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

[KiaofMuncie]

I am, at the current moment, fed the f*** up with Kia pulling this bullshit. I am going to end up with a buyback and then go to Jason @KiaofMuncie and purchase a 2019 Panthera Metal GT2 AWD.

I got a quote from the body shop that I know the local dealer will use and the ADDITIONAL shit that Kia wont fix will cost ~$4250. Coincidence that they are giving us $5,000 as a 'goodwill' offer???? I think not. I would buy another car, but i love the Stinger and @KiaofMuncie took such good care of me that I will go back to them for my 2nd Stinger.

Dont do a repaint, make them eat this 50-52k purchase and get a 2019.

We appreciate the continued support. I have you locked and loaded for the 1st 19 GT2 in Panthera I can get. I have received emails/texts from owners all over the country regarding different situations. I do think everyone's situation is different and or unique. For some it might make sense to respray and for others to take the buyback/replacement. Whatever happens we are here to help and or answer any questions. We might not have all the answers but we will definitely try to get them. The Stinger is a phenomenal automobile. That will not change and it will only get better as we move forward.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Did they resolve the paint issue for the remaining 2018 models or should I be concerned if I buy one this month?

I've said this many times: the problem is not affecting a large number of cars. And nearly all of them are from the batch of cars made in November and December of last year.

There are very few cars showing "paint failure". There is a design issue with the headlight assembly rubbing out on the forward, lower corner. Some see this as creating a "paint failure" in the bumper under the corner; others see this as a completely separate issue from over all trouble with paint chipping/flaking. The answer is to carefully select your car. Inspect it for headlight assembly chipping; make sure there are no pin sized "pimples" in the paint. Once you've got your hands on the car, PPF the entire front end to the windshield; and watch the rest of it for any signs of non road damage chipping. If you get a car that hasn't shown any signs of chipping on the dealership's lot, you probably have a good one. Before all this went public (viral), we weren't suspecting anything, so we weren't looking. But "forewarned is forearmed".

Reading this poll and thread, you'd think that all Stingers are compromised (some few have said ALL (sic) with no evidence for the assertion). The reality is that a small percentage of Stingers have the problem of paint adhesion. The Yellow in particular, followed by the Micro Blue (as the poll indicates). I did a survey of the 16 cars at "my" dealership. And other than one White around the headlight assembly corners, none exhibited the first indicator that they had failing paint.

Remember the 36 month warranty on paint. Kia will stand by that. So even if you did start to see something ugly later on, they will fix it. I'm not saying the process will be trouble free; depends on the people you're working with, of course. But Kia has the best warranty package I've heard of; and they advertise that as a fact, up front, in big letters. They will stand behind this warranty, especially for the Stinger: their first entry into competition with the "badged" cars out of Europe in the GT luxury, high performance sedan class.

 

[jboulukos]

Did they resolve the paint issue for the remaining 2018 models or should I be concerned if I buy one this month?

Very good question that I would like to inquire as well.

I'm thankful for the paint chip poll and the forum for this collaboration of information. VW is buying back my 2015 diesel and I am looking for a Stinger 2.0L. I would rather get a 2019 but that doesn't guarantee the paint will be better or thicker or higher quality or anything related to better adherence or improved fitment of the front bumper cover at the headlights. At least we know where to inspect for the areas on the body that have been reported as past issues by the forum.

I would only speculate that a April/May 2018 make would not be significantly or drastically different, as far as the paint goes, than an August 2018 make. How would we ever know if there were changes in their paint processes (besides after the fact, or maybe months/years later.)? If for example, Kia announced the 2019 model would have completely painted trunk floors and completely clear-coated engine bays and trunk floors (as these changes would be good for protection in cold weather climates using salt on the roads), I would delay my VW buyback and happily purchase a 2019.

Either way, it's fun and beneficial to weigh the options and make informed decisions with such a purchase. And referring to the YouTube video posted, one thing is for sure...I will never pour a bucket of rocks on the hood of any car I own!

 

[MerlintheMad]

I will never pour a bucket of rocks on the hood of any car I own!

