANDSON, BUT LET'S SUPPOSE HE IS 5 AND HE WANTS TO GO OUT AND PLAY, WHICH HE COULD DO UNSUPERVISED, AND HE DECIDES HE WANTS TO GET IN GRANDMA'S CAR AND PLAY AND ACCIDENTALLY LETS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE OFF. MY CAR WOULD THEN BEGIN SLIPPING BACKWARD WITH THE CHILD INSIDE. I CONSIDER THAT TO BE A BIG SAFETY HAZARD. FURTHER I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TAUGHT THAT IF YOUR PARKING BRAKE FAILS, THE GEAR BOX WOULD STILL KEEP THE CAR FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS. 2. MY CAR STALLS FAIRLY FREQUENTLY IN 1ST GEAR, AND VERY FREQUENTLY IN REVERSE, BOTH INCIDENTS OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS INCHING UP OR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY ARE LOOKING INTO IT AND WILL LET ME KNOW, BUT AGAIN, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS RUNS THE RISK OF BEING REARENDED. IF YOU CAN INFORM ME ON EITHER OF THESE ITEMS, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT AS THE DEALERSHIP DOESN'T SEEM INCLINED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT EITHER PROBLEM AT THE MOMENT. IT MAY JUST BE A FUEL TO AIR RATIO MIX GOING INTO THE ENGINE ON THE STALLING, WHICH SHOULD BE SIMPLE ENOUGH TO FIX, BUT SURELY THE COMPRESSION IN THE ENGINE CAN ALSO BE ADJUSTED SO THE CAR WILL NOT SLIP BACKWARD WHEN IN FIRST GEAR. *TR
Air bags, Jul 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. TWO DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE A PASSENGER WAS PRESENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ADULT PASSENGER WOULD EITHER HAVE TO RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE OR CARRY A 10 LBS. WEIGHT WHILE RIDING IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE AIR BAG SENSOR WOULD ONLY DETECT 110 LBS. AND UP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18.
Air bags, Jul 16, 2008
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT ACTIVATE WITH A 115LB WOMAN IN THE SEAT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE WEB AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE AIR BAG MUST ACTIVATE IN THE EVENT THE OCCUPANT IS 100LB OR MORE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS INDICATED THAT THEIR SPEC. IS 115LB. *TR
Exterior lighting, Visibility, Jul 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT WOULD DRIVE DOWN A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE LOW BEAMS ACTIVATED, A BLIND SPOT WOULD APPEAR THREE CAR LENGTHS AHEAD OF HIS VIEW. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 2,000. UPDATED 07/31/08. *LJ UPDATED 08/05/08
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR IN MOTION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT IT WAS DEACTIVATED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENOR DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN THE OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHS LESS THAN 105 POUNDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SENSOR WAS OPERATING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED WITH THE AIR BAG. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 450.
Steering, Apr 26, 2008
HAD IN POSSESSION FOR 2 DAYS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA, PULLED TO THE RIGHT. COULDN'T BE FINANCED. RECEIVED A 2008 KIA OPTIMA RIGHT OFF OF DELIVERY TRUCK,IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT EVEN WORSE. TOLD DEALERSHIP OF PROBLEM. TOLD IT WAS MOST LIKELY LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND SENT IT FOR AN ALIGNMENT. STILL PULLS TO RIGHT. I WAS TOLD AS A JOKE TO TURN ON BLINKER IF I WAS TO LET GO OF WHEEL! THE FRONT END OF BOTH NEW CARS, FROM 2 DIFFERENT YEARS, LOOKING DOWN ON THE HOOD, ARE TWEAKED. THE DRIVERS SIDE IS FLUSH AND PASSENGER SIDE IS OFF AND SITS FUNNY. NO ACCIDENTS YET! *TR