Kia Amanti 2006 and earlier

magmax

If you click on the link below you'll get to Canadian Driver's page with a full first drive report on the 2007 Kia Amanti. They liked it very much. The new engine and suspension were a hit. Personally I'm not sure that the interior's a real improvement over my 95 model but then I like the woodgrain. As for the new lower profile grille, I think it's okay, and the new vertical taillights are okay as well but not really an improvement over what I thought was pretty well okay as is. I really don't like that the woodgrain steering wheel that was standard on my car doesn't appear to be on the 2007 models though.

Anyway, have a look and let the group know your opinions.

MagMax

magmax

Here's the URL that should have been included in the previous post:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/

MagMax

pat

Here's a link that goes directly to the article. (The articles featured on the home page will change.)

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/07amanti.htm

billh6

I printed the article and will be taking it in to my dealer tomorrow for oil/filter and will ask when they will be getting them in. I will say I like the back of it the best of all. I agree with you, it needs the wood grain on the steering wheel. I'm not sure I will be able to handle a car again that doesn't float. Bill

billh6

Anyone looking for a bargain preowned 2005 Amanti, Holler Kia in Orlando has 30 out of 45 left. I believe they came from Budget Rental. They say low mileage (not sure) and selling for $10,995-$14,995, says leather, loaded.

Mr_Shiftright

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http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/kiachat12062006.html

magmax

The Canadian Kia website has the 2007 model on display along with interior shots and full specs. In Canada there will again be only one model sold, just as when the Amanti was introduced. It will be a full-load version with no options. The only thing that I can see as a real reduction is that the wood-trim steering wheel seems to be gone. I can't see from the specs whether the heated rear seats and the separate rear seat heat control are still part of the spec but they're not seen as being that important I guess. Anyway, the url is www.kia.ca so have a look. I've been told by the dealer that we'll have the new models in about two weeks since they're in port now.

MagMax

ppborceb

When I press down on the accelerator from a standstill, the vehicle accelerates slowly even when I press down further... then, it surges forward without warning and the engine races. I am trying to find out if anyone out there has experienced this problem. I would appreciate any input before I go back to the dealer as this is quite dangerous in city traffic.

mom2bennett

This has happened to me on one occasion and it was very scary! I have not taken it in, as it has not happened again and the first incident was about 3 months ago. Please keep me posted as to what you find out. Thanks!

supplyman

Hope this helps you. I also have one doing this.

http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-amanti-opirus-forum/31557-amanti-acceleration-prob- lems.html

http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-amanti-opirus-forum/35255-2005-amanti-spped-contro- l-problems.html

http://www.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsearch.cfm

ppborceb

I went to the dealer this morning and they took it for a test drive and put it on the computer, but nothing happened during the drive or showed up in the computer as there was no code stored. Therefore, they cannot fix it, but suggested I bring it in as soon as it happens again.
Also, see post #1215 for links and some very interesting reading regrading the non-accereration/lurch problem that others are having.

ppborceb

Supplyman:
Thank you very much for the links!
I am going to read and print them out for my dealer to take a look at them.

pat

Keep us posted - good luck!

verveka

Mine is in the shop for something similar. I was exiting the interstate and when I went to put the gas back on, it seemed to lose power, and was shifting strangely. The "check engine" light came on too. After this, at stop lights it had trouble shifting and was bucking but still drove and would shift if I let off the gas. I drove straight to the dealer, did not turn off the engine and demanded that someone drive it right now. The service manager drove it and was really surprised at how bad it was and put it on the computer and got a code saying that it was something with the drive-by-wire accelerator and that it was not recognizing throttle position. It had acted strangely a few times before but always went away. If you have trouble again, I would drive to the dealer without turning off the engine so that the code stays available for them to diagnose. Good Luck

staceyaz

Hi Schoolteacher,

I just logged in for the first time in 7 months, and saw your question to me. In my case, the airbag light problem was solved permanently by "replacing the ABS module", as well as replacing the battery at the same time. This was done at Avondale Kia, and they charged me nothing, though I thought they would try to charge me for at least part of the cost of the battery. I agree, though, that their service department sucks.

