2008 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 Kia Optima, 3% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles.
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.
“When I fill my 2008 Kia Optima with gasoline, the pump shuts off but gas gushes out of the tank. My local dealer has claimed to fix the problem, but it still happens. The service dept. Rarely answers their telephone so I can't even call them to get the problem handled.”
NHTSA complaint #10402392, filed 2011-05, 45,000 miles“When placing the car in park the car isn't recognizing that the car is parked causing it to continue to roll. Once the ignition has been turned off the car will not restart and the gears will not shift.”
NHTSA complaint #11232743, filed 2019-07, 160,000 miles“have taken my kia to halleen kia sandusky dealership for safety recall driver air bags, and to assess my subframe. was turned away because they said the subframe of my car was too rusty and they didn't feel safe letting their technicians do repairs as per safety recalls and would not investigate the cars subframe.”
NHTSA complaint #11501217, filed 2023-01“2008 Kia Optima fuel pump body failure. The pump body cracks and the computer sets evaporated. Leakage code. We looked at several of these from a salvage yard and all had the same problem.this shows a pattern of defects and is highly dangerous if this car is in an accident as the fuel will burst out of the tank as a result this fuel sender cracking.”
NHTSA complaint #11161480, filed 2018-12Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 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 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
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