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KIA Motors review: Bad paint 75

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7:44 am EST
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I bought a Kia Optima 2012 (Dark Cherry) this Summer, and in less than one month the paint had deteriorated from bird dung, insect debris and from the minimal snow flurries we had this Nov. 27th! I made Kia aware of the situation in order to exercise the suppossedly great warranty they have just to find out that they decided not to do anything about it. The Kia "Inspector" stated that the issue with the paint was "Environmental" therefore, Kia was not going to fix it! I park my vehicle next to our 2003 Kia Sorrento (a black one) and both vehicles are exposed to the same bird droppings, insects, and flurries, as well as millions of cars. The nearly 10 year old car Sorrento has had no paint problems at all. It is ovbious that Kia is taking advantage of its previous popularity and success from the past good quality vehicles they made then, but is selling us substandard, inferior, low quality vehicles now. I will never buy a Kia vehicle ever again. I found myself driving a brand new good looking car (the design of the Optima is great) with 4 and a half years of monthly payments to make, and with a beautiful color stained and rusted just because the vehicle is outside like millions of other cars is enough pain to have learned my lesson.

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75 comments
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Hippymom
Forney, US
Jun 14, 2023 6:28 pm EDT

I have a 2020 Kia Telluride and the paint is starting to peel on the roof. I called and asked if the CSR would want to drive around in a 3 year old car with the paint peeling.. Of course the answer was no, but there is not a recall on the paint for my year model.

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Dansonx5
St. Augustine, US
Sep 21, 2023 8:30 am EDT
Replying to comment of Hippymom

Mine just started doing the same thing!

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JackieJackJack
Chicago, US
Oct 17, 2023 3:38 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Dansonx5

My 2016 Kia Sorento also has peeling paint on the hood and roof of the car!

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Cheryl I
Effingham, US
Mar 20, 2023 10:31 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a 2019 Kia Sorento Pearl White. Paint started chipping and peeling about 2 years ago. It's horrible.. the hood, on the roof above the windshield. Still paying on the vehicle. Cars are expensive... I'm about ready to just let them have it back!

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KAYHowardWilliams
, US
Feb 26, 2023 9:28 am EST

I have a 2015 white Kia Sorento. The exterior is regularly and properly maintained. I also park under a carport. I live in Georgia, so no harsh weather exposure to the vehicle. However, I have found that the paint job on these Kias are HORRIBLE. Paint is constantly chipping and coming off and the problem began just a couple of years after purchasing the vehicle. I notice serveral Kias on the road with this problem. Because of this, I'm never buying another Kia again! If you're the type that is concerned about the attractiveness of your vehicle, stay away from Kia, particularly the Sorento.

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Upset234
Bakersfield, US
Jan 11, 2023 5:04 pm EST

I have 2014 kia optima. Paint is peeling. Who do I report this to?

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Ceafalcon2019#
Saint Petersburg, US
Dec 15, 2022 7:28 pm EST

I have a 2019 Kia Optima with pearl white paint. At 35,800(something) miles the paint on the hood started chipping. A chunk of paint about the size of a baseball pealed off. I have been told warranty not cover because we were past 36 months on ownership. Kia Goodwill offered to pay 50 percent of cost of repair. This is not a mechanical /or wear-tear issue. It is quality of paint issue. I find the 50 percent offer not acceptable. Any advice would be appreciated.

Falcon_25825@yahoo.com

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Brian Hentz
, US
Jan 12, 2023 4:55 pm EST

I have a 2018 the same color and I'm getting random cracks and chips myself not that big but I'm sure they're coming My car's got 23,000 mi on it funny how all these people have the same issue a lot with the same color too

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Rickybobbie
Charlotte, US
Oct 30, 2022 8:49 am EDT

I have a 2013 Kia Sorento, the paint started peeling at about 50K miles. Hendrick Kia in Charlotte wouldnt help, nor Kia Corporate. Worthless company. Ill never buy kia again, whoch is unfortunate as i do like the vehicle itself.

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Rickybobbie
Charlotte, US
Oct 30, 2022 8:46 am EDT

I have a 2013 kia sorento. Pearl White. The paint started peeling at about 50000 miles. I went to Hendrick Kia in Charlotte and they said there was nothing they could do. I contacted Kia corporate, they also refused to help. Ill never buy Kia again, their lack of support speaks volumes about customer support (or lack thereof)

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KJ Newman
, US
Oct 08, 2022 6:17 pm EDT

I have a 2016 KIA Sportage and the paint is peeling on the driver's side mirror and the driver's side front and back door handles. The clear coat has failed on the hood and roof. The rest of the vehicle is in perfect condition. Was told by the dealership they would do everything they could for me and I never heard from them nor would they return any calls. Filed a complaint with KIA Motors and the BBB to no avail. Will never buy another KIA and not recommending them to anyone.