Stacey

>Stacey,
How did you get your airbag light fixed. What did the dealer do? My 04 has been to the dealer (Avondale KIA ) 3 times-the last time they kept the car for four days and then the light came on the evening we got it back. Very Frustrating. I am going to try Peoria Kia next week and see if they are better mechanics. So I am interested in your dealer's solution.
Thank you
Schoolteacher

richrose75

I had acceleration problems with my 2005 Amanti that Kia Corporate said they had no fix for it. It was declared a lemon under the Arizona lemon law and the car was replaced with a 2006 model. I picked up the 2006 model Amanti on 12/23/2006. The same problems exists with this new car and they still tell me there is no fix for it. I am going back through the Better Business Bureau/Autoline and have this one declared a lemon and buy from another manufacturer. This car is dangerous to drive. I love the Kia Amanti but until they come up with a fix I will stay away from them.

magmax

I had a chance on Dec. 30 to do a quick walk-around inspection of the first 07 Amanti to arrive in Vancouver, BC. It was Pearl White, just like my 05 model. Unfortunately the car was still covered by shipping plastic and was locked. However, here are some observations. The lower hood and wider, lower grille don't really seem to be an improvement. It makes the car look like a Crown Victoria from the front. I believe they should have gone with the Korean market grille, a set of narrow vertical chrome strips that looks much more elegant. The trunk lid is higher and more bulbous at the very rear and the new vertical taillights also don't seem to be an improvement. I see nothing wrong with the rear styling on my 05 and don't think the new one is an improvement at all but then it's not really worse either, just change for the sake of change. The dash is definitely changed but again I think I prefer the current car's wood grain to the new one's dark plastic wood that really doesn't look like wood at all. The use of some aluminum on the console does look nice though, as does the continuation of the dark "wood" trim all around the middle of the centre armrest box so it shows in the back seat too. It looks like the separate rear heat control was retained although it could just be an on/off rotary wheel, I suppose. And the heated rear seats have been deleted, it appears. The dash does look smoother and more integrated than on the old car but I haven't been inside to check it out in detail. From what I could determine by looking through the window, there is only a single CD changer in the sound system compared to the multiple-disk changer in my 05. From the side the car definitely looks different. The front end is lower while the rear is higher. Fortunately they haven't changed the belt line so the windows are still nice and tall. I did like the dual exhaust pipes with chrome tips and am looking forward to driving the car to try it out with its new, firmer suspension and more modern and powerful engine. The price hasn't changed but the 0% financing offer seems to have gone off the table effective January 1. I find that especially puzzling given that the Azera still offers that deal. But there are no 07 Azeras to be seen anywhere and nothing on them on the web either. I intend to drive one as soon as it shows up and then will make the decision whether to trade my 05 in on a new Amanti or an Azera or maybe just go to a top of the line Sonata for much less money and about the same performance and room.

MagMax

lu06

I've read with interest the problems some folks are having with their Kia Amanti's. I have a 2006 with just 512 miles on it...at 211 miles I had "the acceleration problem" you are talking about. Twice I encountered the slow sluggish start, having to pull to the side of the road, etc. until the car decided to move. I finally got it driving and immediately took it back to the dealer. I scheduled an appointment for the next morning. They were unable to find anything in the computer, but cleaned some excessive lubricant off the cables and said perhaps that was the problem. Last week, the slow start to the exit of a parking lot and than the car shot forward, almost "T-boning" a passing vehicle. I returned it to the dealer and told them I didn't want it back until they had solved the problem because it almost caused an accident. They have had it a day and called to say so far they are unable to find anything. I will say that so far the dealer has been very gracious and I have a rental car to use until the problem is fixed. I printed all comments to take to the dealer.

umeweall

If you go to the KIA Amanti forums, as stated earlier in this thread, you will find many other folks having the same issues, and getting the same results. It appears that KIA is not seeing the issue here, and the potential future threat to the reputation of the Amanti, not to mention a lot of pissed off customers. You have heard the old story of not letting a mole hill grow into a mountain. I believe that KIA may be doing this with the current Amanti issues. They do not appear to be actively pursuing the issue. By the way, with all of the time that my vehicle was in the shop, I was never offered another vehicle to drive. Currently, my vehicle has been sitting in the garage, since the middle of December. I have been waiting for the dealer to find some information to fix my car. After the last 'jerking session' of the car, on a main street, I did not feel safe driving it. Imagine paying monthly payments on something that you can't use! I am preparing to declare my vehicle a lemon, under California Law. My patience has been exceeded.

I don't remember if the following link was mentioned:

http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-amanti-opirus-forum/35255-2005-amanti-spped-contro- l-problems-2.html?posted=1#post164379

It is another spot where Amanti owners have been complaining.

donnie

I was fascinated with the looks of the Amanti when it first appeared a couple of years ago---sort of a reverse snobbery! Every time a saw one I thought, some day I'll buy one. Even went so far as to chase one at 80+ MPH out in California on the east side of the Sierras to find out how he liked his rental Amanti. (he liked it fine). Anyway, I just acquired an '05, silver and loaded except for Traction Control. Former rental with 34K miles, from a Kia dealer who said it had been used for several months by the owner of the dealership. I figured that was good---maybe they got all the bugs out of it. I test-drove it at least 75 miles and found none of the problems mentioned in this forum, except it appears the tranny whines a bit in certain gears (I kind of like the sound!) So far I love the car, reminds me of my elderly Aunt's 1965 Cadillac!

