2008 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints about transmission problems in the 2008 Kia Optima, 13% of all 144 complaints for this model year. That is #11 highest transmission complaint count among 16 Optima model years. These complaints report 1 crash. Median mileage at failure: 130,000 miles.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 18
- 13% of 144
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 130,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
When 2008 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 29, 2008, latest Feb 6, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2008 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 11V153000Mar 9, 2011Transmission & Powertrain70,115 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through june 13, 2007. There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the park (p) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.
Risk: If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 23, 2011. Owner may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2008 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
- NHTSA has 18 owner complaints about the transmission in the 2008 Kia Optima, 13% of all complaints for this model year, including 1 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 130,000 miles.
- Which Kia Optima year has the most transmission complaints?
- The 2016 Kia Optima has the most transmission complaints (73), compared with 18 for the 2008.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2008 Kia Optima?
- Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2008 Kia Optima concerns the transmission: 11V153000.