2008 Kia Optima air bags problems
57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the air bags on the 2008 Kia Optima — 40% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Occupant airbag sensor doesn't recognize whether someone is sitting or not. The occupant airbag sensor light goes on and off whether there is a passenger sitting on the seat or not. Kia has extended warranty on this issue however it doesn't let customer know about this part is defected. I was doing…”
filed Jul 3, 2025
“Power train: at low idle or while slowing down, the car will lose power for a minute until you get on the accelerator and it all comes back on. Alternator had been replaced. And is going to be replaced again soon. Not sure if it's just a bad part. Power steering pump was replaced. The pulley…”
filed Mar 2, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INCCampaign 12V014000 · Jan 17, 2012
Related service bulletins
Warranty bulletin: wty002 (revision #1) - 2006~2010my optima passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - this bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the front passenger occupant…
WTY002BULLETINOP · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 10, 2016
Air Bags problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 7 | 5% |
| 2019 Optima | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 Optima | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 Optima | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 Optima | 23 | 3% |
| 2015 Optima | 26 | 3% |
| 2014 Optima | 15 | 3% |
| 2013 Optima | 60 | 4% |
| 2012 Optima | 48 | 5% |
| 2011 Optima | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 Optima | 17 | 23% |
| 2009 Optima | 28 | 24% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.