The dealer had changed O&F and replaced the front rotors before delivery, which was nice. BUT...I checked the oil level and found it at least 1" over the full line! Also, I checked the lug nuts to be sure I could remove them on some cold, stormy night, which is always when you get a flat. They were so overtorqued I had to use a 5' iron pipe over the lug wrench to loosen them. By the way, those KIA hubcaps are a little tricky. Don't the dealers know the specs on these items?

In any event, it's a great car for the price I paid. My wife, who doesn't like the looks of the front end (I love it!), is very pleased with the quietness and smoothness of the ride as well as the beautiful inter ior. donnier

billh6

I had my first flat tire Saturday and I nor two good samaritians who stopped to help me were able to loosen the lugnuts, they were so overtorqued. Finally a Road Ranger stopped and was able to change the tire for me. I had to get a new tire. It's in the shop, and I told they they loosen them so that a normal human being can loosen them next time. Still love my car.

ppborceb

I had a Trailblazer and the doors locked automatically when shifting into gear, and I was wondering if the Amanti could be programed to do this also, as I have read in the Santa Fe forums that this feature is programmable.

aubbon

I had this problem with a 2005 Amanti and am now having it with a replacement 2006. Dealer could not find a fix to the problem with either vehicle. Mechanic told me not to overfill gas tank as this may be the cause. The surge happens after engine off with either full tank of gas or half tank.

umeweall

Yes, they claimed that they cleared greese off my cables, and that this was believed to be the problem. It did not change anything.

pat

I moved a couple of posts - here's the link: magmax, "2007 Kia Amanti" #26, 7 Feb 2007 1:02 am.

They probably were here because this discussion wasn't named correctly, but it is now.

pat

A couple of weeks ago we had Kia Marketing VP Ian Beavis in for a chat with members and guests. Click here to read the transcript. Enjoy!

vanpj

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one with this problem. Our 2006 Amanti just got out of the dealership for the third time today. The engine revs when I accelerate but car only moves about 10-15 mph. This has happened about 15 times and we have 4,100 miles on it. The most recent experience was in reverse. The car simply idled for around 10 seconds with transmission in reverse. Finally it engaged and lurched backward. Not very safe. The dealer said they reprogrammed the computer and they hope that fixes the problem but it seems Kia doesn't have a clue. Am told that Central Region Kia has already bought back 3 Amantis. If this doesn't work they will have 4.

ppborceb

I don't know what cables they were talking about, but I was told that there are no cables connecting the accelerator to the throttle body... it is a fly-by-wire setup, and there seems to be a problem with some sending and receiving sensors. So far there is no TSB for this problem that many Amanti owners are reporting.

janthony2d

I was told the same thing. No cables. We have had the lag/lurch problem over and over. Kia called once because the dealer asked them to. I was supposed to get a call back 5 days ago - and am still waiting. It is becoming a danger and I don't want the risk. I was a happy KIA owner several years ago with a Sephia. Loved it. The Kia Amanti has become an albatross...only dangerous.

umeweall

Yes, I understand the 'no call back' syndrome. I took my 2005 Amanti into the dealer on a Monday. I was told that KIA was going to pull my computer and send it out for reprogramming. I received a call from the dealer on Friday, stating that KIA had said that the computer was NOT going to get reprogrammed and to come get my vehicle. I was highly ticked off, but it got better. The service manager wanted me to sign the service order, which essentially stated that they could not reproduce the problem. There was nothing on the service order stating that my car was supposed to have the computer reprogrammed. When I asked for the service order to be corrected, and have it state why my vehicle had come in, AND that KIA had changed their mind, the service manager refused. I said that I would not sign then and asked to see the manager. I saw the manager and the said that he would look into it and call me the following Monday. I left the vehicle at the dealership. On Monday, at 2:30 PM, no call from the dealership. I went to the dealership and the service manager said that they had not received a return call back from the KIA area representative. This stated the same until Thursday, when I went to the dealership and picked my car up, which had not moved from the service driveway entrance apparently, since the previous Friday. I would highly recommend that when you take your vehicle in for this issue, that you check to insure that they are recording this on your service invoice. It appeared on mine at least, that KIA did not want anything in writing, stating that they were going to reprogram the computer. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, concerning the dealship refusing to write down on the service order why my vehicle had actually been in there. The service manager replied to the BBB that my problem was with KIA, not with the dealership. Per the reply, it would appear to indicate that the dealership had been ordered by KIA to not put anything in writing regarding a computer issue. Do I smell a cover-up here? :lemon:

shadow99688

I bought mine Jan 27 2006, only problem I have at over 14k miles is some blisters in the paint on the front of the hood and some paint pealing on the bumper, took the car in friday Jan 23 and they should call me this week about getting the paint fixed.

