2008 Kia Optima Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2008 Kia Optima, 6% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,500 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“I had to have my 2008 Optima taken to the only dealership in town for a broken shifting cable. I went on the internet for some information and I read that Optima has had several problems over the years with the shifting cable on the car over different years. Internet is saying that at the end october that Kia is going to announce that install shifting cable incorrectly.”
NHTSA complaint #11365615, filed 2020-10, 88,000 miles“Today, the key would not turn in my 2008 Kia, I had to have it towed to my home. This is a recurring issue and but usually I can turn the steering wheel or move around the gearshift to solve the problem. Although today my key will not turn and I can move the steering wheel around and push the gearshift over and it does nothing. I called Kia and they said I would have to come in to get a diagnostic test for $107 , although I told them it seems to be the key ignition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649351, filed 2014-10, 61,000 miles“There is currently a recall on the same year make and model of my car, yet my car is not cover. I was told that my car was not included because it was manufactured in a different area. However I am having the same issue that is caused by the recall on the part that is currently out. I wanted to file a formal complaint because the cost to have this part fixed not affordable for me at this moment and I feel it is unjust that I have to pay the out of pocket expenses seeing that there is a known problem regarding this part and this issue with this make and model car.”
NHTSA complaint #10560769, filed 2014-01, 123,000 miles“I bought my car in 2008 a Kia optima lx I stored it till 2021. But in 2013 i took my car to El Paso tx. And I felt that beer to the side and stored it again in a garage toil this it's only got 6000 miles can it still qualify for a recall”
NHTSA complaint #11432605, filed 2021-09“Many times the base unit does not properly accept the car seat. Setting the car seat on the base will not click in and lock. After more than a dozen or so events the base refuses to accept the car seat and I have had to user other methods to fasten the car seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11490271, filed 2022-10Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 | 12% |
| 2019 | 43 | 20% |
| 2018 | 39 | 17% |
| 2017 | 33 | 13% |
| 2016 | 123 | 16% |
| 2015 | 140 | 14% |
| 2014 | 90 | 15% |
| 2013 | 189 | 14% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 41 | 7% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia Optima
57 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsExterior lighting
8 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 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