Discussion of Stinger paint quality (Was - Paint Chip Issue)

[somedudedontknowwhoheis]

On a sort of related note, how have all your experiences been with the clear wraps on cars? If I got only the hood wrapped after having it repainted, do you notice a difference between the hood and, say, the fenders?

If you go back to page 8 and look at my second post you can see some photos of my car after the clear wrap was put on. As others have said, if it's done right you cannot see it. Since mine was applied after some chipping you can see those spots that are uneven. But overall if the wrap is applied well then it should just blend in, I was happy with the place that did mine. I will note, that the place I went to uses LLumar Platinum, and they said when they applied it to the dark chrome pieces like the mirrors that it ruined their look, so they didn't apply it there (instead they applied it up the A pillers). I didn't mind it so much since the chrome wasn't chipping and should stand up better than the paint. I however did not see how it actually looks on the chrome parts.

Good morning!

Has anyone on this topic had an issue with paint coming off underneath the headlights? I own a 2018 GT1, build date of 12/17. My paint is starting to come off underneath both headlights, In the same spot on both sides. Car goes In on Monday the 11th to be looked at.

I don't remember if I inspected the "cavity" under the headlights before I had my paint protection put on, but I don't believe I had any there. If you also go back to page 8 and look at my first post you can see the photos I took that have yellow tape, that was a few weeks after buying the car.

Edit: Noticed I'm the only one so far thats voted for the Black color, even though the OP said they had Black as well. Was there a consensus on why the blue/yellow might be most effected? I know Australia got their cars before North America and yellow wasn't limited there, so maybe the blue/yellow have just been more popular since launch and therefore there are more examples of them chipping? When I went to the dealer in January, they only had 3 colors, Black on the GT1, Blue on the GT, and Red on the GT2. If the Base GT is selling really well in the States in the blue, maybe thats why those two colors have the most instances.

 

[Kato_the_kia_stinger]

If you go back to page 8 and look at my second post you can see some photos of my car after the clear wrap was put on. As others have said, if it's done right you cannot see it. Since mine was applied after some chipping you can see those spots that are uneven. But overall if the wrap is applied well then it should just blend in, I was happy with the place that did mine. I will note, that the place I went to uses LLumar Platinum, and they said when they applied it to the dark chrome pieces like the mirrors that it ruined their look, so they didn't apply it there (instead they applied it up the A pillers). I didn't mind it so much since the chrome wasn't chipping and should stand up better than the paint. I however did not see how it actually looks on the chrome parts.



I don't remember if I inspected the "cavity" under the headlights before I had my paint protection put on, but I don't believe I had any there. If you also go back to page 8 and look at my first post you can see the photos I took that have yellow tape, that was a few weeks after buying the car.

Edit: Noticed I'm the only one so far thats voted for the Black color, even though the OP said they had Black as well. Was there a consensus on why the blue/yellow might be most effected? I know Australia got their cars before North America and yellow wasn't limited there, so maybe the blue/yellow have just been more popular since launch and therefore there are more examples of them chipping? When I went to the dealer in January, they only had 3 colors, Black on the GT1, Blue on the GT, and Red on the GT2. If the Base GT is selling really well in the States in the blue, maybe thats why those two colors have the most instances.

Where can I locate my build date?

 

[somedudedontknowwhoheis]

Where can I locate my build date?

Inside the driver side door/frame, the sticker by the tire pressure, says "Manufactured in Korea", it'll have your VIN and other information as well (including your paint color code if you ever need it). It'll be in the form of XX/XX, so mine was 10/17 for October 2017.

 

[PDXStingerGT]

Wow, that's really bad. What color car?

Snow White

 

[PDXStingerGT]

Shoot some pictures for us.

Once I get home from work, will do!

 

[Yellow Stinger]

I have a Black 2.0 premium model. I have had it exactly two weeks and I am noticing a lot of paint chips on it. It started as one on the hood over the weekend and the dealer got a paint pen to touch it up. When I stopped by to get the paint pen, I started cleaning off the massive amounts of pollen and I notice a heck of a lot more. The dealer claims this is normal and I am noticing it more because of the black paint. Is anyone else having an issue? I am worried this is a bigger problem.

