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2011 LX Roof Rack Rail paint chipping/bubbling

18K views 29 replies 14 participants last post by  bluntman 
#1 ·
Hi all, I tried a few searches but didn't find anything similar yet.

I have a 2011 LX and have never used the roof rack. Washing it a couple of weeks ago I noticed the paint on the roof rails (the standard rails front to back on the car, I don't own any crossbars) was bubbling. I took another look today and most of the places the paint bubbled it is gone now.

Both sides show bubbling in different places. Most bubbles are about 1cm x 1cm or so.

I am still under warranty so will get the dealer to take a look next time I am in. Was wondering if anyone had the issue and what the resolution ended up being. Hopefully it will just be a warranty replacement as has been for my blower motor and brake switch issues.
 
#2 ·
Funny you should mention this. I washed mine yesterday and noticed the same in a couple of spots when chamoising it down. Off on another long trek this coming week so will bring to my service manager's attention on my return.
Let us know how you get on.
 
#4 ·
I have a 2012 Mineral Gray Sportage EX and recently noticed the rear section of both the driver and passenger side of the roof rails were losing paint. Looked more like the paint was rubbing off even though I never use anything abrasive on the exterior. Will the dealer replace these rails?
 
#5 ·
My roof rails removed and repainted at Kia's nominated crash repair under warranty. Pretty happy with that result. Again, the only hinderance to me was being without my car for a couple of days while the job was done.
 
#6 ·
Couldn't they remove the rails; put plugs in the roof holes; return the car to you; paint the rails; and then have you return the car to have rails re-installed? Seems senseless to keep your car the whole time. Do they at least furnish a loaner for you while they have your car... FREE of charge???
 
#27 ·
Don't know as the part in question has "perforated" (rusted through) so that this warranty would be applicable. Also, if you read the page indicated it specifically states:

What is Not Covered
• Any perforation due to corrosion of the Kia Vehicle
which is caused by industrial fallout, accident,
damage, abuse, vehicle modifications or damaging
or corrosive cargo in the Kia Vehicle.
Any surface corrosion of the Kia Vehicle which
does not result in perforation
, such as that caused
typically by sand, salt, hail or stones.
Any perforation due to corrosion of a part of the Kia
Vehicle which is not a body sheet metal panel.

This leads me to believe that the issue would not be covered under this aspect of the warranty but as I said, it can't hurt to ask.
 
#29 ·
What kind of Paint would work on these?

I am having the same problem, I just bought this Sportage used. Everything looks great, other than a little bit of silver has rubbed off on the two bars. Would you guys suggest a touch up paint? I am assuming I would have to take them off, also one of them is coming up a little in the rear. Did you say these were bolted down, or is it peeling and coming apart? Thanks!!!!
 
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