2008 KIA Optima Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
142
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
44 complaints
Occupant airbag sensor doesn't recognize whether someone is sitting or not. The occupant airbag sensor light goes on and off whether there is a passenger sitting on the seat or not. Kia has extended warranty on this issue however it doesn't let customer know about this part is defected. I was doing my research how to fix the issue and learn that kia had extended warranty for 15 years from the first day of service. the warranty currently expired right now. if I knew there was a warranty, I would go to dealer to fix the issue the day that my wife bought the car.
Jul 03, 2025
Air bag line came on, dealer states is clock spring.
Jun 08, 2023
This car have a Warranty Extension for OCS Sensor Mat. Warranty extension dated June 2016 Airbag light was first turned on in August 2020 Went to the dealer and said it was related to seat buckle and got it fixed Airbag light again turned on in August 2021 Went to the dealer and said it was related to clock spring and that the driver seat needs to be replaced, which would take time and did not get repaired In November 2021, the airbag light got turned off by itself I am very concerned whether the air bag for my car is really working.
Dec 16, 2021
I had my airbag light turned on last year and the dealership fixed the issue. Within a year, the airbag light got turned on again and now they say that it is related to the clock spring and is not covered in the extended warranty.This is a part that should not fail and very important for the safety and security of the driver and the other passengers.
Oct 22, 2021
KIA RECALLED OPTIMAS UP UNTIL JANUARY 2008 FOR FAULTY CLOCK SPRING. I HAVE A KIA OPTIMA THAT WAS BUILT IN MARCH 2008. I JUST PAID ALMOST 500.00 TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING BECAUSE MY MONTH AND YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHY DID KIA STOP THE RECALL AFTER JANUARY 2008 WHEN THERE WERE STILL 2008'S WITH CLOCK SPRING ISSUES. I STARTED MY CAR AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I HAD A BAD CLOCK SPRING. I'M SURE THESE THINGS DO NOT WEAR OUT BEING THEY ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.
Oct 09, 2019
+ 39 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
12 complaints
I went to back out of my driveway and ended up in the middle of the road and not able to shift into drive. The dash shows that I am currently stuck in neutral and am not able to change gears. I looked up recalls and I see that there is a Power Train: Automatic Transmission Lever and Linkage Column shift recall from March 2011. I bought this car in June 2011. When I and the Kia dealership here in town look up my VIN number, it is not showing any recalls currently. How do I go about getting this fixed if it is in fact the exact issue from the Recall no: 11V153000? The dealership would not even look at the recall information I have found. I have not had any issues related to this until yesterday afternoon. I ended up pushing my car up into my driveway for now.
Jun 26, 2021
While driving, I tried to reverse my vehicle and it got stuck in drive , and wouldn't and my gear shift no longer responded to the gear and my vehicle was locked in place in drive mode.
Jun 02, 2021
My vehicle locked up while turning around in a driveway so I could park at my daughter's house on the street. It was working fine before that. It got stuck in the drive mode and then I couldn't get it to start or move. I'm referring to NHTSA Campaign ID # 11V15300. I am currently stuck at my daughter's home in Norfolk, Virginia
Jun 02, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE SHIFTER CABLE DETACHED AND THE VEHICLE KEPT ROLLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN PARK BUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN DRIVE POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TEMPORARY FIX THE VEHICLE AND LATER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TAYLOR KIA OF BOARDMAN, 7870 MARKET ST, YOUNGSTOWN, OH 44512, AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE SHIFT CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 134,000.
Jan 20, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTED WITHOUT WARNING INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V153000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,960.
Jul 17, 2020
+ 7 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
9 complaints
CAR HAS 29,061 MILES ON IT WHEN THE ENGINE CRACKED. THE CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD AND WELL MAINTAINED. MY DAD DROVE THIS VEHICLE AND HAD NOTICED THE CAR MAKING GRINDING NOISE. PRIOR TO AND DURING THE DAY IT STOPPED ALONG A WINDY ROAD DRIVING 30 MILES PER HOUR. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM THERE IS A NOTED ISSUE THAT THIS HAPPENS AT THIS MILEAGE. KIA DISTRICT MANAGER DECLINED TO HELP WITH THIS ISSUE. NO CAR AT 29000 MILES SHOULD HAVE ENGINE CRACK.
Feb 06, 2020
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK. AS I PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CAR ONLY HAS 96,000 MILES. THIS MOTOR HAS BEEN RECALLED BY HYUNDAI AND KIA BUT ONLY IN CERTAIN MODELS, WHILE THE ENGINE HAS YET TO BE RECALLED FOR ALL MODELS. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE IS THE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS HAVE FAILED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT OIL FLOW. THE CAR'S OIL LEVEL WAS AT THE PROPER AMOUNT.
Oct 16, 2019
I BOUGHT MY KIA OPTIMA IN 2009, IT WAS 1 YR OLD AT THAT TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT IN MARCH OF 2017 AND I AM HAVING TO REPLACE IT AGAIN. IT IS MAY OF 2019. MY CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON THE ORIGINAL ENGINE.
