Telluride Delivered with Small Interior Damage - Dealer Giving us the Runaround

[TelluLady]

Hi all.

My Telluride was delivered last night! However, my husband went to get the paperwork today and noticed a small mark on the interior door panel. He tried asking if this would be fixed and covered under warranty but the sales guy wasn't sure and he wouldn't know until the main manager comes in tomorrow. He said he's not sure if it's covered under manufacturer warranty and he's not sure if they could get the part from the manufacturer without it being damaged. We go to pick up the car tomorrow. Any suggestions on what we should do if they try and fight us on this?? I will post a picture for you all to see. Again, this was either delivered to the dealer with the scratch or the dealer did it during detailing. I'm not about to pay 45k for a car that's already damaged

 

[Buckeye-TRide]

Sorry to hear about this! I know its frustrating to have a brand new car with a defect. In this instance the only fix I can think of would be to remove and replace the entire door panel. If you make a big enough splash at the dealer I’m sure they’d order a panel and swap it out for you. I’m not a fan of having interior body panels removed for any type of service if it can be avoided because if the dealer tech (who has no experience working on the telluride yet) doesn’t do it perfectly then you could end up with squeaks and rattles in the door. The other option would be refusing the car but then it could be months before you see another one. Keep us posted on this situation and good luck!

 

[James]

I worked for a company that made auto door panels, they have spray paint to match the door panel. It should be an easy touch up, if the dealer has the paint.

 

[Rich06]

Either walk away or try to get them to include the part included as a "we owe item". FYI...I have been waiting over a month so far for an interior trim piece my dealer damaged. Parts for this vehicle are not readily available yet.

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[TelluLady]

Thank you for the insight. I'm going to go over to the dealership today to check out the damage in person. I'm leaning towards seeing if they can touch it up with paint as I don't want to wait for another vehicle and don't want to risk squeaks and rattles. Thanks again guys!

 

[Tim-in-CA]

They should be able to replace the door panel. Have them write you a due bill at purchase time

 

[mrmac]

That doesn't look a manufacturer defect in materials or workmanship, therefore it is not a Kia warranty claim.

You may get your dealer to repair at their expense. Good luck