gatnus

Can anyone tell me why the Maintenance Fees for 30,000 miles runs up to $790........????

live4tech

The maintenance fees are so high because you accepted the dealer's suggested service at the prices they suggested that you pay. It is only necessary to do the exact maintenance spelled out in the owner's manual or maintenance schedule published by the manufacturer. That will ensure the long life of your vehicle and keep your warranty intact.

Hyundai and Kia dealers, and most other brand dealers for that matter, have an inflated opinion of how much money you should spend with them. They use service department up-sells as a major source of operating profit.

umeweall

In regards to the acceleration problem of the the 2005-2006 Amanti's, and KIA reprogramming the car computer. I am curious, how did the reprogramming go. KIA is sending a technician out to reprogram my unit, next week. I would be interested in anyone having experience of having this done. Did it make things better/worst?

vanpj

No difference. It has happened twice since reprogramming and I've contacted KIA telling them I'm invoking the lemon law. They to let me know by end of month.

umeweall

OK, thanks. I wonder if they carried these same throttle systems into the new 2007 models. If so, those owners may be in for a surprise.

vanpj

I am having the same problem with my 2006 Amanti. It's been in the shop three times and problem still not resolved. I invoked the lemon law and KIA says that since the dealer service department could not duplicate the problem while they had the vehicle, then THE PROBLEM DOESN'T EXIST. They have offered a cash settlement of $970 and told me to keep the car.

Was your dealer able to duplicate the problem on your '05 Amanti and then they replaced with the '06? Or did KIA take your word for it that there was a problem? Thanks.

vanpj

Have you been able to come to a satisfactory solution with KIA on your vehicle? If so can you share with me your experience.

I invoked the lemon law and was told by KIA that since the dealer service department was not able to duplicate the problem that the problem doesn't exist. They offered me a cash settlement of $970 and then to just keep the car. I told them this is not satisfactory. May have to take legal action.

umeweall

No, the dealer stated they were not able to reproduce the problem, when they had it. The dealer had told me that if I was near the shop, and the issue happened, to bring the car in and not shut the motor off. In theory, some 'code' might have been produced, that they could get from the car. I had tried that one time, but the dealer said to forget it, as they were going to reprogram my cars' computer. That was the time that they decided to NOT reprogram the computer.

At the current time, my computer has been reprogrammed and I am going thru a driving period, to see if the reprogramming worked. BTW, KIA supposedly now has a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) out for this issue, for any one having the problem. The 'fix' involves reprogramming the bulletin. So, you could go to the dealer and request that this TSB be used on your vehicle. Supposedly you can go to the KIA website and view the TSB, but I have not tried that yet.

Otherwise, it had been proven that taking the vehicle to the dealer was wasting my time, as they always had the same answer, 'could not reproduce the problem'.

qlewis10

I brought my amanti in Dec 04 because i was expecting. It had decent reviews and seemed quite fine as I thought. Only until I was driving and noticed the sudden jump from lifting off of the gas. I didn't think anything of it at first until I logged onto edmunds. Thank God for Edmunds because I would've never known that this issue was universal to all owners. THOSE WHO HAVE SAID THEY DON'T HAVE THE ISSUE HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE THE ISSUE!!!

I recently had my car serviced @ 45K and no longer than 2 weeks later I experienced the same problem. This is very frustrating as you all know and i'm a young mom, 25 so this issue is very concerning!!! What do I need to do to go about either getting out of my car or what. I don't want another amanti as I know that the same problem will arise. Please provide the steps that i need to take to resolve or have an understanding about this. All of those in this forum seem to be the only KIa amanti owners in america,lol. I think that we need to all protest this make because these repetitive issues are just not adding up. Please let me know as i so don't want this car anymore becaue of this problem. I almost hit a pedestrian because of the car just wanted to lunge on its own? this is ridiculous and i bet Kia won't do anything until a deadly accident occurs which is terrible. FIX IT NOW BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT!!!!! :mad: :confuse:

scolvin

I have a 2006 Amanti, and have the same problem, some times it feels like the front end is going to come off the ground it jumps so hard.

