Yes, happened to me too last year...the Dealer / Service Manager refused to present it to KIA as a warranty item. I found a panel on ebay reasonably priced, took it to my PPF installer and had the (new) handle covered with with foil in the exact finish as the original as an extra precaution.
Then exchanged the old for the new which takes only minutes for these guys. That way I was not without the car for any time and the installer could take his time to find the vinyl and do the job. And I could avoid dealing with the "Service Manger". I wanted to save my fight for something bigger. Besides, I now have a complete spare panel for ....who knows?
I think it happened from the way I sit and brace my knee to the door. The vinyl will likely not wear as easily. I got the panel for MUCH less than the $300 or so a saw advertised on ebay later. If I had gone with the PPF on the damaged handle, the damage may have telegraphed through. You may want to check it out though. Good luck.
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