LOL! It goes without saying. Slightly unhinged demonstration, imho.

 

[Kato_the_kia_stinger]

Can you view the Stinger they repainted?

I did ask the man I spoke to in the service department. He is going to ask the dealership’s owner. Hopefully, I can. That would really ease my worry. And if they won’t let me, I would take that as a clear statement that they don’t stand behind the paint work done by their selected bodyshop.

 

[SilverNitr8]

For anyone who did the ppf, then had paint issues in the areas not covered by the ppf, what actions did kia do to resolve your problem? Did they pay for the re-application of ppf?

 

[Tonkabob]

For anyone who did the ppf, then had paint issues in the areas not covered by the ppf, what actions did kia do to resolve your problem? Did they pay for the re-application of ppf?

Yellow or Non Yellow car? Non yellow is case by case and may not fix your paint at all.

 

[Ucinn]

I'll let you know. I told them I wanted the whole car repainted and not just the metal surfaces. They have refused that and I am being moved to the next step for the 2nd two options. I told them i expect to be reimbursed for my remote start, PPF and spoiler.

 

[Sabz]

I'll let you know. I told them I wanted the whole car repainted and not just the metal surfaces. They have refused that and I am being moved to the next step for the 2nd two options. I told them i expect to be reimbursed for my remote start, PPF and spoiler.

They should at least put it on the new car if you opt for it... does the paint job look bad or something

 

[Expert4]

I just got a letter today from Kia regarding my yellow limited gt which I bought on feb 12th. I have zero paint issues but spent a boatload of money getting film and ceramic coating. They are offering the repaint and 5k in compensation like some of the other posts have mentioned. I’m curious if the problem will not occur with my vehicle since I did the film before driving it? Has anyone completed the repaint on a yellow and did it turn out as good as the factory color.

 

[Paul32]

So, my paint isn't perfect as it has some peeling on my bumper and my first round chip spot on the hood, but there was never any guarantee it would be perfect. Like the rest of the car, the paint came with a warranty, and as with any other part under warranty, the manufacturer is obligated to honor their promise to repair it or replace it. I trust Kia will repair what is wrong with my paint as long as it is under warranty, and I am thankful. To be provided a loaner during the time I am without it is an added bonus. But, to get another $5k gift to boot and an option to have it bought back is amazing and purely a reflection of the Korean culture. If you want an example of what an American company did, simply read this:

"If the paint on your General Motors Corp. wagon, car or truck is peeling, you might be covered by a "consumer action program" in which GM is trying to help customers with the problem.

According to service bulletins being sent to many of GM's 8,900 dealers nationwide, affected vehicles include a wide variety of GM cars and trucks made for the 1986 through 1992 model years. The colors most prone to peel are blues, grays and silvers, according to the bulletins and a company announcement yesterday.

The cause seems to be a glitch in a paint process that excluded an electromagnetic primer, a metal surface treatment, before the application of paint, the service bulletins said. Under certain conditions, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight, a chemical reaction can occur between the vehicle's metal and paint that causes the paint to peel, the service bulletins said.

Cars and trucks less than 12 months old, or with less than 12,000 miles of use, are fully covered by warranty, which means the consumer pays nothing to have the paint fixed, according to a spokeswoman for King Pontiac/GMC Inc. in Gaithersburg. After 12 months or 12,000 miles, affected consumers are being asked to pay a $100 fee for the repair work, the King Pontiac spokeswoman said."

For Kia to offer anything more than to re-paint the car is an incredible gesture of goodwill, for which the possessors of such gesture should be purely thankful. Be glad you purchased a Kia and not a General Motors automobile.....

Guess I don't get your point about GM. Comparing to paint that is 26 to 32 years old??? Did I miss something?

 

[Ucinn]

They should at least put it on the new car if you opt for it... does the paint job look bad or something

I have a couple flakes now on the metal surfaces, 1 on the driver's side A pillar and one on the roof. I had 3 rock chips in the first two weeks on the bumper before getting the PPF put on and now it has the flaking by the headlights.

