2008 Kia Amanti Problems: 5 Known Issues
2008 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Kia Amanti has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 5-Speed Automatic: Harsh or Skipped Shifts, Lurching and Slipping ($1,500-$3,500 repair) and Stop Lamp Switch Failure - Brake Lights Dead and Shifter Locked in Park (Two Recalls). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls2 recalls
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. 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Kia Amanti problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Kia Amanti has 5 documented issues. Documented issues include: 5-Speed Automatic: Harsh or Skipped Shifts, Lurching and Slipping, Stop Lamp Switch Failure - Brake Lights Dead and Shifter Locked in Park (Two Recalls), A/C Compressor Clutch and Coil Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Amanti reliable?
The 2008 Kia Amanti has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 5-Speed Automatic: Harsh or Skipped Shifts, Lurching and Slipping and Stop Lamp Switch Failure - Brake Lights Dead and Shifter Locked in Park (Two Recalls). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Kia Amanti problems?
Repair costs for known Kia Amanti issues range from $200 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 5-Speed Automatic: Harsh or Skipped Shifts, Lurching and Slipping, typically costs $1,500-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2004-2009 Kia Amanti 5-Speed Automatic: Harsh or Skipped Shifts, Lurching and Slipping?
Owners of the 2004-2009 Kia Amanti report problems with its 5-speed automatic transmission. Every year uses this gearbox. 2004-2006 cars pair it with a 3.5L V6 of about 200 hp, and 2007-2009 cars with a 264-hp 3.8L V6. In NHTSA complaints, 2004 owners describe the transmission sk… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2009 Kia Amanti Stop Lamp Switch Failure - Brake Lights Dead and Shifter Locked in Park (Two Recalls)?
Two US stop-lamp-switch recalls include selected Amanti vehicles. Recall 09V130 covers 2007 Amanti built September 20–November 20, 2006. The later 13V114 / SC098 expansion includes 2007–2009 Amanti built November 21, 2006–June 2, 2008. A malfunctioning switch can affect brake lig… Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2009 Kia Amanti A/C Compressor Clutch and Coil Failure?
The A/C compressor clutch coil burns out or the clutch plate air gap increases beyond specification, preventing the compressor from engaging. Results in no cold air from the A/C system. Common in hot climates. Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2009 Kia Amanti Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start (3.8L Lambda G6DA)?
Kia ENG028 (revised April 2008) covers 2007-and-later Amanti with the 3.8L engine. After several hours parked, oil can drain back and the pressure-operated tensioners may be briefly slack. Noise that ends as oil pressure builds in the first 3–4 seconds is distinguished from persi… Severity: medium.
What is the 2004-2009 Kia Amanti Power Steering System Leak?
The Amanti power steering system develops leaks from the high-pressure hose, pump seals, and steering rack. A leaking power steering system causes whining noise, heavy steering, and potential pump failure from running low on fluid. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.