May 09, 2019
MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA STALLS RANDOMLY. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THERE ARE TIMES THAT I START IT AND IT WILL STALL IMMEDIATELY AND SOMETIMES IT WILL STALL AS I AM BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE. THERE ARE ALSO TIMES WHEN I WILL BE DRIVING AND IT WILL STALL WHICH HAS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT PRODUCE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE THAT I AM EXPERIENCING SOUNDS VERY FAMILIAR TO THE NEWER OPTIMAS THAT HAVE RECENTLY BEEN RECALLED. THE MOST RECENT STALLING OCCURRED YESTERDAY, 04/10/2017, AND THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND ALONG WITH THE STALLING OUT.
Apr 11, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED DECELERATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY OTHER DRIVERS ON THE SCENE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
May 21, 2015
+ 4 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
7 complaints
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. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ANY ASSISTANCE TO KIA OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IF THEY REPLACE THE VISOR AT THE DEALER THEY JUST PUT ANOTHER DEFECTIVE VISOR ON AND CHARGE YOU $180.00. WE NEED A FIX. THANKS. *TR
Nov 03, 2014
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. *TR
Jan 15, 2014
THIS REPORT IS SIMILAR TO REPORTS 10523036 AND 10523357 IN THIS DATABASE. PASSENGER SIDE VISOR FAILED APPROXIMATELY 1.5 YEARS INTO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE: IT WILL NOT RETRACT INTO THE FULL FLUSH POSITION WITH THE CAR ROOF, OBSCURING DRIVER VISIBILITY TO THE RIGHT. DRIVER SIDE VISOR FAILED A SHORT FOUR MONTHS LATER (1.8 YEARS), AND HANGS LOW DIRECTLY IN THE FORWARD VIEW OF THE DRIVER, AT AN ANGLE IN EXCESS OF 45 DEGREES, SEVERELY IMPEDING FORWARD VISIBILITY. THE DRIVER IS TALL, AND THE DRIVER'S HEAD COMES INTO CONTACT WITH THE VISOR WHILE ENTERING/EXITING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Jul 27, 2013
DRIVER SIDE VISOR WOULD NOT GO BACK UP FLUSH TO THE INTERIOR CEILING. I HIT MY HEAD ON IT CONSTANTLY GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $143 PLUS LABOR WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD. HE ADVISED MAYBE I COULD FIND A CHEAPER ONE ON THE INTERNET. GOING ON THE INTERNET IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT KIA WILL NOT FIX! NATURALLY MY WARRANTY EXPIRED 6-2-2013. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH IT ALL THE WAY DOWN SO I ONLY HAVE HALF MY VISIBILITY AND NEED TO LEAN FORWARD AND SCRUNCH DOWN TO SEE SIGNS AND STREET SIGNAL LIGHTS. ALSO, IF I HAVE THE DEALER ORDER ONE WILL IT DO THE SAME THING AGAIN? *TR
Jul 05, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SUN VISORS FAILED AND COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED TO SHIELD UPWARD OR DOWNWARD. THE SUN VISOR FELL TOUCHING THE DRIVER'S HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE SUN VISOR WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Jul 03, 2013
+ 2 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
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.
Oct 21, 2020
2008 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE CRASH. *LD *JS
Jul 25, 2018
ENGINE NOISE
May 01, 2018
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. *TR
Jan 21, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
WHILE BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE IN THE EMPLOYEE PRIVATE PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY I STOPPED PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD A LITTLE THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD I TRIED THE SHIFTER IN ALL GEARS STILL NO MOVEMENT HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER .
Jul 31, 2017
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN DESJARLAIS RE THE WINCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WITH AN ISSUE INVOLVING THE DOT. THE OPERATOR OF THE IMPACTING VEHICLE STATED HER 2008 KIA OPTIMA ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. *SMD PLEASE MARK THIS DOCUMENT FOR DELETION. IT IS BEING REPLACED WITH DOCUMENT NUMBER 10838296. *CW THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED A MINIVAN AND WAS PUSHED ACROSS THE INTERSECTION, INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE KIA OPTIMA, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STUCK AT 93 MPH AND THE RMP'S WERE STUCK AT 4500. THE IGNITION WAS STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN NEUTRAL. *JB
Feb 01, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THEY TRY TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE REVS UP AND IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WANTED TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THEY TAKE THEIR FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE, IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Aug 01, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND ACTIVATED THE OPENING OF THE REAR TRUNK WHEN SUDDENLY THE RADIO UNIT BEGAN TO FUNCTION FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE "DRIVE" POSITION, WHILE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE HE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 6,835.