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Wayne Ella
Cleveland, US
Jun 09, 2023 2:33 pm EDT
Replying to comment of KJ Newman

Hi there did you ever sorted ? I’ve got a 2018 kia sportage and it’s peeling everywhere!

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KJ Newman
, US
Oct 08, 2022 6:09 pm EDT

I have a 2016 KIA Sportage and the paint has peeled off the driver's side mirror and the two driver's side front and back door handles and the clear coat has failed on the hood and roof. The rest of the vehicle is in perfect condition. I have been to the dealership where they told me they would do everything they could for me and never returned any calls. I filed a complaint with KIA Motors and the BBB to no avail. I will never buy another KIA and tell everyone not to buy one either.

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Shannon Sepulveda
Chula Vista, US
Aug 16, 2022 2:00 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a 2013 Kia Optima and it was a beautiful car snow flake white turbo package. I brought car in for a recall and they did a great job and when the car was there they decided to do a deep detail which stripped the seal and paint on car and started to crack and now the whole front bumper of car looks like it has cancer and the sides of the windshield paint has chipped off and every time I go through car wash it’s dreaded because not knowing what’s coming off next. The paint shouldn’t have all of a sudden been damaged this quickly from being completely fine to being damaged from a detail and then just spread from there like crazy. What can be done regarding this

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Lisa Ford Martin
, US
Aug 07, 2022 12:36 am EDT

I have been loyal to Kia since 2005 when I bought the Kia Sorrento. I have had four Kia’s since then. My 2008 Amanti is in excellent condition. I am displeased with my Kia Sedona paint. My 2018 is fading on the hood even though the van came with the Cilajet protection. I will go to the dealership and see if they will help me. I hope they will because I really like my van otherwise, if not I will no longer be loyal to Kia. The van only have 41,000 miles, and have been serviced only at the dealership.

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Tammy Larive
Livingston Tx, US
Jul 08, 2022 7:54 pm EDT

I bought a 2015 Kia Sorrento with 11,000 miles on it, it has that pearl white paint that has been peeling off it started at 54,000 miles coming off , I took it to a Kia dealership and was told that the warranty doesn’t cover it because I was a second owner and I believed them. My brother that deals in cars told me that the factory warranty is good with the 2nd owner and they were wrong. Well now the paint has came off on the hood in multiple places, I contacted Kia complaints they told me to take pictures and get 3 estimates and proof of ownership and I sent it to them and was told that they would fix the problem well I waited over two months and I called today for a update and the lady asked the supervisor and he said that it is out of the 60,000 mile warranty and I would be responsible for it. I know that is not right! It has always been garage kept and it has been kept up there is no reason that I should have to pay for Kia’s mistake. I love my truck and have been offered 15.000 for it to trade it in I was going to get a new Kia but now since Kia doesn’t stand behind their products I will go to Toyota or Nissan …

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Anthony Oltivero
Amarillo Texas, US
Jul 07, 2022 4:51 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Who to talk to about this problem.

2014 white Kia Optima paint chipping off

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aaron wyrick
, US
Aug 15, 2022 1:25 pm EDT

Yup started having the same issue recently. I’m trying to figure out who to call to address this. It started chipping off on the top corners next to the panoramic sunroof. Now a big chunk just came off the hood for no reason other than washing my car.

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Stacy Pettry
, US
Aug 31, 2022 3:53 pm EDT

Exact same with my Snow White pearl pain on 2014 Kia Optima turbo. Hood and around windshield panels is coming off in big chunks. Sounds like a common problem and that kia is aware. I was told to reach out to consumer affairs with Kia. Any thoughts

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Charled
Atlanta, US
Jun 28, 2022 8:09 pm EDT
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2014 Kia Sorento pear white. I bought this from a Kia dealership brand new. Around 2019, the peeling began and has not stoped! Last Kia for me. I have bought three Kia’s but this stops now!

