2008 Kia Optima engine problems
24 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2008 Kia Optima, which is 13% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 24 13% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 78,000 miles 19 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 1
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 19 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 78,000 miles, and 37% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injury, 1 death.
What owners wrote
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. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was unknown. Updated 06/12/12 the consumer stated a recall came in the mail on april 12. 2012.
2008 kia optima stalls while in motion. Vehicle will shut itself off. It is as if someone reaches over and turns the key off. It has happened with the car standing still and with the car in motion. Stalling usually occurs within first few minutes of operation and with hot outdoor temperatures. First visit to kia resulted in replaced fuel tank (codes for bad roll over valve). Problem went away for about a year then came back. Car has been in the shop 4 times over the last month and a half.
Other problems reported for the 2008 Kia Optima
- Air bags 58 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 16 complaints
- Electrical system 16 complaints