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

[MattRain]

KMA asked me to take my Stinger into the dealership for more pictures and review by a team there. Just dropped it off. Please no one try to challenge me in my loaner.... slow as shit. (2018 Dodge Challenger R/T)

 

[eflyguy]

I am offering counter points and, quite frankly, this forum has been incorrect and misleading on every one so far. You disagree and seem offended, so therefore I should shut up and leave? OK.

Offering counterpoints, pointing out errors, is fine, that's why we're here, to discuss. Implying that anyone who doesn't agree with you is "irrational" is not.

 

[Mach_Tuck]

Got an update from Premium Care today...case is still pending decision from Kia Korea.

I asked about the Kia Australia repaint and they were aware and figured it could be a similar course of action for US. Obviously this is not official but again, steps in the correct direction.

I also asked for my case to note that PPF was applied with less than 100 miles and i would like that replaced as part of the final resolution.

 

[Laser1]

As I said previously, as soon as I receive the exact offer from Kia, in writing, I will post it here.
That will be information 'from the horses mouth' as they say.

I visited my local auto repairer and paint shop this morning to discuss how a repaint might be done. The guy explained that a manual repaint would probably produce a better paint job as the factory robots apply a very thin layer of paint whereas human applicators are much more generous with the paint. He also said that a repaint would be as good, if not better, than the original.

Regarding comments from other posters about considerations such as 'I really like the car and would like to keep it' I'm in that camp.
I still think it's a great car.

I'm going to put all my deliberations on hold until I hear directly from Kia. No point in trying to second guess without all the details.

 

[MattRain]

Got an update from Premium Care today...case is still pending decision from Kia Korea.

I asked about the Kia Australia repaint and they were aware and figured it could be a similar course of action for US. Obviously this is not official but again, steps in the correct direction.

I also asked for my case to note that PPF was applied with less than 100 miles and i would like that replaced as part of the final resolution.

This sounds like it only has to do with the Yellow Stingers, not other colors. I called back KMA today, after dropping off the car, as asked to do yesterday, to let them know the car is in the hands of the dealership. I asked her about Mach_Tuck's Post, about the waiting from KIA Korea. She stated that what Mach_Tuck has heard, has to do only with the Yellow Stingers, and that the paint pealing problem is only on the yellows... calling bullshit, since I'm seeing it all over mine.... and one of the blue Stingers sitting in my dealerships showroom... that has been on the road little to none.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad KIA is working with me on my issues, but it feels odd that they are having me go a different direction than what most Yellow Stingers are hearing.

 

[Bobby]

Just posted this in another thread, but thought I would put it here:

So I went to the dealership tonight to look at a Panthera Metal GT (really cool color; almost black from afar and when you get closer and the light reflects, more grey). I randomly looked at 4 Stingers (dealer had 14 on the lot!) to look for the paint issues folks here have talked about where the paint is coming off where the headlights touch the front bumper. 2 of the Stingers were 2.0L and 2 were 3.3L. One Blue, Red, White and Silver. 3 of the 4 Stingers had paint coming off the bumper! I was very surprised. It wasn't a huge area and I'm assuming the front bumper is plastic so it wouldn't rust, but still, this is a major issue to have this long after initial launch.

 

[MattRain]

Just posted this in another thread, but thought I would put it here:

So I went to the dealership tonight to look at a Panthera Metal GT (really cool color; almost black from afar and when you get closer and the light reflects, more grey). I randomly looked at 4 Stingers (dealer had 14 on the lot!) to look for the paint issues folks here have talked about where the paint is coming off where the headlights touch the front bumper. 2 of the Stingers were 2.0L and 2 were 3.3L. One Blue, Red, White and Silver. 3 of the 4 Stingers had paint coming off the bumper! I was very surprised. It wasn't a huge area and I'm assuming the front bumper is plastic so it wouldn't rust, but still, this is a major issue to have this long after initial launch.

I just did the same at my dealership tonight. 3 of the 5 I looked at were peeling around the headlights, 2 Blue, 1 red. Blues were 11/17 Builds, Red was a 3/18 build. Each had anywhere from 40-200 miles on it.

Other 2 that didn't have issues were 1 Blue, 1 Silver.

Mixture of 2.0 and 3.3

 

[AV8R]

Just posted this in another thread, but thought I would put it here:

So I went to the dealership tonight to look at a Panthera Metal GT (really cool color; almost black from afar and when you get closer and the light reflects, more grey). I randomly looked at 4 Stingers (dealer had 14 on the lot!) to look for the paint issues folks here have talked about where the paint is coming off where the headlights touch the front bumper. 2 of the Stingers were 2.0L and 2 were 3.3L. One Blue, Red, White and Silver. 3 of the 4 Stingers had paint coming off the bumper! I was very surprised. It wasn't a huge area and I'm assuming the front bumper is plastic so it wouldn't rust, but still, this is a major issue to have this long after initial launch.

Which colour was ok?

 

[Bobby]

Silver was the only color with no peeling. I wonder if this is happening during shipping process b/c I can't imagine this getting past Kia's QC process, but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[gilthanis1]

Just received an email from Paul King at KMA, Manager of the KMA Call Center.

1. He did confirm that the yellow books are being delivered to marketing to be mailed out within the next week. That goes along with what was posted earlier about them going out on the 17th, which is good news.

2. EVEN BETTER, is he told me that the call campaign for Sunset Yellow owners will begin next week. Early week or late week he did not specify, but he he did confirm that customers will be contacted.