Mar 10, 2010
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUNVISORS SAG UNTIL I OWNED THIS CAR. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED. *TR
Apr 25, 2015
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. FINALLY, THE DRIVER HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY WHILE HOLDING THE VISOR WITH ONE HAND, AND THE OTHER HAND ON THE WHEEL, JUST TO BE ABLE TO SEE. THE CAR IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE VISOR IS REMOVED OR REPAIRED. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH 2006-2008 KIAS AND HAS BEEN ENCOUNTERED BY NUMEROUS DRIVERS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY KIA BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE VISOR BLOCKING THE VIEW OF THE ROAD AND CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Mar 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISORS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT BOTH SUN VISORS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Sep 26, 2014
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. *TR
Jul 24, 2012
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaints
I TOOK MY CAR IN ON 4 SEP 2014 I GOT THIS CAR IN GOOD FAITH FROM [XXX] I HAVE HAD MY CAR BACK AT LEAST 3 TIME ALREADY AND I WILL BE TAKING IT BACK ON NOVEMBER 3, 2014 WHERE MY LIGHT HAVE BEEN FLASHING AND MY LIGHT IS OUT AGAIN. MY GAS PEDAL WHEN I AM GOING ABOUT 40 OR 50 AND I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OTHER CARS AND IT'S LIKE I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING. I DON'T EVEN WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR I DON'T EVERY NO WHEN MY LIGHTS ARE GOING TO GO OUT. I HAVE HAD TO COME OUT ON MY JOB BECAUSE OF BREAST CANCER. AND THE MONEY THAT HAD WAS MY 2000 CADILLAC DEVILED WHICH THE ONLY GAVE ME 1500 WISH I FOUND OUT THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME MORE WISH MY WARRANTY RUN OUT IN LEST THEN 90 DAYS. I WAS UNABLE TO GET ANOTHER WARRANTY SO WHAT DO I DO I NEED A CAR TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO THE DOCTOR. I NEED SOME HELP. SO PLEASE DON'T LET ME DOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Nov 02, 2014
TL* 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.
Aug 05, 2013
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. *TR
Mar 16, 2010
TL*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.
Apr 13, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA STALLED, WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY NEAR AN EXIT. THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, INCLUDING STEERING. THE CAR ENDED UP RIDING A GUARDRAIL AND LANDED ON TOP OF IT. THE END RESULT WAS, FOR ME, A BROKEN NECK! THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK MY 3 YEAR OLD SON UP FROM SCHOOL. HAD HE BEEN IN THE CAR, THIS MAY HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC! MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE CAR IS UNDERGOING BODYWORK REPAIRS AND I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO STEP FOOT IN THIS DEATH TRAP EVER AGAIN. CALLS TO THE KIA DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR GO UNANSWERED, AS THEY USUALLY DO. THIS IS SERIOUS! IF YOUR OPTIMA HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING PLEASE POST A COMPLAINT. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! *TR
Jan 16, 2012
2008 KIA OPTIMA 4CYL AUTOMATIC. I LIVE IN FLORIDA, HOT ALL THE TIME, USE AIR ALMOST ALL YEAR. CAR WILL STALL OUT WHILE IN MOTION WITHIN FIRST FEW MINUTES WHILE AC IS ON WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO STOP SIGNS OR WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS WHERE I HAVE TO GET ACROSS QUICKLY THEN LET OFF GAS TO MAKE TURN. CAR BECOMES HARD TO STEER WHEN ENGINE CUTS OFF, WORSE THAN A CAR WITHOUT POWER STEERING, SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE IT WONT MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION TO THE MEDIAN SAFELY. CAN START THE CAR AGAIN, BUT IT TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO THROW CAR INTO NEUTRAL, TURN IGNITION, AND PUT BACK INTO DRIVE. AS I SAID THIS HAPPENS A LOT WHILE GOING THROUGH THE TURN OF INTERSECTION/ DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND THOSE FEW SECONDS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SAFELY TIMED TURN AND A POTENTIAL COLLISION. PROBLEM OCCURS FREQUENLTY FOR A WEEK OR TWO, THEN GOES AWAY FOR A WHILE AND COMES BACK. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED UP AND HAS BEEN MOVING FOR 5 MINUTES OR SO, IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. TOOK IT TO KIA DEALERSHIP SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAS 45000 MILES ON IT AND IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURES BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH THAT GENERATION OF OPTIMAS AND THAT IT WAS ONLY WITH THE 4CYL MOTORS, THE V6'S WERE FINE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID AT THIS TIME THERE IS NOT A FIX FOR IT AND WOULD NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS SINCE THEY DON'T KNOW WHICH PART(S) ARE CAUSING THE MALFUNCTION. WAS TOLD TO LET MY CAR WARM UP LONGER AND TO HOPE THAT KIA/HYUNDAI COMES UP WITH A RECALL ON IT SOON. *KB
Aug 02, 2011
2008 KIA OPTIMA STALLS WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE WILL SHUT ITSELF OFF. IT IS AS IF SOMEONE REACHES OVER AND TURNS THE KEY OFF. IT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE CAR STANDING STILL AND WITH THE CAR IN MOTION. STALLING USUALLY OCCURS WITHIN FIRST FEW MINUTES OF OPERATION AND WITH HOT OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES. FIRST VISIT TO KIA RESULTED IN REPLACED FUEL TANK (CODES FOR BAD ROLL OVER VALVE). PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT A YEAR THEN CAME BACK. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF. SHOP CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEREFORE, CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS SUBJECT TO SHUTTING ITSELF OFF AT ANYTIME WITH NO WARNING, THE LAST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED JUST BEFORE MY WIFE WAS TO MERGE ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY. APART FROM FUEL TANK, DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING SUBSTANTIAL TO REPAIR THE ISSUE (COMPUTER UPDATE, TIGHTENED LOOSE WIRES). *TR
