2008 Kia Optima power train problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2008 Kia Optima — 13% 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
“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
- Power TrainCampaign 11V153000 · Mar 9, 2011
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area…
TSB_TRA046_R5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 17, 2025This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
TSB_TRA046_R4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 16, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required…
TSB_TRA046_R3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type…
TSB_TRA046_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2020
Power Train problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 25 | 18% |
| 2019 Optima | 16 | 8% |
| 2018 Optima | 18 | 8% |
| 2017 Optima | 20 | 8% |
| 2016 Optima | 72 | 10% |
| 2015 Optima | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 Optima | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 Optima | 64 | 5% |
| 2012 Optima | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 Optima | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 24 | 32% |
| 2009 Optima | 33 | 28% |
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.