RoadVitals

2008 Kia Amanti

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
25
Latest Jul 6, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Apr 1, 2013
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Kia Amanti, most frequently naming the electrical, airbags and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 13 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical726.9%
  • Airbags311.5%
  • Powertrain (other)311.5%
  • Visibility311.5%
  • Suspension27.7%
  • Engine27.7%
  • Exterior lighting13.8%
  • Seat belts13.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
13V114000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Apr 1, 2013
980,377 units potentially affected
The defect: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Kia Motors CorporationManufacturer number SC098View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 25
Airbags
Filed Jul 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Amanti. The contact stated there were several failures with the clockspring assembly feature causing the horn and cruise control to become inoperable. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic confirmed the failure with the clockspring assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ID
11472547
Incident
May 25, 2021
Mileage
68,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jun 30, 2021

[XXX] This was a persistent problem since the car was new; yet, undiscovered by the dealer after their examination. Continued complaint produced no result. Engineer's analysis: Rear Sway Bar End Linkage is designed to rotate during a (leaning outward) pitched road cornering and the resulting torsional forces on the frame. Both rear shock absorbers interfere with the travel of the Sway Bar end linkage during their designed rotational dynamic range. This interference of rotation destroys the shock absorber by repetitive striking and inhibits full functional rotation of the sway bar and end linkage. A mechanic (Jig-Saw Auto; Carson City, Nevada 06/24/2021) replaced damaged shocks hoping to fix the problem; but, it did not. When another mechanic (Les Schwab North Carson City, NV 06/30/2021) put the KIA car on a lift, and discovered the problem a quote was given for a repair of the new shocks which were now damaged. When, by chance, a licensed engineer (yours truly) examined the area, the design flaw was discovered. Replacement of parts would result in damage to parts from the design flaw. --[XXX] , Licensed P.E. in CA and IL. [XXX] cell ph. On Behalf of Dr.[XXX] DDS. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11423020
Incident
Jun 30, 2021
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Mar 9, 2020
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA AMANTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE DOES NOT OPERATE EVERYDAY THE BATTERY WILL RUN DEAD. THE SUNROOF WILL INDEPENDENTLY OPEN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW ELECTRONIC PANEL WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTION THAT ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A DEER AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INJURIES TO EITHER DRIVER OR PASSENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DAMAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500.

NHTSA ID
11317044
Incident
Mar 9, 2010
Mileage
2,500 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 4, 2018

POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ARE MOVING WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN SHIFTING TRANSMISSION FROM PARK TO REVERSE/NEUTRAL/DRIVE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS WHEN I GO TO LOOK OUT THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS THEY ARE CONSTANTLY IN A DIFFERENT POSITION THEN HOW THEY SHOULD BE SET. I'M CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING THE MIRRORS AND THEY CONTINUE TO MOVE ALL OVER THE PLACE ON THEIR OWN.

NHTSA ID
11124384
Incident
Sep 4, 2018
Mileage
72,000 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Aug 1, 2015

THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WILL MOVE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT A COMMAND. TOO OFTEN WHEN I WANT TO CHANGE LANES, THE MIRROR IS NOT IN THE CORRECT POSITION. DANGEROUS

NHTSA ID
10745532
Incident
Aug 1, 2013
Mileage
40,000 mi
Filed Jul 17, 2015

LEFT AND RIGHT OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS SELF ADJUSTING AGAIN!! DEALER TOLD US WHEN THEY FIXED IT THE LAST TIME THAT THIS PART WAS RE-ENGINEERED AND WE WOULDN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. THE FIX WORKED UP UNTIL NOW AND HERE WE ARE AGAIN!!!! HAVEN'T CONTACTED THE DEALER YET.

NHTSA ID
10734818
Incident
Jul 10, 2015
Mileage
110,000 mi
Filed Jul 17, 2015

OUTSIDE RIGHT AND LEFT REARVIEW MIRRORS SELF ADJUSTING. INSTALLED YET ANOTHER NEW MEMORY SWITCH #88995 3F200

NHTSA ID
10734813
Incident
Mar 22, 2013
Mileage
60,125 mi
Filed Jul 17, 2015

LEFT AND RIGHT OUTSIDE MIRRORS ADJUSTING ON THEIR OWN ALL THE TIME!! DEALER SPECIAL ORDERED PARTS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. NEW PARTS WERE INSTALLED ON 1/24/13.

NHTSA ID
10734812
Incident
Jan 14, 2013
Mileage
59,856 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_BOD055_R1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING; STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - 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. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.

PS539

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

TSB-GEN085R1

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.

TSB-GEN085

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?

PS443

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device

PS382

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIFYING THE CORRECT SWITCHES WHILE ORDERING PARTS, PREPARING TO PERFORM THE STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT OR WHILE PREPARING TO RETURN REPLACED SWITCHES TO KMA (IN CASE OF AN EXISTING MANDATORY PART RETURN (MPR) REQUEST). TO FACILITATE FASTER AND EASIER IDENTIFICATION OF THE CORRECT PARTS, A PICTURE GUIDE AS SHOWN ON PAGE 2 IS PROVIDED. THE GUIDE’S CONTENT WAS PURPOSELY FORMATTED TO FIT ON ONE PAGE SO IT CAN BE EASILY PRINTED AND KEPT ON OR NEAR A WORKSTATION, PARTS COUNTER OR TOOL BOX.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Kia Amanti by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009410—
2008Viewing251038.3
2007152042.3
2006470039.8
2005830034.7
2004730038.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.