Most common 2008 Kia Amanti problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Amanti complaints by model year
Best Amanti years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2004, 2005. Compare all years →
2008 Kia Amanti recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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.
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.
What 2008 Kia Amanti owners say
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 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.
Transmission & drivetrain
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. …
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? …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
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 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 10/18/2012
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
2008 Kia Amanti engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Kia Amanti a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Amanti rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Amanti at the same age. It is one of the best Amanti years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kia Amanti?
The electrical system — 7 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and windows, wipers & sunroof (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Amanti have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Kia Amanti, the most recent from April 1, 2013 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Amanti?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004 and 2005. See the full Kia Amanti years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Kia Amanti problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 55% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.