 

[Sabz]

I have a couple flakes now on the metal surfaces, 1 on the driver's side A pillar and one on the roof. I had 3 rock chips in the first two weeks on the bumper before getting the PPF put on and now it has the flaking by the headlights.

I got one issue with my bumper but I’ll just see if the dealer will cover it under the bumper to bumper.. or get some paint pens out of the deal

 

[MisterMac]

Guess I don't get your point about GM. Comparing to paint that is 26 to 32 years old??? Did I miss something?

The only points were:

1. It took GM 7 years to acknowledge the paint problem and their responsibility. It started with 1986 models and they owned up to the paint problem in 1993...

2. If you were outside 12 months or 12,000 miles, you had to pay $100.00.

GM has no honor and no integrity. Kia does, by nature of their culture.

Be glad you bought a Kia and be very happy.

 

[Paul32]

The only points were:

1. It took GM 7 years to acknowledge the paint problem and their responsibility. It started with 1986 models and they owned up to the paint problem in 1993...

2. If you were outside 12 months or 12,000 miles, you had to pay $100.00.

GM has no honor and no integrity. Kia does, by nature of their culture.

Be glad you bought a Kia and be very happy.

Thanks, this is the 4th Kia and 3 Hyundai's since 2013.

 

[Tonkabob]

Thanks, this is the 4th Kia and 3 Hyundai's since 2013.

I think we are lucky this is their halo car that they did an amazing job on. Its kind of a make or break deal moving into this segment. American muscle as well as European sport luxury should be scared. Kia should want to fix and move past these paint issues quickly to keep grass roots support and take away the Kia stigma. Walking a fine line now and not sure which way this will fall. With a 2 stinger owner of a recalled yellow and a red saying the red is chipping more than the yellow and my declined blue with hundreds of chips, they still have room for improvement. I get asked about my Stinger weekly and will no longer promote it. I have tickets for a car show late August. Does it go in with hunderds of chips for hundreds of enthusiasts to see?

 

[MerlintheMad]

I just got a letter today from Kia regarding my yellow limited gt which I bought on feb 12th. I have zero paint issues but spent a boatload of money getting film and ceramic coating. They are offering the repaint and 5k in compensation like some of the other posts have mentioned. I’m curious if the problem will not occur with my vehicle since I did the film before driving it? Has anyone completed the repaint on a yellow and did it turn out as good as the factory color.

This I know: if my car were pristine Yellow, I would not be getting a repaint. "If it ain't broke, don't mess with it!" Axiomatic common sense. Especially if I had put protection all over it to begin with! Even if Kia says no to the compensation because you are refusing a repaint (which makes zero sense to me, doing it that way). I would be glad that my car is a lucky one and just keep driving with a smile. The rest of the Stinger "family" has to deal with their own situation. Yours is fortunate. And you can't buy that.

 

[Ivansito]

I'm leasing with no intent of purchasing after it's over. Chips or not(I have chips), I was planning on enjoying this car regardless because I don't have any long term investment interest. 5000 dollars is not consider pocket change to me. I'm taking that money and useing it however way I see fit. Obviously this is a leaser perspective.

 

[jondyer]

I'm leasing with no intent of purchasing after it's over. Chips or not(I have chips), I was planning on enjoying this car regardless because I don't have any long term investment interest. 5000 dollars is not consider pocket change to me. I'm taking that money and useing it however way I see fit. Obviously this is a leaser perspective.

Question.

Has anyone, anywhere seen or heard anything about HOW this $5000 will be distributed? I have seen and heard nothing, and I am starting to wonder.

Just a random question from a random guy....

 

[Sabz]

Question.

Has anyone, anywhere seen or heard anything about HOW this $5000 will be distributed? I have seen and heard nothing, and I am starting to wonder.

Just a random question from a random guy....

Wonder this too ... called twice now after the initial call I got because I had a question and then nev r received a letter but still haven’t been called back. I spoke with two different people regarding my case and they both said the person handling it would call me back but no call yet. I’ll be calling tomorrow again