So some good news today. I live in PA and I received a call from California that I didn’t answer because I thought it was a bullshit call. I listen to the message and it was Kia America call in regards to my paint issue claim that I put in a month ago. I was asked questions and how I liked the car. I told him this is my 5th Kia in the last 10 years. Anyway they assured me that they are looking into all the problems with the paint and there will a resolution to come. I hope so. I love this car but when my lease is up, I will not buy it if it never gets resolved. I’m giving Kia the time to make things right. Just wanted to share.

 

[StingerGT68]

So some good news today. I live in PA and I revived a call from California that I didn’t answer because I thought it was a bullshit call. I listen to the message and it was Kia America call in regards to my paint issue claim that I put in a month ago. I was asked questions and how I liked the car. I told him this is my 5th Kia in the last 10 years. Anyway they assured me that they are looking into all the problems with the paint and there will a resolution to come. I hope so. I love this car but when my lease is up, I will not buy it if it never gets resolved. I’m giving Kia the time to make things right. Just wanted to share.

Kia will definitely make it right. As of today, they are making it right for me...can't say anymore but I'm happy.

 

[Joseph Spiegel]

Kia will definitely make it right. As of today, they are making it right for me...can't say anymore but I'm happy.

You had to sign an NDA?

 

[StingerGT68]

You had to sign an NDA?

Close to it, but not as sinister sounding
I will still be keeping a close eye on other parts of my car and if any wide "recall" does happen.

 

[Bisky]

Did my first test drive in a gt1 black on red interior. I was very impressed with both the instant power and I the handling. Dealership mgt. says they are not aware of any recalls on paint or anything else.
Loved the appearance, but concerned by the lack of visibility in the rear. Has anyone else heard of painT issues with white coloring? Most people on this forum are saying yellow and mico blue.I must say this car feels better than the current BMW 4 series I tested last week.

 

[17th_Letter]

Good morning!

Has anyone on this topic had an issue with paint coming off underneath the headlights? I own a 2018 GT1, build date of 12/17. My paint is starting to come off underneath both headlights, In the same spot on both sides. Car goes In on Monday the 11th to be looked at.

So i had my Dealer inspection today and they actually pointed out that the paint is starting to chip under the drivers side headlight, among other places that i didn't noticed till it got really cleaned. So far this is looking positive, I was working with my service manager who had already informed the District manager i was coming in. The district manager had him take my car to a body shop to get an estimate. Now as to what type of estimate i don't know, but i will say the only place this car does not have a chip or bubbling paint is the trunk lid.

I'm going to give KIA a call tomorrow and see if they updated my case # with the info from the dealership. So far i'm mildly optimistic that this will be handled, but time will tell.

 

[MattRain]

After reading up on this, I'm glad to see that its not just me having issues. I'm a Micro Blue, Build Date of 12/17, Arizona... time to give KIA a call...

 

[gilthanis1]

So some good news today. I live in PA and I received a call from California that I didn’t answer because I thought it was a bullshit call. I listen to the message and it was Kia America call in regards to my paint issue claim that I put in a month ago. I was asked questions and how I liked the car. I told him this is my 5th Kia in the last 10 years. Anyway they assured me that they are looking into all the problems with the paint and there will a resolution to come. I hope so. I love this car but when my lease is up, I will not buy it if it never gets resolved. I’m giving Kia the time to make things right. Just wanted to share.

I received the same call this morning. It was Brad Holt, the National Manager of Consumer Affairs for KIA US. Very nice gentleman and a nice call. He explained everything, asked about how I like the car, and was very appreciative of the great feedback I gave him. He did stress that their engineers in Irvine, CA and Korea are working closely together to find a solution. They do not have one yet, and he did not have an estimated time, but did tell me that will call me when they have a solution to fix this problem. He was very apologetic about us having issues, especially on their flagship car. He also assured me that they realize it is a paint issue and will make sure we get a solution to rectify the issue.

All in all, I was impressed that they gave us an 'update' call. Sure they don't have a solution yet, but at least they gave me an update that it's being worked on and we aren't forgotten. He also sent me an email with his contact information and told me if I have any questions to call him. I'm even more optimistic about getting this fixed now.

