VehicleVerdict

2008 Kia Amanti problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Kia Amanti sits mid-pack among Amanti years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 49, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (8), electrical system (7), and suspension (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

36

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Amanti years?

Amanti NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted119 complaints2004: 112 complaints2005: 119 complaints2006: 61 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 36 complaints2009: 5 complaints
Amanti NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Amanti years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Kia Amanti problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other822%
Electrical System719%
Suspension411%
Visibility & Wipers38%
Transmission38%
Airbags38%
Engine26%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%
Brakes13%
Fuel System13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2008 Kia Amanti have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V114000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 980,377 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 10, 2015

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 9, 2010 · crash

“DRIVERS' MIRROR ADJUSTMENT/MEMORY SETTING: THE DRIVERS' MIRROR WILL START CLICKING/MOVING,WHEN I HIT THE REMOTE.WHEN THE MIRRORS TILT DOWN AFTER PUT IN REVERSE,THE DRIVER'S MIRROR WILL NOT RETURN BACK TO THE MEMORY SETTING,WHICH HAS TO BE RESET EVERYTIME,IN ORDER TO PROPERLY USE MIRRORS.I HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 11, 2011

“WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH THE TRANSMISSION MADE A HARD SHIFT...THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE JUMP. DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD ONLY DRIVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 12, 2011

“WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE MIRRORS WILL READJUST AT RANDOM. THIS NOT ONLY MASHED CHANGING LANES UNSAFE, BUT ADDS AN UNNEEDED DISTRACTION TO SET THEM BACK TO A USABLE POSITION. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 3, 2013

2008 Kia Amanti — common questions

Is the 2008 Kia Amanti reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 36 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Amanti year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2008 Amanti problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (8 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), suspension (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 Kia Amanti have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Kia Amanti. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.