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Heather Cross
, US
Jun 25, 2022 9:40 pm EDT

2012 Kia Sorento, I got this car brand new and unfortunately see them driving around all the time now & more often then not they seem to have very similar problems. There are 3 that my car has right now, that are making me consider never buying a Kia again. 1. The paint on the hood and roof of my car is peeling so bad it looks like rust all over it. It's not due to previous damage either it is very clearly a factory defect, as I've seen many many cars just like mine with the same markings. I'm not sure if it's just the white paint or others but mine is white and the white ones are the ones I notice it on. This started several years ago and is increasingly getting worse.

2. The drivers side seat belt does not work properly at all, I have to sit there and push it in aggressively several times just to get it to latch, then at random times while driving down the road it will just come unlatched, I definitely don't feel like my cars seat belt will do it's job in an emergency.

3. The wiring is all messed up on this car and has been for many years now. I never did anything to mess it up, it was just another factory issue that just so happened to start after it was no longer covered under warranty. It started with my keyfobe not working to lock/unlock the doors.. so I started just using the key to unlock the doors. Well then the inside automatic locks stopped working, so now I have to climb through the passenger seat to unlock it and climb around and reach all through to get the backseats unlocked. Luckily the automatic lock will still lock all the doors it will just not unlock. Then it turned in to the only way I can get my truck unlocked and open is if there are 2 of us.. one pushing the unlock button over and over while the other stands at the trunk and clicks the handle till the simultaneously connect the certain way they need to then it will open. I can't use my truck to do things like grocery shopping when I'm alone because I simply can't get the trunk open to use it. 3. As if all that isn't bad enough. Whatever this wiring problem with the car is has also moved in to my lights, blinkers, & breaks. Now at least once every 2 weeks & that's being generous.. I have some light going out, I fix it and within days the opposite one is going out. It's scary to think of how much money I'm having to spend on light bulbs just to keep my car in legal driving condition. I have always kept regular maintenance on my car and taken good care of it, I'm very very disappointed in how much this car has went downhill even still. I truly don't think I will buy or recommend Kia to anyone. Are they offering anything to fix these problems?

Disappointed Kia Customer

- Heather

Heather.el.cross@gmail.com

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compuken
Audubon, US
May 27, 2022 10:45 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I own a kia rio 2013 with red paint. My car still has less than 50k miles on it, but the paint is peeling in multiple areas. I have paint loss on the doors and now the side mirror is peeling as well.

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Lselph1
Farmington, US
May 04, 2022 2:44 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL and the white pearl paint is peeling off on the two rear doors and hood. It started out on the roof pillars. Is there a number to call at Kia to make a complaint? This is horrible.

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CST1969
The Colony, US
Apr 27, 2022 10:28 am EDT

I bought a 2015 Kia Sorento, brand new off the lot in August 2014. The A/C started going out at around 20,000 miles. It has now been rebuilt 5 times and still no A/C, as it just blows hot. The headlights dimmed at about 25,000 miles. Bought replacement bulbs from dealership, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Autozone. They are still dim 10 bulbs on each side later. I drive with my brights on the highway and no one ever flashes me for being too bright. The paint started peeling at about 24,000 miles, Pearl White of course. Started at the top of the windshield, went to the bars and now the hood. Have non-stop complained, even under warranty and have been denied the fix. The engine went out at 97,000 miles, in the middle of a highway in the fast lane. Coasted to safety and engine was replaced October 2019. This is my 2nd Kia, have had non-stop issues and will never buy one again. Kia needs to recall their paint and A/C. Bad enough we could have died with the engine going out on a highway but my son and dog almost died from the A/C going out the first time driving through the desert on I-40 in California.

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Mariani
Gloversville, US
Mar 05, 2022 4:52 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a 2014 Kia Sorento SXL fully loaded (limited) it's a pearl white color. 2 weeks ago I discovered paint peeling off the car to the right of my windshield (drivers side) I contacted Kia and was told i needed 2-3 estimates and to send those in with pictures, they would review it and get back to me, they did provide me with a "case" number. I went to 3 body repair shops and got 3 estimates for the damage, all 3 body shop owners told me this is a "factory defect" on the paint, they said it's common for the Pearl white color and told me the paint can chip off becasue the primer is epoxy and this is a real problem. I'm currently waiting for them to get back to me BUT...just today I found the same problem happened on the passenger side (same area as the drivers side) paint has chipped off. I sent those pictures to Kia via email and now need to go back to body shops for another estimate. This is not right, this should not happen and Kia needs to foot the bill for the paint trepair regardless!

