2008 Kia Optima recalls and problems
The 2008 Kia Optima has 3 safety recalls and 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Kia Optima recalls
Recall 13V-114: Exterior Lighting
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.
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.
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.
Recall 12V-014: Air Bags
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.
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.
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.
Recall 11V-153: Power Train
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.
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.
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.
2008 Kia Optima problems reported by owners
| 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 | |
| Structure | 5 | |
| Steering | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 13
- Structure › Body — 4
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Optima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Kia Optima: 13V-114 (exterior lighting), 12V-014 (air bags), 11V-153 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kia Optima?
Owners report air bags problems most often (58 reports), followed by engine (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.