2008 Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008

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2008 Kia Optima repairs by problem area

Engine (11%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (33%)

Brakes and Traction Control (0%)

Suspension and Steering (22%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (11%)

Other (0%)

Chart based on 9 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Kia Optima.

2008 Kia Optima repair cost distribution

$2500+ (11%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (44%)

< $100 (33%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 9 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan

185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Optima in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2011 - Oct 2021
Nov 2011 Steering and suspension, repair 

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2008 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan

162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Optima in Texas, United States
- Dec 2009
Oct 2008

20000 mi

US $650
All the factory tires wore out badly for no reason and cant keep the alignment from going out every month. 
Jun 2009

51000 mi

US $6500
Well the transmission started making a weird noise while out of town on a road trip to Maryland from Texas which Kia said it was about to die. It resulted in my trip being 4 days longer w/o pay stuck wo a rental till it came in from Kia to be replaced. 
Jul 2009

52500 mi

US $400
Well before they said the transmission was bad the last time they tried telling me it was the fuel pump which i stated it was not the fuel pump but was the transmission .so was replaced at no cost 4 no reason. 
Dec 2009

82000 mi
the auto locks no longer work after trans number 2 went in. Seems no matter how well you do the services at kia and keep up on oil changes they seem okay other then transmission issues and crappy lights. Brakes and tires. Great road trip car tho. 
Kia Optima in Missouri, United States
- Nov 2010
Jan 2010

18510 mi
Engine seems unusually loud and buzzy during acceleration. Dealer test drove and examined onboard diagnostic computer information. They admit engine sounds unusually noisy, but claimed that they were unable to find anything unusual otherwise. 
Jun 2010

22500 mi

US $157
AC was slow to cool cabin. System was down 0.75 lb. of refrigerant. Schroeder valve was found to be loose. System purged and recharged. Not considered a warranty repair by Kia. 
Aug 2010

25100 mi

US $155
Driver's side sunvisor broke with a loud cracking sound. Local dealer said it was abuse, not covered under warranty. Fixed it at dealer as he said that old sunvisor couldn't be put back on. Filed written complaint to Kia corporate. 
Nov 2010

27000 mi

US $155
Battery was not holding charge. Replaced. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.

2008 Kia Optima Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Kia Optima problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.