 

[AV8R]

Someone mentioned that it was a bad primer issue that related to aluminium panels in particular the hood. My hood is steel. I’m getting worried about this , in fact it’s starting to put me off the Stinger to the point of selling it. I have not had any paint issues yet but the way you’re all talking it’s inevitable that I’m going to get them as time goes on. I’m getting a clear bra for the front so I think PDX Stinger GTs chips may be from stones. I would like to market the suggestion that owners absolutely make sure it’s paint application not stone chips before voting or posting. My car is SWP.

 

[gilthanis1]

Did my first test drive in a gt1 black on red interior. I was very impressed with both the instant power and I the handling. Dealership mgt. says they are not aware of any recalls on paint or anything else.
Loved the appearance, but concerned by the lack of visibility in the rear. Has anyone else heard of painT issues with white coloring? Most people on this forum are saying yellow and mico blue.I must say this car feels better than the current BMW 4 series I tested last week.

Awesome to hear how much you liked it! Nothing can describe how fun this car is to own, drive, and even sit in. Per myself and 1 other poster above, Kia US has not issued any official recalls or anything else yet about paint issues. They have just put out the stop sale for the blue and yellow.

The rear visibility does seem a little small, but I honestly didn't even notice it after about 2-3 days. It's not a huge back window like we are used to, but it's definitely not an issue. Visibility backing up or being able to see down the sides and not get close to other cars, walls, etc is fine. Plus the parking sensors are handy as hell. 1st car I've personally owner with them and it definitely helps when looking down the long nose to park.

Depending on what options, etc you are looking for I would definitely take a gander at the GT2 as well. At first I thought I would've been OK with a GT or GT1, but once I spent some time in a GT2, I had to have one. HUD, shift-by-wire, no swamp ass (cooled seats are amazing, lol), nappa leather, and all the driver assist features are included. Let's not forget the smart power trunk, but it won't close until you push the button so no worrying about getting smashed by the hatch. Let us know how the process goes, but you won't be disappointed with whatever version you choose.

 

[somedudedontknowwhoheis]

Someone mentioned that it was a bad primer issue that related to aluminium panels in particular the hood. My hood is steel. I’m getting worried about this , in fact it’s starting to put me off the Stinger to the point of selling it. I have not had any paint issues yet but the way you’re all talking it’s inevitable that I’m going to get them as time goes on. I’m getting a clear bra for the front so I think PDX Stinger GTs chips may be from stones. I would like to market the suggestion that owners absolutely make sure it’s paint application not stone chips before voting or posting. My car is Snow White Pearl.

I would agree on this starting to put one off and selling the car. I have yet to receive anything from Kia, not a "How do you like your new car", "Here's this gift for you", "Are you having any issues", etc via (e)mail, phone or otherwise (since I bought the car), and I tried having this looked at back in February. Everything has been me reaching out and spending my time/money. My one silver lining was having that Kia USA rep there at the dealer this past Tuesday when they were looking at the car. But why the instance that this is only blue/yellow? Can we at least get some info on why they think that is? Is it really just because they were more popular colors so they have more examples or is it something more specific? My new car has been stressing me out since I bought it because of these problems/lack of communication, and I feel like I've been left hanging for 5 months as my car has chipped away.

For those who hadn't seen it, I brought this up back then on this forum and no one else seemed to have the issue.
Paint Quality

 

[PDXStingerGT]

I don’t see how these would be rock chips??

 

[AV8R]

I don’t see how these would be rock chips??

Definitely not stone chips. My theory is the paint was to thin in that area and it’s peeled back with movement or rubbing on the headlight. I don’t thinks it’s the same issues as the others are talking about so a respray of bumper should fix it.

 

[A Member Who Left]

Those are most definitely NOT rock chips. Obviously peeling paint.

 

[PDXStingerGT]

Definitely not stone chips. My theory is the paint was to thin in that area and it’s peeled back with movement or rubbing on the headlight. I don’t thinks it’s the same issues as the others are talking about so a respray of bumper should fix it.

The bumper does move a bit under the part of the headlights, yes. I’ve been lucky with the rest of the car for sure. I can’t imagine how my OCD would be If I had a bigger problem then the one I currently have. I’ll be happy with a Respray.