Jul 16, 2010
2008 KIA OPTIMA EXV6, SINCE NEW, WHEN LIGHTLY BRAKING WHILE DECELERATING FROM 40 MPH, THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS AND HAS AN ACCELERATION SURGE AT AROUND 25 MPH. WHEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THE KIA'S WERE MADE THAT WAY. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT CAN CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION. THE CAR SHOULD HAVE NORMAL ENGINE BRAKING THAT ALLOWS FOR CONTINUOUS DECELERATION AS LONG AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT TOUCHED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Nov 22, 2008
AIR BAGS,SEATS
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT TRACK FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
Apr 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Jul 17, 2015
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN DASH. THE CAR DEALER SAID IT CAME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND THAT THE AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. HE SAID THAT IT WOULD BE $1600.00 TO $1700.00 TO FIX IF I WANTED IT FIXED. MY WIFE JUST PULLED INTO HER MOTHER'S DRIVEWAY WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OUT AND RIGHT NOW IS SCARED THAT THE BAG WILL GO OFF WITH HER MOTHER WHO IS 92 IN THE SEAT. I THINK THE PRICE IS STEEP AND IF ANYONE SHOULD PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED THAT IT SHOULD BE KIA TO FIX IT. *TR
Apr 10, 2014
STEERING
3 complaints
THIS IS THE 3RD TO 4TH TIME THE CAR LOOSING POWER STEERING AFTER DRIVING THRU A PUDDLE AT A LOW SPEED. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TWO TIMES WITH REALLY NO KNOWN CAUSE. MECHANIC REPLACED THE BELT BUT APPARENTLY THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Oct 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LOCK AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND WHEN RESTARTING IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OVER A DOZEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT WITHOUT A PROPER DIAGNOSIS, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Aug 16, 2010
HAD IN POSSESSION FOR 2 DAYS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA, PULLED TO THE RIGHT. COULDN'T BE FINANCED. RECEIVED A 2008 KIA OPTIMA RIGHT OFF OF DELIVERY TRUCK,IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT EVEN WORSE. TOLD DEALERSHIP OF PROBLEM. TOLD IT WAS MOST LIKELY LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND SENT IT FOR AN ALIGNMENT. STILL PULLS TO RIGHT. I WAS TOLD AS A JOKE TO TURN ON BLINKER IF I WAS TO LET GO OF WHEEL! THE FRONT END OF BOTH NEW CARS, FROM 2 DIFFERENT YEARS, LOOKING DOWN ON THE HOOD, ARE TWEAKED. THE DRIVERS SIDE IS FLUSH AND PASSENGER SIDE IS OFF AND SITS FUNNY. NO ACCIDENTS YET! *TR
Apr 26, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS INJURED. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT WRIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT CASE NUMBER: 1200904053). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Jan 11, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN THE RAIN ON A HIGHWAY AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IT LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HE REAR-ENDED THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE AND CAUSED A MULTI-VEHICLE TRAFFIC COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED ON UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS STRAPS WERE NON-FUNCTIONAL ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE ARRIVED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES AND WAS DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,600.
Dec 01, 2008
I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT, AND WHILE BRAKING, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND HIT A CONCRETE POLE. *TR
Nov 01, 2008
TIRES
3 complaints
FIRST OF 2 SIDEWALL BLOW OUTS NO EXTERNAL CAUSE. *TR
Aug 10, 2011
SIDE WALL BLOW OUT REPLACED TIRE NO EXTERNAL CAUSE. *TR
Aug 10, 2011
FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST ENTERPRISE AND BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE REGARDING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED AND DEFECTIVE TIRE(S) ON A 2008 KIA OPTIMA RENTED FROM ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR, SEPTEMBER 2008 THAT RESULTED IN CATASTROPHIC TIRE FAILURE ACCIDENT. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED FROM THE ACCIDENT. CALLED CONSUMER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT AND THE NUMBER OF INJURIES. *JB LEFT CONSUMER A VOICE-MAIL STATING HER COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENT. 05/10/11
Mar 07, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
MY TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DISENGAGE FROM DRIVE AND ROLLS AWAY.
Nov 11, 2017
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. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH I AM SHOCKED THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR IT AND ALSO MY CAR WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AT RANDOM TIMES WHEN I START TO DRIVE AND TURN A CORNER .I ALSO FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES. *TR
Oct 22, 2014
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
RECEIVED THE VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE UNDERBODY COMPONENTS SPRAYED WITH WHAT MIGHT BE CALLED A RUST INHIBITOR OR PREVENTATIVE, SO I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP 8/24/15 FOR THE APPLICATION WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER CAME INTO THE WAITING ROOM AND SAID THAT THE LEFT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, SPLIT AND DEEMED THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOOK A LOOK AND SURE ENOUGH, RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND SPLIT DOWN THE BACK SIDE. GLAD KIA DECIDED TO DO THE RUST INHIBITOR RECALL OR I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE ARM ACTUALLY DISINTEGRATED AND BROKE. THIS VOLUNATRY "RECALL" IS LIKE CLOSING THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE HORSES HAVE ESCAPED, AND TO CONTINUE TO BUILD A CAR WITH INFERIOR PARTS, A COATING ISN'T GOING TO HELP THE RUST PROBLEM.
