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

[MisterMac]

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.....

 

[Kato_the_kia_stinger]

I haven’t received my letter yet, and as a someone that leased, will I receive the $5k as well?

I am leasing. I got the same letter today with the 5k offer. You will too.

 

[MerlintheMad]

By Kia trying to coverup....no pun....that this problem exists across the board or on multiple colors, they are going to push people over the edge where they have no choice but to take this public and through the courts.

Hyperbolic overreaction, imho. Kia will handle each case of other colors. Not some dealership or regional/national entity. The case is handled through the intermediaries who are directly responsible to Kia. If Kia gets burned by only having crappy intermediaries (dealerships), they will discontinue business in those hypothetical places where their reputation is tarnished and their business is bad, etc.

People generally do not sue car manufacturers and sales. And when they do they tend to lose. Certainly not over paint that isn't even a year old yet! You can get your warranty work done long before the 36 months expires. Borrowing trouble before going in (e.g. the paint not matching now or in the not too distant future) is not approaching this flaw in good faith. And Kia has already demonstrated their good faith. Because they don't advertise other colors "officially" does not mean that they are "covering up" anything. It isn't a big problem in the first place, as far as evidence indicates. A very small percentage of total cars sold are affected. The headlight chipping? Different problem. Not mutually exclusive either: chipping and paint not adhering can both occur on the same car. (The experiment to get the headlight assembly to touch by whatever means shows nothing, since this is most likely a temperature related cause; the bumper swells when hot as does the assembly, and then they vibrate in contact.)

 

[Mach_Tuck]

Received my letter yesterday and is identical to that posted earlier so see no reason to re-post.

I am not happy with the lack of details provided in the letter however. I am surprised that no one has mentioned this already but the letter clearly states that the repaint MUST happen BEFORE either the swap or buyback comes into play. It clearly states that once the repaint in complete, you will have 30 days to make the decision on whether the repaint is acceptable or not. IF NOT, then you have further options of swap or buy. The letter then goes on to say that if you are interested in either of those two options, you need to call for more info. No mention of buyback details such as taxes and fees and extras such as clear bra or tint. It further states that the secondary options are only available until Dec 1 UNLESS you get it repainted earlier and then the 30 days limit applies.

Further disappointed at the fact that i do not get to pick the bodyshop for the repaint as the one i was advised to be used by my local dealer is NOT acceptable. i will be contacting other dealers to see whom they use.

As i washed the car today i just found myself shaking my head looking at how the metal from the door jamb on the rear just continues around to the rear fender and can only think there is no WAY in hell this will match after a repaint.

The letter does not give any details on the $5k as to when it will be paid or as to how...rebate, cash, etc, etc.

I will agree that Kia is handling this but not fully IMO. A FULL repaint would have been a better gesture of goodwill, including all plastic parts rather than a half assed paint repaint with cash comp. I do understand the SB stated there could additional good will within but all of that is too broad and vague for my liking. I write contracts for a living and and not happy with how this is written as received.

The biggest disappointment was the 3/36 warranty as when i chatted on the phone it was said the repaint would carry a lifetime. I understand verbal does not mean anything but this heavily leads me to favor the buyback after the fact.

I will wholeheartedly give Kia the chance to make this right with the repaint but am not confident they will match/blend to my satisfaction and will address that when it comes. Until then, i am going to drive and enjoy the hell out of this car knowing it staying with me could be short lived coming up.

I, for one, will be asking for me "good will" compensation to keep the car after the repaint and will explain that more good will now is cheaper then buying it all back Amount of good will needs to be high enough to clear bra the ENTIRE car and thus ensure the paint is protected all around. If you dont ask, the answer is already NO.

 

[Fred Pahlke]

Received my letter yesterday and is identical to that posted earlier so see no reason to re-post.

I am not happy with the lack of details provided in the letter however. I am surprised that no one has mentioned this already but the letter clearly states that the repaint MUST happen BEFORE either the swap or buyback comes into play. It clearly states that once the repaint in complete, you will have 30 days to make the decision on whether the repaint is acceptable or not. IF NOT, then you have further options of swap or buy. The letter then goes on to say that if you are interested in either of those two options, you need to call for more info. No mention of buyback details such as taxes and fees and extras such as clear bra or tint. It further states that the secondary options are only available until Dec 1 UNLESS you get it repainted earlier and then the 30 days limit applies.

