Power Tailgate Issue

[jgrabina]

Picked up my 2006 Sedona EX with Power Package 3 weeks ago. Upon delivery, the salesperson said the motor was bad in the tailgate because it was not working and we needed to bring it back to service to have the motor replaced. He ordered the part and we took delivery. One week later, we brought the van in to have the motor replaced. That was two weeks ago. As of today, they still cannot figure out what's wrong. They have changed the motor, a harness, and some "pin" connectors. Still no good. I have opened a complaint with Kia and they sent two "specialists" to check it out today. Still not fixed. Everyone is baffled. Now they are ordering a Main Wire Harness and going to try that. We'll see...

This may be a lemon in the works.

Has anyone heard anything like this before?

[Schnauzer]

Jgrabina, you emailed but gave no way for me to reply privately to you. At this point I am unaware of any known tailgate issue besides yours. It sure sounds like a shorting out somewhere and the regional field techs will no doubt contact engineering to discuss your issues and a global review of all new Sedona models so equipped with an issue will show up in records that are generated from our in house databases. Again, at this point I am unaware of any others having your problem.

[jgrabina]

Thanks very much for the response. I will keep you up to date as I hear from Kia on this issue.

Sorry about the e-mail. I am a new user.

[Schnauzer]

Originally Posted by jgrabina

Thanks very much for the response. I will keep you up to date as I hear from Kia on this issue.

Sorry about the e-mail. I am a new user.

Thanks. Please let me know your dealer's name and location. Be aware that the regional field techs have the say in how things are handled on behalf of Kia. Should the outcome not be acceptable to you, please review your owner's manual regarding the Better Business Bureau AutoLine. Kia HQ will go along with the BBB resolution should it come to that. At all times keep your cool at the dealer and among others looking at your problem so that fairness is done. I'll be looking at reports this week and asking staff for more information.

[jgrabina]

The dealer is Smithtown Kia in Saint James, NY. I am now dealing with the service manager, Rich Heins. He seems to be doing all he can.

We just found another issue. The passenger side mirror was scratched when we took delivery so our salesman said they would take care of it at the same time they fixed the rear tailgate. They replaced it Friday, 11/19. Apparently, they just swapped the mirror with the same color van from the showroom floor. The problem is that now the mirror doesn't heat up or move automatically when you shift into reverse (I read the manual and it is on the correct setting). I guess the mirror they put on was the wrong one. Probably from an LX, not an EX with the additional features. I left a message for Rich and I'm sure we'll talk Monday. Thanks.

[jgrabina]

All has finally been corrected. Kia specialist was able to fix the issue.