Aug 25, 2015
EARLIER THIS YEAR WE PURCHASED A NEW 2008 KIA OPTIMA LX/EX 4D. YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE HE WAS SLOWING DOWN TO GET OFF ON AN EXIT WHEN THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE AND IT STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT. HE TRIED VERY HARD TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR BUT IT KEPT ON PULLING RIGHT. HE CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VANS THAT WERE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (COUNTY WORKERS). WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS FACING FORWARD WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS FACING COMPLETELY TO THE RIGHT. SINCE THE ACCIDENT I HAVE CONTACTED THE KIA HEADQUARTERS AND REPORTED THE DEFECT. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT FIRST HAD TO BE EVALUATED BY A KIA SERVICE CENTER BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE TOWING. THEY DO NOT WANT TO PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR AND THEY TOLD ME IT WILL BE AT LEAST FOUR DAYS BEFORE THEY CAN EVALUATE THE CAR. *TR
Dec 18, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
ON FEBRUARY 21 2015 I DROVE THE CAR TO THE STORE WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I CALLED KIA DEALER AND THEY HAD NO SOLUTION. THE KIA DEALER GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 2015. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND PUT IT IN THE GARAGE. ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 2015 I WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I DECIDED TO BACK THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND COULDN'T BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 2015 I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE KIA DEALER. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SHIFTER RELEASE MECHANISM INOPERATIVE NOT ALLOWING THE KEY TO BE RELEASE IN SWITCH. THEY REPLACED SHIFTER ASSEMBLY AND THE BATTERY. THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS WHICH I PAID WAS $870. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON FEBRUARY 25 2015. *TR
Mar 02, 2015
I CALLED KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHEN LOCKED MY KEYS IN THE TRUCK OF MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA ACCIDENTLY. WHEN HE USED HIS INSTRUMENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SOUNDED. HE WAITED UNTIL IT STOPPED AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE RELEASE BUT IT WOULD NOT OPERATE DUE TO THE CAR SHUUTING DOWN. WHEN I GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED THE DOOR IT LOCKED AGAIN AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET OUT. I WAS LITERALLY TRAPPED INSIDE MY CAR. THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCESS THE TRUNK FROM THE INSIDE. YOU CAN ONLY FOLD THE BACK SEAT DOWN BY USING A RELEASE FOUND ONLY INSIDE OF THE TRUNK. IF I HAD BEEN ALONE OR THE DRIVER HAD LEFT, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE WITH NO MEANS OF EXIT. THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICCE MAY PROTECT THE CAR FROM BEING STOLEN BUT IT SURE DOES NOTHING TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD A BABY INSIDE WITH ME OR IT WAS 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS TO GET OUT? I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT IT WAS REALLY MY FAULT FOR LOCKING MY KEYS IN THE TRUNK IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE 'NO ACCESS TO THE TRUNK FROM THE INSIDE' IS TO PROTECT AGAINST THIEVES BREAKING INTO MY CAR AND ENTERING THE TRUNK THROUGH THE BACKSEAT AND STEAL SOMETHING SUCH AS MY SUITCASE. WELL, I THINK IT WOULD BE EASIER TO REPLACE A SUITCASE THAN MY LIFE OR THE LIFE OF A CHILD. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I DEFINITELY DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR!
Mar 22, 2010
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THEY STRUCK A TREE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THEIR WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE IMPACT WAS MORE ON THE PASSENGER FRONT OF VEHICLE. MY DAUGHTER WAS THE PASSENGER AND SHE IS FULL GROWN SO SHE SHOULD OF BEEN DETECTED IN THE SEAT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT. I AM VERY GRATEFUL THAT SHE DID NOT SUFFER SERIOUS INJURIES (JUST LACERATIONS FROM SEATBELT). I NOTIFIED KIA MOTORS AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. SOMEBODY DID FOLLOW UP WITH ME AND ASKED THAT I SEND PHOTOS AND TOLD ME SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE CALLING. I SENT THE PHOTOS. I DID RECEIVE THE SECOND CALL FROM KIA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINEERS INCHARGE OF THE AIRBAGS WOULD BE ON VACATION FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND AS SOON AS THEY CAME BACK AND EXAMINED THE PHOTOS, I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THAT WAS FIVE WEEKS AGO. NO FOLLOW-UP AS OF TODAY AUG. 6, 2014. I WAS ALSO TOLD THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. I TOLD THEM THEY SHOULD GO ON SAFERCAR.GOV AND START READING. I DO HOPE THAT THIS CAR GETS RECALLED. MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER WERE VERY FORTUNATE WITH NO SERIOUS INJURIES, BUT SOMEONE MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY NEXT TIME. *TR
Aug 07, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH A DEER RAN INTO THE SIDE OF MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS IN WHICH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS PUSHED IN ON THE DRIVER AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WIDOW WAS DESTROYED INFLICTING CUTS ON THE DRIVER AND WITH THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE INCLUDING THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE SIDE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER EVEN WITH THE SEVERITY OF THE IMPACT OF WHICH KIA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS WAS CONTACTED AND THE EXPLANATION WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING SIDEWAYS AT IMPACT AND THIS IS WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THIS IS NOT A VALID EXCUSE TO ME OR I WOULD THINK AN CONSUMER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT THEY HAVE SIDE AIR BAG PROTECTION! *TR
Jun 25, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
WHEN I FILL MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WITH GASOLINE, THE PUMP SHUTS OFF BUT GAS GUSHES OUT OF THE TANK. *KB
Dec 31, 2011
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. *TR
May 23, 2011
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
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. Airbags: the air bag light on dash is always on. Codes have been ran and there are so many. Tried resetting codes it comes back on soon after. Not sure how to go about trying to fix it. All of this has been happening since I purchased the car in November 2024.