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Greta Snowden
, US
May 14, 2022 11:30 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Mariani

I have a 2015 Kia Optima it also fully loaded pearl white color. noticed paint peeling on the side of the windshield. I went to the dealer and was given a estimate as to the cost of having it detailed, but no one gave me answers as to why this was happening. I keep my car in good condition, paid it off last year, and don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for a paint job

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Tess Graham
, US
Jun 19, 2023 11:40 am EDT
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Replying to comment of Mariani

Did you ever get Kia to resolve your problem with the paint? If so, could you please send me the contact information to get get my problem resolved?

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tiff8888
ANAHEIM, US
Nov 18, 2021 5:38 pm EST

Hi Everyone!

I own a 2014 Kia Optima (pearl white) with roughly 67, 000 miles. The paint started chipping on both of the roof rails. After about a year, the hood started chipping. I recently found out through my friends coworker who owns a 2013 Kia Optima, also pearl white, that her car paint peeled in the same locations. First the rails and then the hood and after the trunk. Her and her husband kept making calls to complain and see if anything could be done. Kia came forward and said that while being manufactured, they forgot to add clear coats on the white pearl cars. They told them to go to 3 body shops to get quotes for a full body paint job and Kia sent them a check on the lowest estimate so that they can go get a paint job.
I am now started this process. If you have the same problem, start making phone calls!

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Carolyn Cuffee
, US
Nov 22, 2021 11:22 am EST
Replying to comment of tiff8888

Thank you so much for the update! They denied ours siting "Outside Influence" but no one could explain what that meant! The paint is has so many bubbles on top of the chips that are starting to rust on our 2016 Pearl white Optima. Resuming calls today!

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Dino70
Nashville, Tennessee, US
Dec 07, 2021 1:34 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of tiff8888

I gave my 3 estimates back in September and found out through corporate...those 3 estimates aren't worth crap to KIA...I was given a "GESTURE OF GOODWILL" payment. My lowest estimate was $8000.00, and my payment was way less than half that. So, I won't be getting a FULL BODY paint job because there are no RECALLS yet and the goodwill payment will only cover the bad spots...flakes and rust. I AM ONLINE LOOKING TO SEE IF A CLASS ACTION SUIT HAS BEEN STARTED, I HEARD IT HAS.

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Another flake gone
Winder, Georgia, US
Jan 31, 2022 12:25 pm EST
Replying to comment of tiff8888

How did you start this process? My 2015 Kia Sorento is getting worse. Walked out of work today and noticed a one by one piece of paint gown next to my drivers windshield. When did this happen it wasn’t there a couple days ago not even any clue that it was beginning to feel like there

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kimking
Richland, US
Nov 15, 2021 12:11 pm EST

Has anyone received help from Kia for the bad pain? Mine is peeling bad and was told by a body shop it is a paint defect

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Jackie_ d
North Syracuse, New York, US
Nov 01, 2021 6:54 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a 2014 kia sorento, pearl white with 46000 miles and the paint is coming off .

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Tambo62
Livingston Tx, US
Jan 21, 2022 1:32 am EST
Replying to comment of Jackie_ d

I have a 2015 Kia Sorrento the pearl white paint started coming off in sheets on my hood . A lady at Kia told me that they discontinued that paint. They should have a recall on it with all the complaints if any one knows how to fix the problem every one needs to know. We should not have to pay for it. I’m 62 years old and I have had plenty of vehicles and never had the problem with paint coming off . My vehicle is garage kept.. it started coming off at 48.000 miles now it has 70.000 on it.

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Fladriver
Plant City, US
Oct 28, 2021 6:02 pm EDT

I have a 2016 Kia Optima with pearl white paint that is coming off in sections on the hood and roof. I have never had a car look like this. Also had all four window regulators fail within a month even though I have hardly ever even used the back windows. Get ready for that repair at about $550 per door. The first 4 years of having my car was great but now it is falling apart.

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Nancy Gaston
, US
Oct 19, 2021 9:31 am EDT

At first, I thought it was due to normal wear on the vehicle. And would need a touch of paint job. I started seeing other vehicle with the same areas of paint issues on the road as mines. 2014 Kia Sorento LX - Pearl White paint peeling around windshield and off hood. Bubbles started forming form under paint and paint blisters and peels away quickly in large chunks from vehicle. Went to dealership and they told me paint is only under warranty for 36k miles, but after seeing all the complaints online with white Sorento, I realized there is a problem with KIA paint. However, they suggested calling Kia directly. When calling them they have no recall for this paint issue that has been caused by a defect in the paint that for some reason happens after their 36k miles warranty.

