AI Damage2008 KIA Amanti: common problems
Owners of the 2008 KIA Amanti filed 25 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 25
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 28% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 12% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 12% of all complaints
- 4 Visibility 12% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- 6 Engine 4% of all complaints
- 7 Engine and cooling 4% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (28% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Air bags: 3 complaints (12% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (12% of all).
- Visibility: 3 complaints (12% of all).
- Suspension: 2 complaints (8% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 25 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 8 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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 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.
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.
[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…
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'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.
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.
2008 kia amanti. Consumer writes in regards to brake pads issue and consumer requests explanation of who determines vehicle model year. The consumer stated on october 12, 2013, he had the brake pads replaced. The mechanic ordered 2008 pads and found they did not fit.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,448 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 20% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Amanti has 41 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 25, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 KIA Amanti?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, air bags, powertrain. Total complaints: 25. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: airbags did not deploy (8%), warning lights, check engine (8%), driver assists: adaptive cruise, lane keeping (4%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2008 KIA Amanti?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2008 KIA Amanti from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2008 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.