Mar 02, 2025
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Jan 11, 2023
Other/I am not sure
1 complaint
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.
Oct 21, 2022
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Sep 11, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON SEPULVEDA BLVD ON SEP 6 AT 0800AM AND I WAS OVER HALFWAY THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT WHEN I WAS STRUCK BY A TOYOTA MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A GREEN LIGHT WHO DID NOT YIELD. THE DRIVER [XXX] STRUCK MY CAR ON THE FRONT AND LEFT DRIVER BUMPER AND FENDER CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. HE FAILED TO YIELD, LIED ABOUT IT AND THE FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jan 06, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES
Jul 06, 2020
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT CONTINUED TO MOVE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SONS KIA (100 SONS DR, MCDONOUGH, GA 30253, (678) 619-1393) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CLAIMING THAT THE SHIFTER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Jul 18, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Jul 17, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Dec 14, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE GEAR SHIFTER IS FREELY ALLOWED TO MOVE, YET THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS REGISTERING THAT THE CAR HASN'T LEFT NEUTRAL. (EXAMPLE: WHEN I PLACE THE CAR IN P(ARK), THE DISPLAY ABOVE THE ODOMETER WILL REMAIN IN N(EUTRAL). THE SHIFTER IS FREELY ALLOWED TO MOVE WHEN THE CAR IS ON AND THE BRAKE IS PRESSED DOWN AS USUAL.
Jun 04, 2018
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
FIRST THING IN THE MORING WHEN I START MY CAR UP. YOU DON'T HEAR THE KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE BUT SOON AS THE CAR GET THE ENGINE WARMED UP YOU CAN HEAAR A VERY LOUD TICKING NOISE. EVEN AS YOU DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE HIGHWAY YOU CAN STILL HEAR IT. ALSO THE STEERING IS VERY HARD TO OPERATE IT HAS BEEN LIKE THAT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I SAID SOMETHING TO KIA ABOUT IT THEY STATED THEY DIDN'T SEE A PROBLEM. IT'S VERY HARD TO BACKED UP AND TRY TURNING THE STEERING WHILE OPERATING THE CAR.
May 07, 2018
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2008 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEM WITH IGNITION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION WOULD STICK, THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE BACK ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/15/2017 *JS
May 15, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
POLICE REQUEST FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION OF 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED BY THE DETECTIVE OF WINCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT IN WINCHESTER TN...UPDATED*BF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE WITH AN ALLEGED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN MULTIPLE FATALITIES. THE DRIVER OF THE 2008 KIA OPTIMA WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED IN THE AREA OF 90 MPH. THE DRIVER TRAVELED DOWN THE TURNING LANE AND STRUCK A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FROM THE REAR. THE FORD WINDSTAR WAS PUSHED ACROSS THE INTERSECTION INTO A THIRD VEHICLE WHICH WAS STOPPED IN THE TURNING LANE. THE KIA OPTIMA CAME TO REST IN THE LEFT HAND LANE. THE DRIVER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND IT COULD NOT BE STOPPED. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STUCK AT 93 MPH AND THE RPM'S WERE STUCK AT 4500. THE IGNITION WAS STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN NEUTRAL. *JB
Jan 19, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
FEBRUARY 2013 STARTED EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL ISSUES. EXAMPLE: REAR WINDOW BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING (HAD TO HAVE REPLACED), THEN TROUBLE WITH TURN SIGNAL LIGHT WOULD AT TIMES NOT WORK. THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR: ADDED COOLANT AND FR( JULY 2013) BUT STILL ISN'T WORKING RIGHT. THEN CD PLAYER HAD ISSUES WHERE IT WOULD NOT EJECT CD OR FAIL TO READ THE DISK AT ALL. THEN THE RADIO STOPPED WORKING TOO. JUNE 2014 CAR WOULDN'T START HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY BUT STILL WOULDN'T CHARGE. JANUARY 2015 INSTALLED NEW ALTERNATOR, STILL DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. HAD THE CHARGING SYSTEM INSPECTED FEBRUARY 2015. TURNED OUT TO BE A SHORT OR FAILURE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUE HAS TO GET IT FIXED. FEBRUARY 2015 ELECTRICAL REPAIRS (SWITCH, PLUG, FUSE). MARCH 2015 CAR IS MAKING GRINDING NOISE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE BREAK, IT IS VERY HARD TO BRING THE CAR TO A FULL STOP AND MAKES A GRINDING SOUND WHEN MAKING TURNS AS WELL. *TR
May 03, 2015
