2008 Kia Amanti recalls and problems

The 2008 Kia Amanti has 1 safety recall and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Kia Amanti vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Kia Amanti recalls

Recall 13V-114: Exterior Lighting

Reported Apr 1, 2013 · 980,377 vehicles affected · Kia Motors Corporation

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

2008 Kia Amanti problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other8
Electrical System7
Suspension4
Power Train3
Air Bags3
Visibility2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Seat Belts1
Engine1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Suspension › Rear — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,118 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Kia Amanti complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 68,000 miles · reported 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.
Air Bags · at 2,500 miles · reported Mar 9, 2020
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…
Electrical System · at 72,000 miles · reported 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.
Electrical System · at 40,000 miles · reported 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
Exterior Lighting · at 99,000 miles · reported Jul 17, 2015
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…

Other Kia Amanti years

Compare all Kia Amanti years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Kia Amanti have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Kia Amanti: 13V-114 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kia Amanti?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (8 reports), followed by electrical system (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,118 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.