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gerardo zuniga
, US
Mar 12, 2022 2:20 pm EST

Same happened to my 2014 with 65 000 miles

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Jesse Cast.
San Diego, California, US
May 12, 2021 12:37 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I would like to share that I currently have a Burgundy 2014 Kia Optima with only 50, 000 miles. I say "only" because I am upset that the clear coat has been severely peeling off when it shouldn't be at this rate. At 32, 000 miles I took it to a Kia dealership to notify them of the peeling, although at that time it was not drastic. They notified me that the paint was included within the warranty but up to 30, 000 miles. However, the coat is coming off on the entire front, hood, trunk and door handles. Looking at other Kia Optima's similar in age I do NOT see any peeling. When I made the decision to buy a Kia, I was a bit hesitant because I had not heard many great reviews. However, after looking at this car, my wife and I loved it and thought we would disregard past reviews and purchase it. Seeing the peeling and the lack of empathy from the Kia dealership has made me think that I should have gone with my gut instinct.

Attached are photographs of the peeling - please note that the peeling has gotten worst. I am asking that you please assist me in disregarding the warranty that specifically covers the paint/peel so I can get this fixed free of charge.

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Jamie Rogers
, US
Dec 02, 2020 1:11 pm EST

I own a 2013 Kia Optima with the snow-white pearl paint and it is definitely peeling at a rapid rate. It is peeling off on the sides of my trunk, near the windshield, on the hood, and also on the edges of the doors. I bought it used, but have only owned it for 3 years and the paint was in PERFECT condition when I bought it. I have never done anything to make the paint chip or peel. It looks horrible! KIA needs to FIX THIS IMMEDIATELY. We pay a lot of money for new cars and should expect that they hold up. My parents own cars that are 20+ years old and their paint is still in good shape! KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND REMEDY THIS!

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Doug Worley
, US
Nov 11, 2020 5:17 pm EST

My 2013 Kia Optima has the same peeling problem as many of you have described . My hood has 17 spots some the size of a 1 inch in diameter, it is missing much of the paint on the rails on both sides of the windshield and starting to blister in other areas. the service manager at my dealership will not even return my calls knowing the nature of my complaint. We have loved our Kia and had planned on buying a second one soon. that will never happen unless I can get some satisfaction.

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joe rb
, US
Jul 16, 2020 9:45 am EDT

I bought a new 2014 Kia Sorreto in pearl white, . The car has 25, 000 miles, While washing the car I noticed above the windshield that where were two spots where the paint has come off. Then I noticed on the rear quarter panel near the top two more spots and again along the bottom edge of the rear window the paint had come off. In addition, on the cross bar on the factory installed roof rack the paint just peeled off leaving the bare metal. It like the paint did not stick to the metal.

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southfoke
, US
Sep 13, 2020 3:41 pm EDT
Replying to comment of joe rb

Call Kia. They will pay for the car to be repainted.

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Herb Russell
, US
Jan 19, 2021 1:12 pm EST
Replying to comment of southfoke

I wish it was that easy @joe rb I have the problem, gotten denied by Kia so had it painted myself now it's peeling in other places. It's nuts! What advice can you give that might help others as well as myself? I plan to post a video on youtube about the problem with my car and others i know about. Any advice would be welcome.

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Rhonda Redding
, US
Jul 10, 2020 1:08 am EDT

I have a 2013 kia optima. around the front windshield paint is chipping off. I used some touchup paint to try and slow the chipping. the touchup paint kia doesn"t make the color of my car I was told anymore. the paint is not the bronze. so it stands out where I touched it up. i"m very disappointed in the paint. I have never owned a car with paint chipping off like this. I have an 2007 ford fusion no paint issues with it. also the leather seats are peeling on my optima after I owned it for 2 years. funny my ford fusion has leather seats and are perfect no peeling issues with them. kia needs to step up their game or no one is going to want to buy cars from them. I know I never will again.

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33ericl
, US
Sep 21, 2019 10:07 pm EDT
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I have a 2016 kia rio 5 silver. its funny cause NO auto store has touchup paint for these cars because they are always SOLD OU. the paints is horrible thin and weak. I took my taillights off to change a bulb and I was ever so carefull and paint literally peeled off the edge. so mad! there are other spots that easily pitted or chipped. I wont even bother dealing with kia warranty. they honor nothing

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Tony & Marla
, US
Jul 30, 2019 2:49 pm EDT

We have a 2014 Kia Optima SX. Within a few months I found a few paint chips on the hood. Chalked it up to a truck on the road ahead of us, or whatever. There are now chips of paint missing all over the car, and it scratches so easily.

