2008 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Kia Optima, 6% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 1 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.
“Head lights are not adjusted correctly,left light is low causing a dark spot on that side. This happens when low beam is used. Right side shines out further,but it takes effect at the solid white line at the right side of road. I have had one close call I did not see the person till he got into the light of the right head light.”
NHTSA complaint #10320315, filed 2010-03“The contact owns a 2008 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who detected that the brake light would not illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 13v114000 however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10533713, filed 2013-08, 38,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Kia Optima. Whenever the contact would drive down a hill or slope with the low beams activated, a blind spot would appear three car lengths ahead of his view. The contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failure. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 2,000. Updated 07/31/08. Updated 08/05/08”
NHTSA complaint #10233497, filed 2008-07, 2,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the low beam headlights were not providing the appropriate lighting distance. The dealer was unable to correct the failure. It would cost approximately $100 to replace each bulb. The bumper would have to be removed from the vehicle in order to install the bulb. The manufacturer stated that they would not assist since there was no defect. The failure mileage was 1,000 and current mileage was 3,878.”
NHTSA complaint #10265125, filed 2009-04, 1,000 miles“Power train: at low idle or while slowing down, the car will lose power for a minute until you get on the accelerator and it all comes back on. Alternator had been replaced. And is going to be replaced again soon. Not sure if it's just a bad part. Power steering pump was replaced. The pulley seized. Unrelated. Lighting: third brake light constantly flickers. All Lighting including head lights flicker on and off. Worse when slowing down. Lights on dash board, dome, rear light and head light Bulbs have been replaced. At night when the head lights flicker I cannot see the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #11645823, filed 2025-03Related 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
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10092102Mar 19, 2015Pitstop: stop lamp switch identification matrix (sc098) - kma has received a number of incorrect warranty return parts related to campaign sc098 and has determined that at times…
- 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…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 3% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 27 | 16% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsBrakes
7 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 30, 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