Lawsuit Investigation: Is The Trim on Your Kia Nightfall Edition Fading?

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a potential defect is causing the trim on certain Kia Nightfall Edition vehicles to quickly fade, and, if so, whether a class action lawsuit can be filed against the automaker.

Numerous complaints have been posted online about the trim paint coming off—particularly around the windows. Some drivers say the black chrome finish has begun to peel, leaving discolored spots or streaks around their car.

Trim Discoloration Issues: Drivers Complain Online

The following is a sampling of complaints about the trim issue posted to online forums by Kia Nightfall Edition drivers [sic throughout]. Some even claim they were unfairly told that the fading was due to their mishandling of the vehicle or environmental factors.

The window mouldings on my 2021 Telluride Nightfall Edition are discoloring. The chrome color is starting to show through. Does anyone else have this problem? I’m wondering if Kia used some type of paint on the moulding that is fading?”
— Floridabill, KiaTellurideForums.com

I bought a KIA Seltos from the dealership in August 2023, and a few months later, I started noticing that the trims were showing significant discoloration and fading. I’m really frustrated because: 1. The discoloration/fading happened within a short time since I bought the car. I’ve only had the car for about 10 months. 2. I feel unfairly blamed for the issue. The service team didn’t provide any concrete evidence that the problem was due to my handling of the car. If they haven’t seen this issue before, how can they be sure it’s user error? They were also pretty vague, not solutions were offered and they just kept saying it was my fault.”
— Alop, SeltosForum.com

Figured I'd chime in as well, to keep up with the status of this stupid issue. I've been fighting this battle since around April of 2021...about 6 months after I got my 2021 Telluride Nightfall Edition. It looks like garbage and is only getting worse. I got the same excuse too... car wash chemicals, leaving it out in the sun, blah blah blahhhh. I shot that right down. Told them ‘so every other car in the world can use carwashes and park in the sun and their trim is just fine but the Telluride and its trim are so delicate and fragile they can't do what the other cars do? and this is supposed to be an outdoorsy vehicle??’ Took photos and haven't heard anything but we'll see.”
— Lisa Pisa, KiaTellurideForums.com

… i have a 2021 nightfall package and on the driver side i am getting alot of discoloring on my window trim pieces. Its only on the driver side and only below the windows. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Is this covered u der warranty?? Any help is much appreciated!”
— Matty_Kirk89, Reddit.com

I have a 2021 Telluride nightfall SX. I am having the problem with the trim fading terribly. Took it to the dealer here in Lancaster Ohio and was told every piece of window trim needed to be replaced and it would be covered under warranty. The parts were ordered over 4 months ago and there is still no eta. The service manager said he hadn't seen this problem on a Telluride but he had seen it on a stinger. He further stated that the 2022 Telluride no longer used the same nightfall trim which leads me to believe they know its a problem. The service manager at Coughlin Kia Lancaster Ohio told me Kia doesn't care about your service once they (KIA) get your money so there is no hurry to help. I have spoken with the dealership to no avail a couple times and now have a case number through Kia customer care which was just escalated to the next level. Very disappointed with Kia so far, will see if they rectify that.”
— RDBCRAZY, TellurideForum.org

… I have a 2022 Kia stinger bright blue. I love this car. The trimwork over the windows is discolored. I had an appointment today to get an assessment as to replacing the trim and was told it is just oxidized. It just needs some rubbing compound and shined up. I accepted this at the time but the car only has 2400 miles on it and I don’t think this kind of work should need to be done on a brand new car. So I was just informed by the dealership that they are being told by the higher-ups (supposedly )that because this is an environmental issue that it is NOT WARRANTED and that if they do replace the trim it will just do the same thing again. Does this make even a little bit of sense to knowingly put a trim on a car that is going to look like crap in a few months?”
— Brightblue22, StingerForum.org

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could help drivers get back the money they spent on repairs and force Kia to find a permanent fix for the problem.

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