Further disappointed at the fact that i do not get to pick the bodyshop for the repaint as the one i was advised to be used by my local dealer is NOT acceptable. i will be contacting other dealers to see whom they use.

As i washed the car today i just found myself shaking my head looking at how the metal from the door jamb on the rear just continues around to the rear fender and can only think there is no WAY in hell this will match after a repaint.

The letter does not give any details on the $5k as to when it will be paid or as to how...rebate, cash, etc, etc.

I will agree that Kia is handling this but not fully IMO. A FULL repaint would have been a better gesture of goodwill, including all plastic parts rather than a half assed paint repaint with cash comp. I do understand the SB stated there could additional good will within but all of that is too broad and vague for my liking. I write contracts for a living and and not happy with how this is written as received.

The biggest disappointment was the 3/36 warranty as when i chatted on the phone it was said the repaint would carry a lifetime. I understand verbal does not mean anything but this heavily leads me to favor the buyback after the fact.

I will wholeheartedly give Kia the chance to make this right with the repaint but am not confident they will match/blend to my satisfaction and will address that when it comes. Until then, i am going to drive and enjoy the hell out of this car knowing it staying with me could be short lived coming up.

I, for one, will be asking for me "good will" compensation to keep the car after the repaint and will explain that more good will now is cheaper then buying it all back Amount of good will needs to be high enough to clear bra the ENTIRE car and thus ensure the paint is protected all around. If you dont ask, the answer is already NO.

I will only say is that if you pick the shop that does the repaint, if it is not good it would seem to be your problem. With KIA picking the shop, and the repaint is not good, it is on them. Just saying.

 

[Mach_Tuck]

I will only say is that if you pick the shop that does the repaint, if it is not good it would seem to be your problem. With KIA picking the shop, and the repaint is not good, it is on them. Just saying.

That is a very valid point that i had not considered...much appreciated!

 

[AV8R]

I got the letter K. Lol

 

[Stevo]

I will only say is that if you pick the shop that does the repaint, if it is not good it would seem to be your problem. With KIA picking the shop, and the repaint is not good, it is on them. Just saying.

 

[Stevo]

Well, strange as it may be, my paint shop of choice is also KIA's exclusive paint shop. I will let all know how it goes.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I am not happy with the lack of details provided in the letter however.

Isn't this more in the nature of a separation into two categories? Those Yellows who want to proceed with the letter will receive further instructions: those who don't will be weeded out, because there is the time limited to the end of this year. After that, anyone coming to Kia with specific gripes based on current dialogue will be limited to 36 month warranty only claims. Right now, Kia is making it clear that they admit fault with the Yellow. They may include the other three problem colors (Black, Red and Blue), we don't know at this point. Probably Yellow is a test to see how this works out going forward. So of course the letter isn't going to be an actual contract, only an introduction (official to be sure) and invitation to take up Kia's reaching out.

 

[Fred Pahlke]

Well, strange as it may be, my paint shop of choice is also KIA's exclusive paint shop. I will let all know how it goes.

excellent!

 

[forzanerazzurri]

Went to a dealer lot today (sunday so i could look around without anyone bothering me) and noticed that every single one of the 8 new stingers on the lot had chipping on the bumpers under the corner of the headlights. The damage ranged from very minor to quite obvious. Colors were blue, grey, and white. Every single car had it. I cant imagine how bad these cars will look like in 5 years if the paint is that fragile.

 

[Dunebuggyjay]

Does anyone work at a kia dealership?

I am trying to buy a sunset yellow gt. The car is getting repainted...from what the dealer is telling me.

Im wondering if this $5000 compensation you guys get with the yellow after repaint, also gets carried over to the dealers.

In other words, is the dealer pocketing this 5000 on remaining yellow cars they have on the lot? Once they have them repainted?

Should i ask for the $5000 off the asking price?

Anyone have any insider info?

Thanks.

Jay

 

[Ivansito]

Does anyone work at a kia dealership?

I am trying to buy a sunset yellow gt. The car is getting repainted...from what the dealer is telling me.

Im wondering if this $5000 compensation you guys get with the yellow after repaint, also gets carried over to the dealers.