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V014000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Apr 06, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Sep 24, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WAS A GOOD CAR WIITH NO PROBLEMS AT ALL SO WHEN MY CAR CUT OFF ON I 95 DURING RUSH HR. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. AS I WAS ENTERING THE RAMP FOR I-95 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I HAD A CLICKIN NOISE IN ENGINE BUT WITHIN LESS THEN 2 MIN. AS I MERGED INTO TRAFFIC MY ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. AFTER GETTING IT TOWED TO DEALER ,EVERYONE INCLUDING DEALER THOUGHT IT WAS THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR BECAUSE OIL WAS FINE AND NOTHIN WAS WRONG.. THE DEALER SAID HE COULDNT FIND ANYTHING THAT SHOULD HAVE CAUSED ENGINE TO LOCK . HE ALSO WAS CONFUSED.STILL TO THIS DAY NO BODY CAN TELL ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED ON THE HIGHWAY.NOW MY ONLY OPTION IS TO BUY A ENGINE WHEN MY OLD ONE SHOULD HAVE STILL HAD A LOT MORE MILES LEFT. *TR
Jun 27, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
ENGINE STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING. TOOK MY CAR IN TO KIA AND FOUND OUT THAT ONE OF THE RODS IN THE SHORT ENGINE BLOCK WAS FAILING. MY ENGINE ONLY HAS 86464 MILES ON IT AND ITS AN 2008. BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 69000 MILES ON IT, ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 7 MONTHS BEFORE THE ENGINE BEGAN TO FAIL. I TOOK THIS PROBLEM UP WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND KIA HEADQUARTERS. WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NOT CERTIFIED. I WAS NOT OFFERED A WARRANTY/ DID NOT OBTAIN AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO THAT THE 10 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY DID NOT EXTEND TO THE NEXT OWNER, NOR WAS I TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT CERTIFY IT. WAS NOT OFFERED A CAR FAX, BUYERS GUIDE OR TOLD ABOUT ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY INFORMATION. KIA DEALERSHIPS DO NOT CERTIFY CARS AFTER 60,000 MILES EVEN THOUGH THERE IS STILL 40,000 MILES ON THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. THERE WAY OF GETTING AROUND HAVING TO HONOR THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY AND OFFER THIS TO THE NEXT OWNER(S). VERY ANGRY WITH KIA, THEY ARE DECEITFUL, LIARS, AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SELL ANY CARS WITH OUT THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY BEING OFFERED! WITH A HISTORY OF THERE ENGINES FAILING AND HAVING MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS I FIND IT VERY DISGRACEFUL HOW THEY OPERATE AND ENFORCE POLICY. IF MY ENGINE ACTUALLY FAILS WHILE I AM DRIVING, I COULD EASILY GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND BE CRITICALLY INJURED. I DRIVE A MAJOR FREEWAY EVERY SINGLE DAY, AND TO ME THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. IF MY ENGINE FAILED AND STALLED GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR, I COULD EASILY BE KILLED OR GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT. PLEASE RECALL 2008 OPTIMAS OR COMPLAIN TO KIA REGARDING THERE POLICY. THEY SHOULD HAVE TO OFFER AND STAND BEHIND THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY OR BE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE THERE POLICY TO CUSTOMERS UP FRONT. COMMERCIALS AND PARKING LOT ADVERTISE PER OWNED CERTIFIED CARS AND 100000 WARRANTY. *TR
Jan 31, 2014
SEATS
1 complaint
REFERENCE: DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SEAT THIS LETTER IS IN REFERENCE TO A FAULTY SEAT IN THE 2008 KIA OPTIMA EX, ONE I CURRENTLY OWN. I AM BRINGING THIS MATTER TO YOUR ATTENTION BECAUSE OF THE DANGER THIS REPRESENTS TO DRIVERS OF KIA VEHICLES THAT HAVE ELECTRIC ADJUSTABLE SEATS. MY WIFE AND I WERE VERY FORTUNATE WE WERE NOT INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC FATALITY DUE TO THIS. RECENTLY, WHILE TRAVELING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT RETRACTED TO ITS FULL-UPRIGHT, FULL-FORWARD POSITION. IN THIS POSITION, THE HEADREST FORCED MY WIFE'S HEAD DOWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND UP AGAINST IT. SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR SAFELY. THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE THE CAR WAS TO REMOVE THE HEADREST, WHICH ALLOWED ENOUGH ROOM BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BODY TO STEER THE CAR. I CONTACTED CASEY KIA WHILE STOPPED TO ASK WHAT COULD BE DONE TO RELEASE THE SEAT. I WAS TOLD TO REMOVE THE SEAT'S FUSE FROM THE INSIDE CABIN FUSE PANEL, WHICH SHOULD DISENGAGE IT; THIS DID NOT WORK, AND WE WERE FORCED TO DRIVE THREE HOURS TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP. THERE IS NO MANUAL OVERRIDE MECHANISM IN THE 2008 KIA OPTIMA EX TO UNLOCK A SEAT WHEN THE ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FAILS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT. THE FIRST DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A FAULTY SEAT-HEATER WHILE UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. THE REPLACEMENT SEAT WHEN INSTALLED IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE ADJUSTMENT KNOB WAS LOOSE AND NEVER SECURE. THREE ISSUES ARE PARAMOUNT, THE SAFETY FOR KIA DRIVERS, THE FACT THERE IS NO MANUAL OVERRIDE FOR ELECTRIC SEATS, AND NO WARRANTY FOR REPLACEMENT SEATS ON SUCH OCCASIONS, THE FIRST HERE BEING OF MOST IMPORTANCE. *TR