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Kit Schiller
, US
Mar 30, 2019 10:31 am EDT

I have a 2014 Kia Sorento, Pearl White and paint is peeling off in large chunks. Past the 3 year warranty and so Kia is refusing to help. I'm not done. I think we all need to contact Consumer affairs, Better Business Bureau and Attorney General. I plan to do all three and fight this, even if I need to call Morgan & Morgan.

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Starrbug
, US
Jun 29, 2021 1:59 pm EDT

Hi Kit,
I was wondering if you ever got the problem resolved? Did KIA pay to have a new paint job done on the vehicle? I also have a 2014 Pearl White Kia Sorento and have the same problem and it keeps getting worse. And I am not paying to have it fixed. Also, curious if you experienced the engine problems yet? I just had to have them replace my engine but that was paid for by KIA. Very disappointed with this vehicle now!

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DebraWare
Canton, Mississippi, US
Jul 26, 2021 3:26 pm EDT
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I have a 2015 Pearl White Kia Sorento with the same problems. When it started it quickly peeled. Now, I am starting to get rust spots. I contacted the dealership and they said it was my problem. I have contacted Kia with no response.

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Pamela Buckles24605
, US
Sep 15, 2021 12:50 pm EDT

Same problem for me. Mine is 2014 Kia Sorento white.

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Mariani Angel
, US
Mar 12, 2022 3:01 pm EST

I bought a 2014 Kia Sorento Pearl white paint. I came out to my car one day and saw the right pillar next to windshield on drivers side had large pieces of paint that chipped off, filed a complaint with Kia after i got estimates for the damage, less than a week later i came outside to go outand found the same problem happened on the left pillar next to windsheild. I read over 100 bcomplaints online after this happened to me. I sold the car as this was only going to happen again & again. in other spots. This was my 2nd Kia Sorento. I will never buy another Kia vehicle regardless of the year or color. Kia does not want to stand behind their products and be responsible for the poor quality of paint/primer after people spend a lot of money for a vehicle.

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Mark Belleau
, US
Nov 09, 2018 1:36 pm EST

I have a 2013 Kia Soul that I purchased used in 2015 from a Kia Dealership. I liked the car and was somewhat disappointed in it's gas mileage and I put about 25, 000 miles on it. I park it in an open parking area in front of my apartment. The sun is brutal here in Florida, but I never had paint problems with automobiles before, even if it is parked in the hot sun. I wash the Kia every few week and use a Turtle brand Wash and Wax. Wash it/rinse and that's it. It dries in the sun and shines. This past week I noticed some paint blemishes the morning after I washed it. An area on the hood was white and when I touched it, a piece came off that was clear and looked like scotch tape. It was the clear coat. Around the back hatch tail lights, the paint looked peppered with white specks and the finish was dull. It looked like the problem was coming through from under the paint. I don't believe Kia will do anything for me!

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stephen shawcross
, GB
Sep 17, 2018 8:47 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I purchased a Kia Sportage March 2017, cleaned it every month using high quality shampoo. Whilst I was cleaning the roof panel, I found a small area where the paintwork had been affected. I contacted the dealer where they in turn contacted the warranty department. They replied to the dealer who in turn replied to myself that it was a bird dropping that had caused this problem and they would not be interested in this problem. This vehicle is kept on a driveway not under trees, not on the road where it could receive any damage and has been well looked after. There is only 6, 000 miles on the clock which shows I do not travel in it too often. I agree with all the above comments that the paintwork is inferior and if this is so then I would not recommend a Kia whatever model . I would also wish to be made aware that I had 10 in number wheel nuts go rusty within 6 months of purchasing this vehicle. I was informed this too was not under warranty but my dealership exchanged these wheel nuts but Kia did not want to know. All in all I do not think Kia warranty exists as they appear to have an excuse to discharge themselves.

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Adam Antium
, US
Aug 22, 2018 12:36 pm EDT

Well, this is disheartening. I have a 2012 Kia soul that started to have peeling paint shortly after I bought it used. For some reason they attach mileage to the paint warranty and wouldn't even consider looking at it. It turns out that the plastic housing has a defective paint job. It's now peeling in multiple spots. Kia contacted me after I tweeted, but I've heard nothing. I also had my a/c go out at 87k miles. I had a Dodge caliber with 175k that still had beautiful a/c and never needed more than fluid and spark plug changes.

