Model year
2008 Kia Optima
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 144 complaints for the 2008 Kia Optima (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are AIR BAGS (44), ENGINE (19), POWER TRAIN (16). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 23–25 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,700–$2,900, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 143 complaints
- 2002 107 complaints
- 2003 141 complaints
- 2004 225 complaints
- 2005 144 complaints
- 2006 155 complaints
- 2007 167 complaints
- 2008 144 complaints
- 2009 116 complaints
- 2010 75 complaints
- 2011 594 complaints
- 2012 920 complaints
- 2013 1,386 complaints
- 2014 590 complaints
- 2015 1,009 complaints
- 2016 759 complaints
- 2017 257 complaints
- 2018 233 complaints
- 2019 212 complaints
- 2020 151 complaints
Recalls
13V114000 · Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.…
12V014000 · Jan 17, 2012
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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…
11V153000 · Mar 9, 2011
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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…
Complaints
144 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 20, fire flag on 4, injury field 22, deaths field 8. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10046 | Transmission Shift Cable Detachment · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; POWER… | Nov 22, 2010 | Apr 5, 2011 |
| DP21003 | Throttle control system vulnerabilities · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE | Nov 12, 2021 | Jun 20, 2023 |
| DP22003 | Loss of Motive Power · ENGINE | Sep 12, 2022 | Dec 12, 2023 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima · 2.4L · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 31 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Optima · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 31 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Optima · 2.7L · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 Kia Optima at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.