One problem related to air bag on-off switch has been reported for the 2008 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2008 Optima.
When front seat passenger sits in the passenger seat of the 2008 kia Optima, the airbag "off" indicator doesn't switch to on. I was told by dealer that the steps is that the car needs to be off, passenger sits, then turn the car on. This automatic feature is going to get someone killed . . . Not turning on the passenger restraint. Unless the car is off. True situation - my wife gets discharged from hospital from having a baby, I pull car around, get out, load items in the car. My wife gets in the car. Half way home, we realize the front passenger airbag is "off. ".