2008 Kia Optima
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 74 on record.
2008 Kia Optima at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
2008 Kia Optima recalls 3
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, …
Fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE…
Fix: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO…
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
2008 Kia Optima common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2008 Kia Optima MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 2008 Kia Optima worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2008 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,945) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,337), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
2008 Kia Optima trims & engines on record
2008 Kia Optima vehicles on record
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123985255626
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123585267241
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123385205224
2008 Kia Optima EXKNAGE123985219922
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123385167784
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123785176682
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123985169443
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123X85168835
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123685233860
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123885194074
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123685244356
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123985235120
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123985193600
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE124685191683
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123385220273
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123485173738
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123985272636
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123285217039
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123385195035
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123085199415
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123285263843
2008 Kia Optima LXKNAGE123685241277
2008 Kia Optima EXKNAGE123985195038
2008 Kia Optima EXKNAGE124485199815
Other Kia Optima model years
2008 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Optima?
Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, power train, engine.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Kia Optima get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Kia Optima at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 30 highway).
How much is a 2008 Kia Optima worth?
Comparable 2008 Kia Optima listings run roughly $2,000–$5,600, typically around $3,945 (from 74 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.