2008 Kia Optima Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 10%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 2008 Kia Optima, 10% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,300 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.
“The sun visor broke. This is a known problem with these vehicles. It will not stay up. I have tried many do-it-yourself fixes, but it continues to fall down, which interferes with visibility, especially in the dark. It is an accident waiting to happen. No matter how many times I push it back into position, it just falls down. It blocks the rear view mirror as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10467531, filed 2012-07, 75,000 miles“Message: I have a 2008 Kia Optima that after a search of the internet that Kia motor company has an issue with their sun visors on the car that I have. I have taken it back to the dealer but they said there is no recall for this type of safety issue. I send you this email so you can be made aware of the safety issues involved with the blocked vision of a driver when this incident occurs while driving down the road. It is very scary when you get the visor back up and see you are headed into on coming traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652204, filed 2014-11, 45,405 miles“My drivers side sun visor began failing it wouldn't stay up any longer then the insides finally snapped breaking the plastic inside. Now the passenger side is doing the same. It obstructs field of vision and does not provide adequate blockage of sun when needed. Kia is aware of the problem as they have created a fixed visor with improved mechanical parts inside. The new visor ranges any where from 140.00 to 200.00 dollars plus a fee for installing if not capable of doing this yourself. I have researched this on the internet and see there are several complaints for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10560158, filed 2014-01, 90,000 miles“The drivers side sunvisor broke this time, drops down into line of sight. The passenger side sunvisor broke over two years ago, was finally replaced last christmas.”
NHTSA complaint #10477999, filed 2012-09, 76,000 miles“The driver's side sun visor suddenly dropped down from its stowed position, directly in the driver's line of sight while driving on the freeway at 55mph. This blocked the driver's view of the road and other traffic. The driver attempted to push the visor back up to the roof, but it would not stay and again fell, blocking vision. The driver also tried to push the visor up toward the windshield, but again, it would not stay and dropped back into the line of sight. During this time, the driver was dangerously distracted trying to get the visor out of the line of sight, and almost had an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10701471, filed 2015-03, 67,235 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10090713Mar 22, 2013Tsb: windshield washer pump inlet filter replacement - this bulletin provides information relating to possible foreign debris accumulation on the windshield washer pump inlet…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 | 38 | 5% |
| 2015 | 9 | 1% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 21 | 2% |
| 2012 | 28 | 3% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 14 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 20% |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia Optima
57 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsOther or unknown
9 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 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