2008 Kia Optima engine problems

24 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 24
of this car's complaints: 17%
typical mileage: 78,000
crashes: 2
recalls: 0

Which part fails

Engine
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Kia Optima engine problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Kia Optima engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 8

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened September 12, 2022, closed December 12, 2023

the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

DP22003

What 2008 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Engine · NY

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 need the problem fixed

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 Sep 11, 2021 · Engine, Suspension · TX

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

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

Was driving on the highway when the car burst into flames

Filed Feb 6, 2020 · Engine · 29,061 miles · PA

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.

Filed Oct 16, 2019 · Engine · 96,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jul 18, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 160,000 miles · GA

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed May 9, 2019 · Engine · 70,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed May 7, 2018 · Engine, Steering · NC

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.

Filed Apr 11, 2017 · Engine · 145,000 miles · FL

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.

Questions about the 2008 Kia Optima engine

Does the 2008 Kia Optima have engine problems?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Kia Optima, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Kia Optima engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2008 Kia Optima engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.