In other words, is the dealer pocketing this 5000 on remaining yellow cars they have on the lot? Once they have them repainted?

Should i ask for the $5000 off the asking price?

Anyone have any insider info?

Thanks.

Jay

Very unlikely. This is customer base comp. Dealership will just be able to have thiers repainted. If they even have a yellow. I wonder how many yellows are still out there.

 

[Dunebuggyjay]

There are 2 within 50 miles of me. Looked at both of them last month. Both were not for sale. (Hold from kia)..till kia figured out what they were going to do with the yellow.

One is def getting repainted as we speak. I dont know what is happening with the other yet.

 

[Ivansito]

755 dealership here in U.S. Almost half of the dealerships wouldn't have a clue what's going on. And Dealerships involved are just dealing with 1 or 2 cars. To them , it's such a non-issue.

 

[jondyer]

Got my letter.

Called Kia this morning and spoke with Randy (who tried to find Linda, but could not). I advised Randy that I would be taking option #1, the repaint.

I did express my concerns that:
1. The bumper needs to be painted
2. I wanted the car stripped to metal/below primer

After I hung up, I then contacted someone I know who happens to be a lawyer who works for a firm in Miami that specializes in class action suits (they are currently suing Porsche for something else) and I mentioned this situation to him. I will state that it is in Kia's hands now how this unfolds.

The phrase "firm's wet dream" might or might not have been uttered by someone on that call.

I do realize that 5 grand is a nice sum of cash, however - If I have to pay 5 grand or more to put a PPF on/repaint the bumpers on my own/put on a PPF/wrap/whatever, then is the money really a goodwill gesture? Is it not then pretty much a wash? I am not looking for a handout, however seriously Kia, fix the damn car! Fix it right, and stop the crap.

Additionally, forget the whole "taxable" thing for a moment, how is the money getting rolled out?

Cash? Check? Taking the money off of the loan (if financed through Kia)? Services? When will the money show up? After December 1st?

So many questions and few if any answers from Kia.

While I try my best not to speculate and I am trying to remain objective since I do like the car (and it was a birthday present from the wife, so there is that bit as well), I do have to recall that it is in fact, just a car and I was looking for one when I found the Stinger. I am now exploring other options since my confidence level is now VERY low indeed that this will get sorted. I anticipate that anyone who takes the repaint (as I have admittedly chosen) very well might be in for quite an ongoing fight with Kia to deal with future issues.

My thoughts are now "is this worth it in the long run?" Is it going to be one of those things where every single time I look outside at the car I think of the hassle?

It certainly seems that this might be the case, given the prolonged foot dragging / jackassery that is happening here.

For me, I want it repainted - properly, which includes the bumpers and i will give them that one shot.

After that, paraphrasing Dr. Dre "give me good paint or f##k this Stinger, you can have it back"

 

[MerlintheMad]

Went to a dealer lot today (sunday so i could look around without anyone bothering me) and noticed that every single one of the 8 new stingers on the lot had chipping on the bumpers under the corner of the headlights. The damage ranged from very minor to quite obvious. Colors were blue, grey, and white. Every single car had it. I cant imagine how bad these cars will look like in 5 years if the paint is that fragile.

I'm sorry, your credibility is damaged by your earlier posts. To corroborate your assertions I will have to do a little looking myself. Shouldn't be too hard. Stay tuned ...

 

[davebo]

The dealership I got my base GT from still has a RWD GT2 they're now only asking 44k for. Which makes it sound like they're taking the 5k off the price already, but it was marked down around 47k before I even got wind of the yellow repaint, so maybe not? The thought has crossed my mind seeing if I can take my $5k and "upgrade" to that gt2 if they get it repainted before I bring mine in.

 

[StingerGT68]

I do realize that 5 grand is a nice sum of cash, however - If I have to pay 5 grand or more to put a PPF on/repaint the bumpers on my own/put on a PPF/wrap/whatever, then is the money really a goodwill gesture? Is it not then pretty much a wash? I am not looking for a handout, however seriously Kia, fix the damn car! Fix it right, and stop the crap.

If you get the car repainted, the thinking then is you don't HAVE to get the car PPF wrapped, because the paint will be totally fine. So claiming that to Kia, in my opinion, doesn't really fly.