Broken Rear (Passenger) Door Handle - EX '13

[Jgpiano13]

I'm writing to share an unfortunate experience with my '13 Sorento. It was a rather cold day (20's) and while simply attempting to open my rear passenger door, the entire door handle mechanism breaks off. Attempted to reattach but unfortunately, the way it broke didn't allow it to hold. I couldn't believe that on a car that I've only had for 7 months - the door handle breaks off! It makes me question the quality of the parts overall. Brought it into the dealer today for replacement under warranty and they're giving me a run-around - saying that the way in which it broke shows that something (other than the force of simply my hand pulling it normally) hit into it "with force" and damaged the handle...therefore negating the coverage under warranty. There's not a scuff or dent anywhere on the handle or the surrounding area of the door. Was totally taken back by their "guess" as to the cause outruling my account of what actually did happen. An email is into management and hopefully a positive resolve will come from it. Anyway, look out for handles breaking off in cold weather! Surprised the heck out of me.

[cobra259]

I've been working for Kia for over 3 years now. Only seen one break on a new Sorento. Sorry for your luck. Have to tried to get a hold kia corp yet?

[Jgpiano13]

Ah, well that's good to know. Hopefully it was just a fluke. I completely love the car otherwise. I haven't contacted KIA corp yet...I have an email into the gent I bought the car from at dealership (explaining my experience with the service dept.) and he's taking it to the manager. Hoping they'll be able to make good on it. It's a $130 repair, but it truly should be under the warranty.

[VIM]

What was the breakdown for parts and labour?

Also, please fill in your profile...model and year and your location.

Welcome!

[cobra259]

If you have to buy it yourself, I can save you some money at least. Let me know if it goes that way.

[Sauron]

My next door neighbor ripped off the door handle of their Mercedes E350 the other day after we had an ice storm. I was outside using a few pots of hot water to melt away the ice around the doors and windshield wipers on the Sorento. My neighbor walked outside, clicked the alarm to unlock the door and just started tugging on the handle. I started chuckling to myself and before I could offer some hot water, the guy starts cursing and I see him walking away with the handle in his hand.

I suspect that's going to be a bit more than $130.

Best,

[rcrossan]

I pulled off the passengers door handle. I agree that the quality could be better in this area. I replaced it with a chrome handled assembly for a nicer look. It was a fairly extensive job, finding a supplier, getting the part, removing the inside door trim panel, installing the part, etc. I added some more sound deading material at the same time so was pleased with the final result. This was on a newly purchased 2008 so I guess the handle hasnt been upgraded very much.

[btakrrkw]

Only seen one break on a new Sorento.

[payrow]

This just happened to my wife's 2012 Sorento. Right rear door handle completely popped off. All she did was try to open the door. There is a small plastic (cheap) piece to the left of the handle that broke off, allowing the entire handle to come off. The piece is very cheap plastic - disappointed at the build quality to say the least. Have an appointment later in the week to have it looked at. They will be replacing it under warranty - or I will loose my shit!