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Burgessp
, US
May 23, 2018 6:38 am EDT
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Hi, I bought a Sorento in 2010 and had exactly the same issue. For me, Kia asked me to get an independent engineers report and spend extra money before they told me where to go. NEVER buy a Kia is my suggestion, they are decent enough mechanically but the Warranty is not worth the paper it is written on and the paint quality is the worst I have ever seen in 30+ years of owning cars. I don't say this lightly I assure you. Kia were much cheaper back in 2010 also, I don't think I could stomach today's prices now that I know how poor quality they are. If I can stop just one person buying a Kia with this post then I will be happy.

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IORTOO
Marysville, US
Apr 28, 2018 11:03 pm EDT

I have a pearl white 2013 Optima, today I notice a 1x3 inch of paint missing from inside passenger windshield post, just wondering if this is a problem for others. Sad thing is I only have 28k miles.

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Kay McGrew
, US
May 15, 2018 10:20 am EDT
Replying to comment of IORTOO

You got 25, 300 more miles than Me out of the paint job

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Linda Hester
, US
Nov 19, 2018 7:12 am EST
Replying to comment of IORTOO

I have a 2014 Sorento pearl white with 58k miles and last week noticed a large section of the paint had peeled off on my passenger side divider of windshield.Took to dealer and they said it was a paint defect. They were going to send pictures to their boss and then Kia rep. Will get back to me, they said. Still waiting a week later.

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Snake59
, US
Jan 20, 2019 9:22 pm EST
Replying to comment of IORTOO

My did the same thing, now I have a bubble under the paint on passager driver side door.. 2013 Kia Optima, Snow White pearl, 33k miles... last Kia I will buy plus do not recommend them to others.

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Elyssa M
, US
Apr 12, 2019 10:38 am EDT

Did you get an answer? I have the same problem with my 2014 Sorrento.

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John Raab
, US
Nov 10, 2020 8:12 pm EST
Replying to comment of IORTOO

I have a 2013 Kia Optima with Snow White Pearl paint. My paint is peeling off on both of the pillars next to my windshield. It is also starting to peel off on the hood. I would say about 75% of the paint is flaked off the right pillar and 25% of the paint is flaked off the left pillar all the way to bare metal. A few years ago, I took it to the dealership and was told it was out of warranty for the paint and they said Kia wasn't doing anything either. This is definitely a KIA problem and they should take care of it whether its out of warranty or not. Paint jobs don't start peeling for no reason. I have owned numerous other cars and none of them have ever had the paint peel off. I believe KIA should take care of this problem, especially before it gets worse. I am not happy about this and will not ever buy a KIA again. I am trying to sell the car and cannot get the value I should be able to do to this issue.  

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Herb Russell
, US
Dec 22, 2020 9:44 am EST
Replying to comment of IORTOO

Absolutely! Both of my pillars started peeling and flying off in 3"-4" sheets while on the freeway! And guess what? I also have a 2013 pearl white optima! Their paint does not adhere to the primer! Just paid to have it repainted in that section only to have painter's tape remove chunks of paint on the door. It's pissing me off to no end. I'm getting fighting mad and wanting to collect names to try and start a class action lawsuit! Fed up!

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D.Gia F
Branford, US
May 08, 2021 8:43 pm EDT

I have the same issue...pearl white 2015 kia sorento pillar on passenger side multiple areas of peeled paint...there is a site I found on https://www.facebook.com/DefectiveKiaPaint/ which addresses a lawsuit about this with Kia about these paint issues which they one as there was not enough reports filed...this person also addressed filing a civil lawsuit addressing these paint issues with kia vehicles I added my info today not sure if I was too late but can't hurt to add to it... I am also filing a complaint with https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/?fbclid=IwAR1adBlQQwy15Up3EJoyZs3HGrEAmMJYXi_WFhA5_cK0cJcaduAZKdEnlfI giafazzino@gmail.com

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Gina Hinesley
, US
Jul 17, 2021 7:27 am EDT
Replying to comment of John Raab

I have 2013 kia optima pearl white, suppose to be top of the line that year. Doing same thing around windshield and back glass. Stared last year, my dealer told me not their problem that they haven't seen this happen (only my car) and I need to see a paint body shop..To top it off, my trunk started leaking water in a few weeks ago and is coming from where the body is welded near top of trunk. So frustrating...