3. I could not get any other info about other colors, problems, solutions, etc. so it seems those will still be a case by case basis. Also, he would not divulge any info on if the current stock of yellows sitting at the dealers will be re-painted or if Kia will just take those back.

I wish I had more news for other owners with issues, but I couldn't pry any more info, or he wouldn't tell me, since I have a yellow. This will be interesting to see what happens next week!

 

[PieceOfChum]

Thanks for the update.

 

[KiaofMuncie]

Just received an email from Paul King at KMA (Kia Motors America), Manager of the KMA (Kia Motors America) Call Center.

1. He did confirm that the yellow books are being delivered to marketing to be mailed out within the next week. That goes along with what was posted earlier about them going out on the 17th, which is good news.

2. EVEN BETTER, is he told me that the call campaign for Sunset Yellow owners will begin next week. Early week or late week he did not specify, but he he did confirm that customers will be contacted.

3. I could not get any other info about other colors, problems, solutions, etc. so it seems those will still be a case by case basis. Also, he would not divulge any info on if the current stock of yellows sitting at the dealers will be re-painted or if Kia will just take those back.

I wish I had more news for other owners with issues, but I couldn't pry any more info, or he wouldn't tell me, since I have a yellow. This will be interesting to see what happens next week!

I'd like to see as a bonus a all inclusive Stinger day at the track with Emerson Fittipaldi!

 

[17th_Letter]

So i just got a phone call from someone from Consumer Affairs. She was calling to inform me that an official plan of action has been started for the paint issues with the Yellow stingers. I should expect to receive a letter in the next week or two with 3 options available to me. She was calling to tell me what the three options are before i got the letter and that there would be more detail in the letter.

Option 1: Full repaint of the car in the factory yellow. No mention of a lifetime paint warranty but that may be covered more in the letter
Option 2: Free replacement of my car with a similar spec but in a different color. No mileage penalty or other fee, basically drive up, drop off and drive out.
Option 3: Full by buyback of the car. She did say that i would be returned the full dollar amount of what i have spent. I'm going to assume that would include taxes, down payments and all of it. I'm sure there will be more in the letter.

At this point i'm completely satisfied, other fun fact as since this is what they are offering there is a high chance any unsold yellow will be pulled and sent back to korea. Which would make this car a little bit more rare.

 

[jondyer]

Hmm.... I missed a call from them while I was in a meeting, I am calling them back now.

 

[MattRain]

Damn, now I'm wishing I went with the Yellow Stinger since KMA sounds like they are ignoring the same issues with other colors...

 

[Ivansito]

Going with the full repaint when the option become available.

 

[jondyer]

Apparently, "Linda" is quite the busy bee calling the yellow Stinger owners. I too am leaning towards the repaint as well, JM Lexus down here has a top quality shop that does their dealer cars and some exotics. I think they'll do a good job, and provided I am allowed to pick my own painter I will go there.

I did speak to a couple folks on the "Stinger VIP" line and one knew nothing of what I was saying and the other promised to get a note to Linda.

I guess I will stop pre-supposing what is in any letter or offer on its way to me (possibly) and sit tight.

Two things though:
1. If is was not for this forum, I would have been in the dark and possibly stewing myself into a mess, so thanks all for the good and bad information. I at least got a chance to vent and share.

2. Once the respray is done, I am totally going to crib @jsehfifn and steal some the wrap ideas. Sorry bro.

 

[gilthanis1]

1. If is was not for this forum, I would have been in the dark and possibly stewing myself into a mess, so thanks all for the good and bad information. I at least got a chance to vent and share.

I was told when I first spoke with the two managers at Kia HQ that they would be calling all Sunset Yellow owners, regardless of case open or not. I am sure some of these owners are in for a big surprise when they get the call from Kia.

I spoke with them earlier today and was told about the options and to expect a full letter with details in the next 2 weeks.

 

[Joseph Cahn]

I have an update. Talked to Linda and for a repaint you will also receive some sort of compensation for you trouble.

 

[Mach_Tuck]

So i just got a phone call from someone from Consumer Affairs. She was calling to inform me that an official plan of action has been started for the paint issues with the Yellow stingers. I should expect to receive a letter in the next week or two with 3 options available to me. She was calling to tell me what the three options are before i got the letter and that there would be more detail in the letter.

Option 1: Full repaint of the car in the factory yellow. No mention of a lifetime paint warranty but that may be covered more in the letter
Option 2: Free replacement of my car with a similar spec but in a different color. No mileage penalty or other fee, basically drive up, drop off and drive out.
Option 3: Full by buyback of the car. She did say that i would be returned the full dollar amount of what i have spent. I'm going to assume that would include taxes, down payments and all of it. I'm sure there will be more in the letter.

At this point i'm completely satisfied, other fun fact as since this is what they are offering there is a high chance any unsold yellow will be pulled and sent back to korea. Which would make this car a little bit more rare.

Received the same call and options.

I did ask about paint shop and the gentleman i spoke to said he wasnt sure if Kia would do or i pick my own. Also asked about rebuy or swap to include clear bra and IR tint and he said those items "should" be covered as well. He did qualify his statements that "official" details would be in the letter to be mailed.

Agreed that yellow may be pulled thus making it more rare.

Very impressed with options so far and his whole tone was to "keep me happy as a customer and keep me as a customer in general"