TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN THE RAIN ON A HIGHWAY AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IT LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HE REAR-ENDED THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE AND CAUSED A MULTI-VEHICLE TRAFFIC COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.…
2008 kia Optima brakes problems
critical 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
4
Avg fix
$450
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT, AND WHILE BRAKING, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND HIT A CONCRETE POLE. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2008 kia Optima?
It's a serious issue. 5 complaints have been filed, including 4 reports involving a crash and 3 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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