2005 Kia Amanti problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 119 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Amanti year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 6 Amanti years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (29), airbags (16), and transmission (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
119
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2005 compare to other Amanti years?
What are the most common 2005 Kia Amanti problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 29 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 16 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 12 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 10 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 8 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Other | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 6 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAVE AN '05 KIA AMANTI. THIS CAR HAS A "SUDDEN ACCELERATION" CAUSING THE CAR TO SPEED FORWARD WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN IN TWO REAR-END COLLISIONS IN THE LAST YEAR AND HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT IN OVER 30YRS PRIOR. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO SENTRY KIA TO BE REPAIRED BUT, THEY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA AMANTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE…”
“I READ ABOUT RECALL ON 2007 KIA AMANTI AND THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. IT SAID COULD MAKE IT HARD SHIFT FROM PARK TO GEARS. I OWN A 2005 KIA AMANTI AND YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL HOURS WITH NO PROBLEMS, I STARTED IT OUT IN REVERSE IT WAS A SEMI HARD SHIFT THEN PUT INTO DRIVE AND IT WAS A…”
“I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND TWICE THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR. THE THIRD TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR”
“SOON AFTER START UP, I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND PROCEEDED TO TURN ONTO THE STREET AND I HAD NO POWER FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS, THEN IT GOES FULL OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 8 OR 9 TIMES. I HAVE BEEN VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE DEALER. THEY ARE CLUELESS. I HAVE BEEN BACK 6 TIMES FOR AN AIRBAG LIGHT ON…”
2005 Kia Amanti — common questions
Is the 2005 Kia Amanti reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 119 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 6 Amanti years. It is one of the Amanti years to avoid.
What are the most common 2005 Amanti problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (29 complaints), airbags (16 complaints), transmission (12 complaints).
Does the 2005 Kia Amanti have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 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.