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.
The worst 2008 Kia Amanti problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical7
- Airbags3
- Transmission3
- Visibility3
- Engine2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical7
- Airbags3
- Transmission3
- Visibility3
- Engine2
- Suspension2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 13V114000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Kia Amanti 13
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- TSB - use of aftermarket USB charging cables in USB/12V ports
- Pitstop: stop lamp switch identification matrix (SC098)
- Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the...
- Kia: due to design of drain holes in valley of lambda V6 engines, a misdiagnose of a possible oil leak...
- Kia: provides information related to the ECM software upgrade of some vehicles with 3.8L and 2.7L engines...
- Kia: ECM upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with DTC P2135/P0638
2008 Kia Amanti fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 19 |
What 2008 Kia Amanti owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
[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).
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.
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.
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
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.
Outside right and left rearview mirrors self adjusting. Installed yet another new memory switch #88995 3f200
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.
Outside left and right mirrors self adjusting. Dealer replaced both mirrors this time on 9/07/12
Outside left and right rearview mirrors self adjusting. Dealer installed another new memory seat switch
Compare the 2008 Kia Amanti
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Questions about the 2008 Kia Amanti
Is the 2008 Kia Amanti reliable?
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2008 Kia Amanti, fewer than a typical Amanti model year.
What is the 2008 Kia Amanti year score?
The 2008 Kia Amanti scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Amanti: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kia Amanti?
Electrical system, with 7 complaints, typically around 63,142 miles. Next is airbags (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Amanti have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Kia Amanti get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Kia Amanti range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.
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