Glad I found this site, I am on my way back to the dealer today to confront them with this info.
will keep you posted
steve

mom2bennett

Well, for the third time in less than a year, I was pulling out of a parking lot and crossing two lanes of oncoming traffic when my Amanti had no acceleration. This problem is starting to scare me, as if there had been oncoming traffic I would have been hit. Thank goodness my kids weren't in the car! I want to call the dealership but worry about being brushed off. I appreciate hearing from all the others who are having this problem so keep posting!

vanpj

You are right on about being brushed off. My '06 Amanti has had the lag/lurch problem since shortly after purchase in April '06. It has happened to me about 15 times. I've had it to the dealer 4 times and finally decided to invoke the lemon law.

Here's the good part - KIA has offered a small cash payment for my inconvenience but say that SINCE THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEN IT DOESN'T EXIST. It happens so intermittently that it never has occurred when they had the vehicle. Of course, they only drive it a few miles if at all.

Understand I'm not blaming the dealership. They have tried to be helpful but KIA Central Region, Lombard IL. has been stonewalling me and they just don't care. The dealership informed me that Central Region has taken back 3 Amanti's with this problem however Central will not acknowledge this fact.

The last time I had a problem was coming up to a stop light and was almost stopped when all of a sudden it lurched forward and I had to slam on the brakes to stop about a foot from vehicle in front of me. The lag problem occurred to my wife about a month ago and she WAS ALMOST hit by oncoming traffic.

State lemon laws are on the books to protect the consumer however the Attorney General's office will not pursue any action. A local TV station that has a consumer helpline informed me that there is a law firm in Chicago that only handles lemon law cases. They will charge $250 for filings but after that there are no additional legal expenses. They supposedly recover from manufacturer. The phone number is 1-866-86LEMON. The website is www.autolemonlaws.com but have not tried that avenue yet.

I'm at wits end since we are in process of moving to another state and really don't have as much time to fight this as I would like. Bottom line, I think KIA is playing dumb and stonewalling everyone in hopes that they just go away. Never again will I buy a KIA. For me it's back to TOYOTA since I've owned seven of them with never a bit of problem.

:lemon: :lemon: ">

mom2bennett

I did contact my dealer and they are going to 'look into it' as they have not had any other complaints and hadn't heard anything like this before. I referred them to this forum. I'll post if I find anything out, but I am doubtful. My guess is that I'll be getting rid of the car as it is not worth it to worry about driving my kids around everyday.

mom2bennett

Well, I took the car in and the local dealership contacted the Regional Service Manager who immediately knew the fix to this problem. They performed the TSB (as mentioned in an earlier post). I expressed my skepticism that this was such an easy fix when apparently nowhere else in the country has been able to fix it. I did tell them that if it happened again I would be getting rid of the car. I have to say my local dealership was very nice and seemed to work hard in dealing with the problem. :confuse:

umeweall

Yes, I had the work done on my 2005 KIA, after having acceleration AND braking problems. The new KIA 'TSB' was applied to my car. So far, at 373 miles after the 'fix', the issues have not come back. I had been averaging every other day or so, having the 'lurching forward' problem, or having a 'no acceleration' problem. I am keeping my fingers crossed, but so far looks good. It is becoming fun to drive my car again, without feeling that the blasted thing was a safety hazard, waiting to happen.

umeweall

I will say this, it absolutely appears that it is a waste of a customers time and the dealership technician, to have them 'look at the car', to find the problem. In the majority of the cases that I saw, including mine, the answer has been that they could not reproduce the problem. If you have the problem, just tell them that you want the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) applied to your car for this fix. Do NOT expect to see this bulletin appear in a newspaper, or in a letter to you. Appearances have been that KIA wants to keep this low profile.

ppborceb

Hi there:
I would like to know if you know or could get from your dealer the TSB # so that I can give it to my Kia dealer to fix my 2006 Amanti acceleration problem. Also, where are you located as I am in Connecticut. Thanks.

ppborceb

Hi there:
I would like to know if you know or could get from your dealer the TSB # so that I can give it to my Kia dealer to fix my 2006 Amanti acceleration problem. Also, where are you located as I am in Connecticut. Thanks.

umeweall

I am in California. My dealer is 'KIA Country', ask for Tim, who is the service manager. I do not know the number myself. Your dealer could just call and talk to him, telling him that the TSB was used to 'reprogram' a 2005 KIA Amanti that was brought in.