2008 KIA Optima problems
Owners have filed 188 complaints about the 2008 KIA Optima with NHTSA. Air bags account for 30.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine at 9.6%.
Complaints188
Crashes26
Fires7
Injuries31
Deaths12
What owners report breaking
Air bags 30.9% · 58
Engine 9.6% · 18
Power train 9.6% · 18
Electrical system 8.5% · 16
Exterior lighting 4.3% · 8
Unknown or other 4.3% · 8
Visibility/wiper 3.7% · 7
Visibility 3.7% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 26 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire, 31 report an injury and 12 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the KIA Optima in this data, 2008 sits 16th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 11 in the last three years against 19 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 69,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2008 KIA Optima. Upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the occupancy sensor was defective and the front passenger seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000. Air bags · reported at 85,000 miles
Takata recall airbag light for front passenger was illuminated. Took it to dealer who put it on diagnostic unit for $95 & got light to go off for now but stated that the seat would need to be replaced to repair it at a cost of $1700.00. Apparently this particular vehicle was not listed on the recall. Owner has the bill for this dianostic service & estimate. Air bags
I noticed that there was a recall for 05 thru 08 on the clock spring in the front airbag. My airbag light came on and I guess mine is not covered. I took it in and they said mine was not covered under the recall but it was the same problem. Why if this is the same problem isn't it covered. I guess there needs to be an injury or death before its covered. Air bags · reported at 64,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…