2004 Kia Amanti problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 112 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Amanti year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 6 Amanti years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (19), fuel system (15), and electrical system (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
112
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Amanti years?
What are the most common 2004 Kia Amanti problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 19 | 17% | new |
| Fuel System | 15 | 13% | new |
| Electrical System | 14 | 13% | new |
| Speed Control | 12 | 11% | new |
| Airbags | 11 | 10% | new |
| Suspension | 9 | 8% | new |
| Transmission | 9 | 8% | new |
| Brakes | 6 | 5% | new |
| Other | 4 | 4% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 4% | new |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER GETTING HOME LAST NIGHT FROM MY SISTER IN LAW'S GENDER REVEAL, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE BONNET SO I OPENED IT QUICKLY AND SAW A FIRE BLAZING BEHIND THE ENGINE....WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE, THEY POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL..... I NEED SOME FORM OF…”
“UPON FILLING THE TANK OF THE KIA AMANTI, SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE ENGINE WILL BEGIN TO SURGE AND REACT ERRATICALLY WITHOUT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. IF THE BRAKE IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY ENGAGED THE VEHICLE WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IF THE VEHICLE IS ALREADY IN MOTION THE…”
“AFTER GETTING HOME LAST NIGHT FROM MY SISTER IN LAW'S GENDER REVEAL, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE BONNET SO I OPENED IT QUICKLY AND SAW A FIRE BLAZING BEHIND THE ENGINE....WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE, THEY POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL..... I NEED SOME FORM OF…”
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THERE WAS NO WARNING, AND IT OCCURRED WITH OR WITHOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. THIS HAPPENED MORE OFTEN WHEN GOING UP A STEEP HILL. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE…”
“WHILE MAKING A LEFT THE CARD WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE (REAR PASSENGER DOOR) BY A PERSON RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE ENOUGH THAT MY INSURANCE COMPANY DEEM THE CAR A TOTAL LOSS. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG WAS NEVER DEPLOYED.”
2004 Kia Amanti — common questions
Is the 2004 Kia Amanti reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 112 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 6 Amanti years. It is one of the Amanti years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 Amanti problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (19 complaints), fuel system (15 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints).
Does the 2004 Kia Amanti have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Kia Amanti.
Which Kia Amanti years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Amanti years to avoid are 2005, 2004. The cleanest record among Amanti years belongs to 2009.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.