2008 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Kia Optima, 5% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“February 2013 started experiencing electrical issues. Example: rear window brake light stopped working (had to have replaced), then trouble with turn signal light would at times not work. The air conditioner started blowing hot air: added coolant and fr( july 2013) but still isn't working right. Then cd player had issues where it would not eject cd or fail to read the disk at all. Then the radio stopped working too. June 2014 car wouldn't start had to replace battery but still wouldn't charge. January 2015 installed new alternator, still didn't fix the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10714223, filed 2015-05, 97,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250353, filed 2008-12, 2,600 miles“2008 Kia Optima. Consumer writes in regards to problem with ignition. The consumer stated the ignition would stick, the battery needed to be replaced and the back rotors needed to be replaced. Updated 05/15/2017”
NHTSA complaint #10981870, filed 2017-05“Police request for vehicle inspection of 2008 Kia Optima. The information is being provided by the detective of winchester police department in winchester tn...updated*bf local law enforcement request for assistance with an alleged sudden unintended acceleration incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The driver of the 2008 Kia Optima was traveling at a high speed in the area of 90 MPH. The driver traveled down the turning lane and struck a 2003 ford windstar from the rear. The ford windstar was pushed across the intersection into a third vehicle which was stopped in the turning lane. …”
NHTSA complaint #10838296, filed 2016-01Related recalls
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul…Covers: Kia Optima 2008–2011, Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 9% |
| 2018 | 17 | 7% |
| 2017 | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 90 | 9% |
| 2014 | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 | 114 | 8% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 47 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 21 | 18% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia Optima
57 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology