2008 KIA Amanti
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › KIA › Amanti › 2008
These records cover every 2008 KIA Amanti. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2008 KIA Amanti. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Owner complaints
25 complaints2 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver clockspring/spiral cassette
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…
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.
- Suspension
[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…
[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).
- Air bags · Electrical system
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
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
- Unknown or other
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.
- Unknown or other
Outside right and left rearview mirrors self adjusting. installed yet another new memory switch #88995 3f200
- Unknown or other
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.
- Unknown or other
Outside left and right mirrors self adjusting. dealer replaced both mirrors this time on 9/07/12
- Unknown or other
Outside left and right rearview mirrors self adjusting. dealer installed another new memory seat switch
- Power train
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.
- Unknown or other
Left and right rearview mirrors adjusting on their own. dealer removed and replaced seat control switch. dealer couldn't duplicate problem on previous visit on 9/03/10 and told us to bring it back as soon as it happened again.
- Unknown or other
Mirrors adjusting randomly on their own.
- Exterior lighting
I've had to replace the low beam halogen bulbs 4X in the last two yeasr. These bulbs are not available in the aftermarket auto parts stores....have to purchase from local dealership. They never have these bulbs in stock, always have to order and usually takes 3-4 days. just replaced both the left…
I've had to replace the low beam halogen bulbs 4X in the last two yeasr. These bulbs are not available in the aftermarket auto parts stores....have to purchase from local dealership. They never have these bulbs in stock, always have to order and usually takes 3-4 days. just replaced both the left & right on 01/26/15 and the right bulb burned out again yesterday 4/26/1/5.....exactly 4 months.....not acceptable KIA!!!! The parts manager told me that they've had problems with this happening not only in the amanti, but in other models as well. so far both bulbs that were replaced on 4/26/15 are still working.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure
2008 KIA amanti. consumer writes in regards to brake pads issue and consumer requests explanation of who determines vehicle model year. *smd the consumer stated on october 12, 2013, he had the brake pads replaced. The mechanic ordered 2008 pads and found they did not fit. He checked the…
2008 KIA amanti. consumer writes in regards to brake pads issue and consumer requests explanation of who determines vehicle model year. *smd the consumer stated on october 12, 2013, he had the brake pads replaced. The mechanic ordered 2008 pads and found they did not fit. He checked the information on the decal affixed to the frame of the vehicle, the owner's manual, warranty and consumer's information manuals and all of them showed the vehicle to be a 2007 model built in korea in may 2007. The mechanic then exchanged the pads for 2007 and installed them without a problem. The manufacturer informed the consumer, that many vehicles, were build in previous years. updated 01/22/14
- Electrical system · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
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
- Electrical system
First noticed problem when merging onto interstate. the drivers side mirror was pointing down so I adjusted it while accelerating to merge into traffic. once the mirror was in place I switched the mirror selector switch to the center neutral position. the mirror immediately started moving on…
First noticed problem when merging onto interstate. the drivers side mirror was pointing down so I adjusted it while accelerating to merge into traffic. once the mirror was in place I switched the mirror selector switch to the center neutral position. the mirror immediately started moving on its own and ended up pointing toward the sky. I had a near miss with a small car in my blind spot. even being familiar with the problem there have been several more near misses. the dealership simply disconnects the battery for a few minutes and sends me on my way. this fixes the problem for a few hours but it always comes back. both side mirrors are doing the same thing but the drivers side IS more affected. *tr
- Engine
This IS the 2ND time for the same issue (mileage 17900) -previous issue was july 2012. driving down the interstate-car suddenly looses power down to idle only speed. fortunately, then & today no tractor trailers ran over top of the car. Could mange to get to the side of the road and out of the…
This IS the 2ND time for the same issue (mileage 17900) -previous issue was july 2012. driving down the interstate-car suddenly looses power down to idle only speed. fortunately, then & today no tractor trailers ran over top of the car. Could mange to get to the side of the road and out of the way. KIA IS obviously not fixing this position sensor/computer problem. driving the car in limp mode to a garage IS extremely dangerous as must get up to 25mph then use the cruise control-in traffic it IS off & on.start & stop. be forewarned you should force KIA to fix this problem before someone gets killed. I await your response. I see someone else has put in a complaint-i wonder how many others have experienced this problem and have not complained. (Like my first experience). *tr
- Power train
Having the same problem with this car since I purchased it on 12/14/12. It IS a 'shifting/gear/transmission issue. Its a 4 yr old car, bought from dealer-kia of bedford, oh. The malfunction indicator lamp comes on after trying to shift into drive, and the car won't move(its revs in place like its…
Having the same problem with this car since I purchased it on 12/14/12. It IS a 'shifting/gear/transmission issue. Its a 4 yr old car, bought from dealer-kia of bedford, oh. The malfunction indicator lamp comes on after trying to shift into drive, and the car won't move(its revs in place like its in neutral). 1) 1ST work order, done on 1/3/13, was to replace the 'front wiring assembly'harness and electrical led light assembly. 2) 2ND work order, done on 1/18/13, replaced the transmission inhibitor switch and cruise control switch... 3)THE 3RD problem has just occurred yesterday, 1/28/13. Same issue, I was pulling out of a parking spot, going into 'drive' and lost the 'shifting/acceleration' capability. Put car back into park for a few minutes, then tried again and the 'gear' popped into 'drive'. Been happening intermittently since yesterday. The 'malfunction indicator lamp' has remained on since this 3RD incident on 1/28/13. This IS a problem that doesn't seem to be fixable. There IS a basic warranty that IS still active ~ 7 months or @18,000 miles left! *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2008 KIA amanti. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the contact crashed into another vehicle. the driver's side air bag deployed however, the passenger's side air bag failed to deploy and the shoulder strap of the seat belt failed to restrain the passenger. As a…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 KIA amanti. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the contact crashed into another vehicle. the driver's side air bag deployed however, the passenger's side air bag failed to deploy and the shoulder strap of the seat belt failed to restrain the passenger. As a result, the passenger struck her head on the windshield and sustained neck injuries. In addition, the passenger suffered from an echoing and roaring inside her head. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 55,000.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
TL* the contact owns a 2008 KIA amanti. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph the driver and passenger side view mirrors moved and would not stay in place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they were not able to assist her and advised the contact to continue rearranging the…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 KIA amanti. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph the driver and passenger side view mirrors moved and would not stay in place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they were not able to assist her and advised the contact to continue rearranging the mirrors. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that they would contact her at a later date. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 52,000. updated 10/16/12*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 10/18/2012 *js
- Electrical system
When adjusting the side view mirrors they just start moving on their own ...sometimes while driving .. And it's dangerouse especially when they move without u realizing and you go to check them and they are all weird so you have to adjust them while driving .. Once you've adjusted one the other one will move for no reason.. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train
At 65 mph on a busy freeway -without any warning, engine died to idle speed and no power. Try crossing 3 lanes of fast traffic with no power and rapid deceleration ! Fortunately no impacts but some terrible near misses. the check engine light illuminated . The code was p2135 -throttle position…
At 65 mph on a busy freeway -without any warning, engine died to idle speed and no power. Try crossing 3 lanes of fast traffic with no power and rapid deceleration ! Fortunately no impacts but some terrible near misses. the check engine light illuminated . The code was p2135 -throttle position switch failed.that caused p2106 &p1295 "limp home mode"-which should be changed to " killed in action(kia) while limping mode". if you check the internet, this IS a well known problem across a range of KIA and hyundai vehicles.there are tsb's for it.just search "2135 KIA" or p2135 hyundai". the retail price for the tsb repair IS only $165. It requires replacing the defective tps and a reflash of the ecm. It IS free under warranty. Why not make this a recall? the defect IS widespread,easy and cheap to repair and potentially deadly -why not a recall? dealer was excellent .fixed the problem -they were very familiar with the issue. *tr
- Electrical system · Suspension · Suspension › Front · Suspension › Rear
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 turned off the memory for the mirrors,but the mirror continues to move. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
From the day I bought the vehicle the throttle tip has been very aggressive. I barely touch the gas pedal and the car jumps forward. I feel this could lead to an accident and cause potential injury. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL 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.
- 10183431TSB - 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
- 10133170PITSTOP - 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.
- 10109812TSB: 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.
- 10109777TSB: 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.?
- 10092102Pitstop: 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 guides 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.
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10044560KIA: due to design of drain holes in valley of lambda V6 engines, a misdiagnose of a possible oil leak source in rear main seal or oil pan, when actual leaks coming from engine valley,oil filter housing, oil pressure switch, and/or gaskets.
- 10034637KIA: provides information related to the ecm software upgrade of some vehicles with 3.8L and 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with the pcm (powertrain control module) system related dtc(s).
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10030292KIA: on some vehicles with 2.7L engines, the ecm software and tp sensor upgrade may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10030290KIA: load carrying capacity label requirements and instructions to comply with fmvss 110. Providing information for the new requirements related to load carrying capacity (lcc) when certain accessories are added to a completed vehicle pri0r to first retail sale.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
Every KIA Amanti model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.