2008 Kia Optima electrical problems

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 217,000 miles · WA

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. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 198,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 217,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · OH · fire

Was driving on the highway when the car burst into flames

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · 160,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Jun 4, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 131,500 miles · AL

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.

Filed Nov 11, 2017 · Electrical · 115,000 miles · FL

My transmission will not disengage from drive and rolls away.

Filed May 15, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

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

Filed May 3, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 97,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Mar 2, 2015 · Electrical · 72,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Oct 22, 2014 · Electrical · 61,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Sep 24, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 62,000 miles · CA

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.