2008 Kia Optima Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Kia Optima, 3% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“My 2008 Kia Optima stalled, without warning, while driving approximately 35-40 MPH on a busy highway near an exit. The car lost all power, including steering. The car ended up riding a guardrail and landed on top of it. The end result was, for me, a broken neck! There was absolutely no warning prior to this happening. I was on my way to pick my 3 year old son up from school. Had he been in the car, this may have been catastrophic! My airbags did not deploy! This is unacceptable. The car is undergoing bodywork repairs and I am scared to death to step foot in this death trap ever again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10443998, filed 2012-01, 36,000 miles“2008 Kia Optima 4cyl automatic. I live in florida, hot all the time, use air almost all year. Car will stall out while in motion within first few minutes while AC is on when I am slowing down to stop signs or when crossing intersections where I have to get across quickly then let off gas to make turn. Car becomes hard to steer when engine cuts off, worse than a car without power steering, sometimes it feels like it wont make it through the intersection to the median safely. Can start the car again, but it takes a few seconds to throw car into neutral, turn ignition, and put back into drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10416730, filed 2011-08, 45,000 miles“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. Shop can't duplicate the problem, so therefore, can't fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10343692, filed 2010-07, 28,000 miles“December 28, 2011, I noticed that my airbag light located on the dashboard continuously stays illuminated. I have taken it to the dealer to get it checked out. I was told that the airbag sensors are located in the driver/ passenger seats. The mechanic at Kia dealer tried to fix the problem, but was unsuccessful. The service representative informed me that they would have to replace the sensors. I've viewed the complaints of people that own Kia Optima 2008. It states that these cars were recalled because of significant amount of defects. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442112, filed 2012-01Related service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
- 10033464Nov 1, 2009Kia: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7l engines which may…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 31 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 42 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 2% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 24 | 17% |
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 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 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 27, 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