2008 Kia Optima engine problems
The 2008 Kia Optima has 23 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 12% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
23
Engine complaints
12%
Share of year
2
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Engine complaints by year
What owners report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
Common questions
How many engine complaints does the 2008 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2008 Kia Optima engine — 12% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.