Jul 16, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED. I PULLED IT A FEW TIMES AND IT BECAME UNJAMMED AND I FASTENED THE SAFETY BELT AROUND MY 4 YEAR OLD CHILD. APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES LATER AS I WAS DRIVING I SMELLED SMOKE. I STARTED CHECKING THE CONTROL PANEL AND TURNED OFF THE A/C AND RADIO AND ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS. THE SMOKE STOPPED SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE ABOUT A MILE AND STOPPED THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS THERE APPROXIMATELY 4 MINUTES WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND TURNED MY HEAD TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TOWARDS MY CHILD. MY CHILD SCREAMED FOR ME THE SAME MOMENT I WAS TURNING MY HEAD AND THERE WERE FLAMES MELTING THE PLASTIC CASING AROUND THE SEAT BELT COVER. THE FLAMES ALMOST REACHED HER HEAD. I FRANTICALLY GOT IN THE BACK SEAT AND REMOVED THE SAFETY BELT AND PULLED HER FROM THE CAR TO SAFETY. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS BURNED FROM THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO BURN INJURIES DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS STOPPED AND ABLE TO REMOVE MYSELF AND MY CHILD BEFORE THE FLAMES ENGULFED MY CAR. *TR
Jul 23, 2012
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WE WERE HIT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE ENTIRE SIDE OF THE CAR WAS CRUSHED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS EVER DEPLOYED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. I HAD REPORTED THE FACT THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS NOT COMING ON TO THE CAR DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM BUT THEY JUST MADE EXCUSES THAT THE PERSON SITTING IN THE SEAT WAS NOT HEAVY ENOUGH EVEN THOUGH THEY WEIGHED OVER 150LBS. *TR
Jun 06, 2012
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND A FATALITY WAS REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/12/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL CAME IN THE MAIL ON APRIL 12. 2012. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPDATED 06/13/12
May 14, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DECEMBER 28, 2011, I NOTICED THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT LOCATED ON THE DASHBOARD CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG SENSORS ARE LOCATED IN THE DRIVER/ PASSENGER SEATS. THE MECHANIC AT KIA DEALER TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE SENSORS. I'VE VIEWED THE COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE THAT OWN KIA OPTIMA 2008. IT STATES THAT THESE CARS WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DEFECTS. (I ONLY HAVE 43,000 MILES) IN ADDITION, A WEEK AGO I'VE STARTED HEARING A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA WHEN I ACCELERATE GOING UP IN A ROLLER COASTER CLIMBING POSITION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXPEDITIOUS RESPONSE. *TR
Jan 02, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE. THE SUN VISORS WOULD NOT REMAIN IN THE CLOSED, UPRIGHT POSITION AND THE DRIVER SIDE CHILD DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLATCH. IN ADDITION, THE SAFETY LOCK FOR THE TRUNK WOULD DETACH AND CAUSE THE TRUNK TO OCCASIONALLY FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSTANTLY BREAK DOWN AND THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO SENT HER TO A SECOND DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,800.
Apr 20, 2011
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, AIR WOULD SEEP THROUGH THE WINDOW WHILE IT WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT COULD HEAR THE WIND AT SPEEDS OF 40 AND 60 MPH. ONE DEALER SUGGESTED DRIVING WITH THE REARVIEW MIRROR CLOSED TOWARDS THE DOOR. ANOTHER DEALER ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST THE DOOR, BUT WAS UNSUCCESFUL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 4,000.
Jun 09, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS DIM AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES OR JUST SLOWING DOWN. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Dec 04, 2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
TL*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. *LJ UPDATED 08/05/08
Jul 08, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR IN MOTION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT IT WAS DEACTIVATED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENOR DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN THE OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHS LESS THAN 105 POUNDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SENSOR WAS OPERATING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED WITH THE AIR BAG. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 450.
Jul 02, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 KIA Optima have?
The 2008 KIA Optima currently has 142 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2008 KIA Optima?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 KIA Optima are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2008 KIA Optima problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 KIA Optima comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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