Watch That Tailgate!

[jackamanfan]

I have mentioned this before as it happened to my 2003 Sedona (UK) SE. When I bought it I was told to always shut the tailgate firmly . So as I started to use it, and after shutting the tailgate firmly on a number of occasions, I noticed that the gate was satrting to buckle on both sides of the chrome strip above the hatch handle. I could see a lump on either side starting to appear and this was because I was closing the tailgate by pushing down on chrome strip/handle. I had the repair done by Kia who gave me a bit of a hard time but I think they just got fed up with me. They claimed they had never had such a complaint before. However I have seen other Sedona's with this buckling. Sometimes you will catch it on an angle and in a certain light. Check it out. I say it is a manufacturers defect, Kia reckon it isn't.

[Inky]

When it comes to getting it closed... as hard as steel.

When it comes to durability... as soft as putty.

Thanks for the heads-up. I think I had noticed this on mine and then forgot. The dent is very minor but it's there.

[lrsellars]

I have a 2003 and this is happening to mine. It's terrible and Kia should do something about it. The hatch is so heavy.

[Inky]

I think the hatch isn't really heavy so much as the support shocks are stiff and the metal is thin. It's not much better on my '96 Voyager but I haven't had the problem with the metal denting.

[Jimbo24]

I've also noticed it on mine. It is pretty much a waste of time trying to get Kia to say that it is a factory defect. Going to the dealer here is worse than getting teeth pulled.

[Inky]

If my Sedona is any indication, it will get worse. Try to avoid using that area to close the hatch (if that's possible).