2008 Kia Optima engine problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2008 Kia Optima — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Basically the engine secede up while driving from one place to another. Causing Me to suddenly just stop in traffic almost causing an accident . Now the car won’t start with a new starter and battery. I have no light on the dash, it currently sits at 124,000 miles on it. It’s a grate car I just…”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2008 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle's transmission failure. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle…”
filed Feb 6, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
PS539 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 2, 2018
Engine problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 98 | 68% |
| 2019 Optima | 88 | 43% |
| 2018 Optima | 131 | 56% |
| 2017 Optima | 164 | 64% |
| 2016 Optima | 424 | 56% |
| 2015 Optima | 621 | 62% |
| 2014 Optima | 283 | 48% |
| 2013 Optima | 612 | 44% |
| 2012 Optima | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 Optima | 256 | 43% |
| 2010 Optima | 9 | 12% |
| 2009 Optima | 14 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.