EnginePart report

2008 Kia Optima Engine Problems

Complaints: 19about this part
Share: 13%of 144 total for the year
Median mileage: 96,000miles
Trend: FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Kia Optima, 13% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Car has 29,061 miles on it when the engine cracked. The car is 12 years old and well maintained. My dad drove this vehicle and had noticed the car making grinding noise. Prior to and during the day it stopped along a windy road driving 30 miles per hour. I researched this problem there is a noted issue that this happens at this mileage. Kia district manager declined to help with this issue. No car at 29000 miles should have engine crack.”

NHTSA complaint #11307579, filed 2020-02, 29,061 miles

“While driving down the interstate the engine began to knock. As I pulled off the interstate the engine shut down and would not restart. The car only has 96,000 miles. This motor has been recalled by hyundai and Kia but only in certain models, while the engine has yet to be recalled for all models. I believe the issue is the connecting rod bearings have failed due to insufficient oil flow. The car's oil level was at the proper amount.”

NHTSA complaint #11269069, filed 2019-10, 96,000 miles

“I bought my Kia Optima in 2009, it was 1 yr old at that time. I had to replace my timing belt in march of 2017 and I am having to replace it again. It is may of 2019. My car only has 70,000 miles on the original engine.”

NHTSA complaint #11206633, filed 2019-05, 70,000 miles

“Engine started making a clicking sound when the car was accelerating. Took my car in to Kia and found out that one of the rods in the short engine block was failing. My engine only has 86464 miles on it and its an 2008. Bought the car with 69000 miles on it, only had the car for 7 months before the engine began to fail. I took this problem up with the dealership and Kia headquarters. Was told they would not honor the 100,000 mile warranty because the car was not certified. …”

NHTSA complaint #10562369, filed 2014-01, 86,464 miles

“My 2008 Kia Optima stalls randomly. It does not matter if the car is stationary or in motion. There are times that I start it and it will stall immediately and sometimes it will stall as I am backing out of my parking space. There are also times when I will be driving and it will stall which has nearly caused an accident. The problem does not produce a check engine light and no one has been able to successfully diagnose the problem. The issue that I am experiencing sounds very familiar to the newer optimas that have recently been recalled. …”

NHTSA complaint #10971860, filed 2017-04, 145,000 miles

Engine: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2020	102	68%
2019	92	43%
2018	132	57%
2017	165	64%
2016	426	56%
2015	623	62%
2014	284	48%
2013	614	44%
2012	398	43%
2011	256	43%
2010	9	12%
2009	14	12%
2008	19	13%
2007	16	10%
2006	7	5%
2004	3	1%
2003	2	1%
2002	4	4%
2001	2	1%

Other parts of the 2008 Kia Optima

Air bags
57 complaints Transmission and drivetrain
18 complaints Electrical system
15 complaints Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints Other or unknown
9 complaints Exterior lighting
8 complaints Brakes
7 complaints Vehicle speed control
7 complaints Engine cooling
5 complaints Fuel system
5 complaints Body and structure
5 complaints Seats
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