2008 Kia Optima electrical system problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2008 Kia Optima — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Feb 6, 2026
“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 Jul 17, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Electrical System problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 12 | 9% |
| 2019 Optima | 22 | 11% |
| 2018 Optima | 33 | 14% |
| 2017 Optima | 25 | 10% |
| 2016 Optima | 99 | 13% |
| 2015 Optima | 135 | 13% |
| 2014 Optima | 59 | 10% |
| 2013 Optima | 145 | 11% |
| 2012 Optima | 122 | 13% |
| 2011 Optima | 61 | 10% |
| 2010 Optima | 13 | 17% |
| 2009 Optima | 16 | 14% |
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.