I don’t know for sure but a guess would be the previous owners used a cleaner that was not safe for the screen, like windex. I have a smaller screen in my Soul and I don’t use harsh cleaners on it and it still looks brand new. I think the only way to fix it would be to replace it.

 

What do those head units cost and what would installation cost? It must be multiple thousands of dollars I would guess. I certainly don't want to get stuck with that kind of cost when buying a used vehicle.

 

Jeez that reminded me of the scratches you'd see on some old Nintendo DS's

But I'd second a harsh cleaner too

 

Seems Kia is using poor quality glass for these head units. Even cheap cellphones and tablets screens hold up without this type of splotchiness. Wondering why this is.

 

I suspect it might be a softer plastic exterior layer on that touchscreen rather than glass.

 

They are expensive new. Could try eBay or online salvage yards for used. Or maybe reman. A good Kia dealer can give you prices on reman.

The screens are not glass, it’s a plastic similar to a flat screen tv. You’re not supposed to use harsh cleaners on them either because the coatings can end up looking like that. iPhone screen is glass so it’s much more durable than these head units.

Another possibility is it’s a build up of greasy dash board cleaners like armor-all, but the damage might already be done if it doesn’t clean off with warm soapy water and a cloth.

 

Thanks. Android phones are the same as iPhones with glass screens, typically Gorilla Glass by Corning. It's a shame Kia is using such poor quality screens. Our other vehicles and familiy and friends vehicles that are not Kia have much better quality screens that don't have this issue. The dealer's detail dept. tried warm soapy water on it and there was zero improvement. It's such a shame as the rest of the car was perfect. The splotchiness also shows when the screen is on. With this issue we don't want the car. And we saw this issue on three similar Souls yesterday, so obviously it is a common problem. So discouraging.

 

Spoke with Kia Customer Care today, and they did not have any answers and stated no one in their chat teams had come across this issue. The representative saw this thread and the photos. They did not have any other resources for me.

I also spoke with our local dealership sales dept. as well as their service dept., and they said don't buy one with a screen like that because it will likely cost $3,500-$4,000 to replace. Further stating replacing it is the only solution, and it is not covered under any warranty that they know of.

Wow, this is crazy and concerning.

 

Spoke with Kia Customer Care today, and they did not have any answers and stated no one in their chat teams had come across this issue. The representative saw this thread and the photos. They did not have any other resources for me.

I also spoke with our local dealership sales dept. as well as their service dept., and they said don't buy one with a screen like that because it will likely cost $3,500-$4,000 to replace. Further stating replacing it is the only solution, and it is not covered under any warranty that they know of.

Wow, this is crazy and concerning.

What makes you think this is crazy and concerning?

As most have commented here, someone trashed the screen - unlikely you'll find more examples because most use common sense or the owners manual when selecting a cleaning agent.

No vehicle manufacturer would cover such damage under warranty.

 

Looks like the previous person used a brillo pad to wipe it....

 

This is obviously a common problem with the quality of the screen Kia is installing. We have now seen this on eleven Kia Souls 2020-2022 at variouis dealerships. No way am I willing to buy one with a messed up screen. This is a bad sign. Very disheartening.