2005 Kia Amanti Problems: 5 Known Issues
2005 model year · 160+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 160+ owner reports, the 2005 Kia Amanti has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Failure (5-Speed) ($1,500-$3,500 repair) and Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing Failure ($400-$800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Alternator Premature Failure and Voltage Regulator Issues with 160 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2005 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
All 5 Known Issues
When Issues Typically Appear
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.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Kia Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Kia Amanti problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 160+ owner reports, the 2005 Kia Amanti has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Failure (5-Speed), Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing Failure, Alternator Premature Failure and Voltage Regulator Issues. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Amanti reliable?
The 2005 Kia Amanti has 5 known issues documented across 160+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Failure (5-Speed) and Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing Failure. 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, Automatic Transmission Failure (5-Speed), 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 Automatic Transmission Failure (5-Speed)?
The 5-speed automatic transmission in the Kia Amanti is prone to premature failure, particularly affecting the torque converter, forward clutch pack, and valve body. The transmission was shared with the Hyundai XG350 platform and struggles with the 3.5L V6 engine torque output. S… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2009 Kia Amanti Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing Failure?
The hydraulic timing belt tensioner and idler pulley bearings fail, causing timing belt noise and potential catastrophic engine damage if the belt jumps or breaks. The 3.5L and 3.8L V6 are interference engines. Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2009 Kia Amanti Alternator Premature Failure and Voltage Regulator Issues?
The Amanti's alternator fails prematurely, often before 80,000 miles. The internal voltage regulator overcharges or undercharges the battery, causing dim headlights, battery drain, or battery overheating. High electrical loads from the luxury features stress the alternator. Repairs typically run $200-$500. 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. The rubber hoses deteriorate with age and heat, developing leaks at crimp fittings. The power steering pump shaft seal is another common failure point. A leaking power stee… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
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.
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.