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Cooper1976
, US
Jul 19, 2021 9:41 am EDT

2015 Kia optima pearl white here. Flaking on passenger side piler around windshield and roof above real windshield on the driver's side. Any resolution from kia?

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Tess Graham
, US
Jun 19, 2023 11:27 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Cooper1976

I also live in Georgia and have a 2013 White Kia Sorento Lx and have the same problem with the paint peeling. It's terrible to take care of your car only to have paint peeling! I couldn't believe it when I saw so many people having the same problem!

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Dispatch65
, US
Apr 19, 2018 5:59 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a 2013 Kia Optima and I love it. But I will never ever buy another Kia. I only have 66000 miles on my Kia.
At 50, 000 they had to replace the motor. Which I find very odd but I guess there was some problems with the motors. The dealership that replaced it was great. I still go there for all my oil changes and service maintenances. They really take care of you. Now the problem is the paint is peeling off on the pillar on my windshield. It is also peeling off on the trunk and also inside the trunk. I took it to the dealership and was told it was out of warranty for the paint. Which is 3 years. But they took a report, took pictures and sent them to the Kia Consumers Affairs. I was told they would not fix it. But I believe this is a Kia problem and they should take care of it whether its out of warranty or not. Paint jobs don't start peeling for no reason. I have owned numerous other cars and none of them have ever had the paint peel off. I was told at the dealership they have had other people come in with the
same problem. The person at Kia Consumers Affairs escalated higher and I received a phone call again telling
me it's out of warranty and they would not fix it. It is not my fault that the paint is peeling off and I would venture
to say it the paint they use or the car isn't prep correctly before they paint it. I believe Kia should take care of
this problem, especially before it gets worse. I am not happy about this and will not ever buy a Kia again. I'm posting this out of frustration with the company and I bet it would be safe to say they don't read these or respond to the comments.
Cheri from Calfiornia

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Deloris68
, US
Oct 14, 2019 12:32 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Dispatch65

I have a 2015 Sorento with the same issue, at less than 28, 000 miles around the driver side door by the windshield started peeling off and on top of the windshield, steady getting worse. I hate to even wash my car it takes off more paint.

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D.Gia F
Branford, US
May 08, 2021 8:46 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Dispatch65

Agree...I will never buy a kia again...have had honda in the past amazing customer service...great cars

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Pamela Buckles24605
, US
Sep 15, 2021 12:52 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Deloris68

I have a white 2014 that is doing the exact same thing.

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Tambo62
Livingston Tx, US
Jan 21, 2022 1:43 am EST
Replying to comment of Deloris68

Yeah the pearl white paint was discontinued seems to me that Kia should have them repainted my hood has 3 big places where it comes off in sheets down to the medal it’s starting to rust. Mine is a 2015 Sorrento . If someone has any ideas to Kia to repaint it please post it !

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KRohl
, US
Jan 09, 2018 11:38 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I own a 2015 KIA Forte Koupe with the electric blue paint. 2 weeks ago not a thing wrong with it. I went through a "touchless" car wash this morning and as I was walking into work this morning noticed about 30 circular paint chips all over the hood of the car. My car sits in a garage and is not over exposed to elements. It appears to be ONLY on the hood of the car, not the roof, trunk, etc. So I believe this to be an issue with either the paint they use or the application of it. Do I have any recourse back to the manufacturer on this?

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Kay McGrew
, US
May 15, 2018 10:18 am EDT
Replying to comment of KRohl

I just took a 2017 Sedona to the dealers body shop this morning with paint off the hood same as yours some circular shapes and some look like drag marks over an inch long. The vehicle has 2700 miles...that's two thousand seven hundred. The estimator ask me if I parked under a tree. I don't. But if I did so what? Paint should be able to stand up to almost anything except maybe hail...and I seen hail damage that hasn't broke paint. I had a 2003 same Sedona it did the same thing wouldn't you think in 14 years they would be able to get paint right? That one by the way, was painted so many different times it looks like a calico cat ( it was Sapphire Blue) This one is black.

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Tambo62
Livingston Tx, US
Jan 21, 2022 1:45 am EST
Replying to comment of KRohl

If it is the pearl white paint yeah they discontinued it because of all the complaints..

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Mauricio_Ramirez
, US
May 11, 2017 10:53 am EDT

I have a KIA Sportage 2015 and the paint is truly weak. The car has collected a few tens of minor scratches on several parts of the car. This is the first KIA car I have and never had problems like this with previous ones I had (Mitsubishi, Toyota and Suzuki). I definitely agree with your comment.