TSB for MY22 internal Door Handle Issue

[Docked Wages]

So they can't simply be fixed if they haven't broken yet?

The brass threaded inserts are pulling out of the handle. This is because someone at the injection mold press changed one of the processing parameters when the parts were molded.

Inserts are usually pressed in using an ultrasonic press. Basically, the insert is shoved into a hole that is an interference fit and as it goes in the ultrasonic vibrations melt the plastic as it goes in. Inserts pull out because the hole in the plastic was ever so slightly larger and not enough plastic melted to encapsulate the knurled edge of the insert that would normally hold it in place.

Nothing anyone can do to prevent them from pulling out if the handle is from the affected production run.

That said, in the county where I live both of the dealers suck so I'll pull my door panels and epoxy the inserts back in myself.

It may take me a couple of hours but it's less time than I'll waste at the dealer. Plus I don't have to worry about my car getting damaged or it coming back with new squeaks and rattles.

 

[JSolo]

^^Smart thinking. Take lots of pics along the way and document the process.

 

[Docked Wages]

There's already a youtube video on getting the panel off. The service manual download shows where the doghouses are on the back side.

 

[JSolo]

I've used jbweld before to reattach broken plastic (abs) motorcycle fairing tabs. This stuff is super strong, guaranteed never separate if applied well. Allow cure over night in ambient temps over 70F for best results.

 

[Brewty]

Hello, first post here. The drivers side was broken when we bought ours and they said the panel was on order. That was nearly two months ago. Yesterday the passenger side broke. My wife isn’t real happy that her $60k car is having these issues.

 

[Brewty]

Edited

 

[MerlintheMad]

Hello, first post here. The drivers side was broken when we bought ours and they said the panel was on order. That was nearly two months ago. Yesterday the passenger side broke. My wife isn’t real happy that her $60k car is having these issues.

Yeah, something slipped in production. They'll make it right, it will just take a little while. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Brewty]

Update:
Today I drove two hours to the dealership where I purchased my car. They told me there were parts in for both doors and it would take most of the day to fix it. Fast forward 5 hours and they let me know they do have parts that would fix it but Kia has “new upgraded parts” that are being recommended so they won’t be fixing my car until these new parts arrive…

 

[JSolo]

^^It would be too much to ask to be notified of this before you waste your time.

 

[JSolo]

Came across this on the nhtsa.gov site

Vehicle Detail Search - 2022 KIA STINGER 4 DR AWD | NHTSA

www.nhtsa.gov

TSB attached. It doesn't give the vin range, just says 2/17 through 6/17/2021. Mine was built 6/9. Both door handles still attached. I'll call up the dealer tomorrow to confirm applicability.

 

[DonD]

My wife isn’t real happy that her $60k car is having these issues.

Sorry you had that problem but how'd you pay $60K? I paid $45K for a 2022 Stinger GT1. Yes, I know about the GT2 and Scorpion. Good luck. Don

 

[DonD]

There seems to be a bit of uncertainty as to whether the date on the tag on the driver's side door jam is the actual build date. I hope it is, it's 7/21.

Have a VIN range would be more convincing.

Hope everyone affected by this issue get their TSB dealt with promptly, though I realize that seems optimistic. Don

 

[Brewty]

Sorry you had that problem but how'd you pay $60K? I paid $45K for a 2022 Stinger GT1. Yes, I know about the GT2 and Scorpion. Good luck. Don

It’s an optioned out gt2 plus the “shortage” markup. At the time we got it there were only 2 of the gray gt2s in the state. We found a couple better deals but this is what my wife wanted. $60k is inclusive of tax and title as well. Thank you for asking.

 

[Brewty]

Still not fixed.

 

[derek0609]

My broken driver panel finally got replaced with the new upgraded door card. My dealer ordered it back in August Passenger door is fine; my son tends to pull from the possible bad part. It's a pain in the ass but not a deal breaker for me. Shit goes wrong sometimes. I've been driving for 34 years, and all cars/trucks have their quirks and issues.

 

[seaowl50]

Sorry I just joined but ya this happened 2 months of owning it back in May of 2021. 2022 stinger GT1

 

[MerlintheMad]

Welcome and sorry you have to get that fixed. It is a warranty repair but may take some time because of shipping delays, or not, depending: sometimes the dealer has parts on hand for these TSB things.

 

[carsrmilife]

Yep, my dealer did get the door card part for like 4 months. Finally getting it fixed at my upcoming oil change appt.