Woman Washes $58,000 Kia Telluride. Then the Trim on All Her Doors Comes Off: ‘I’m Upside Down $14,000’

Many people believe that car quality has taken a hit over the past few years. While vehicles keep getting more tech-packed, a lot of drivers say the basics don’t feel as solid as they used to. 

The numbers back that up. A 2025 J.D. Power study found that drivers are dealing with more problems per 100 vehicles than in previous years.

Compared to 2024, the industry saw a 6% increase in reported problems. That puts the current average at 202 problems per 100 vehicles. Back in 2015, for example, that number sat at 147.

One video making the rounds on TikTok taps right into that frustration. In it, creator Amanda Schaffer (@aammaanndduuhhmmaarriiee) shows what happened to her Kia Telluride while she was washing it. The clip has gotten more than 1.1 million views.

What’s Wrong With Her Kia Telluride?

“I paid $58,000 for my 2023 Kia Telluride,” she writes in the video’s text overlay. “And I’m upside down $14,000.”

“This is why I will never buy another Kia,” she says in the clip. Then she flips the camera around, showing her loose trim. “My trim is literally missing on every single door.”

“This one’s missing,” she says, pointing to another section. “So happy I never went to buy the Kia Carnival.”

Commenters Are Split

The comments section turned into a debate over Kia as a brand.

“How do people not know NOT to buy a KIA,” one person wrote. “Stick with Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, THAT’S IT.”

Another added, “It’s a Kia. What did you expect?”

Others pushed back just as hard, sharing their own positive experiences.

“No issues with my Telluride,” one commenter said.

“These comments are wild,” another wrote. “I’ve driven my Kia 150,000 miles with zero issues and no major maintenance problems.”

A few commenters were surprised by how much she paid for the Telluride.

“I cannot even fathom nearly $60k for a KIA,” one person wrote.

“Never in my LIFE did I ever think I’d hear somebody say they paid anywhere near $60k for a [expletive] KIA!!!” another added.

“58K for a Kia is just a poor financial decision,” someone else said.

Nothing else added, nothing invented, and the tone stays exactly where you keep it.

Is This a Known Kia Telluride Problem?

As it turns out, there is a recall on the Telluride’s trim.

One commenter points it out under Schaffer’s video: “There’s a recall on that. It’ll get fixed for free.”

That claim checks out. According to Kelley Blue Book, Kia has recalled 200,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2023 through 2025 model years. The issue involves exterior door trim that can loosen and detach while driving.

Kia says the molding between the top of the door and the bottom edge of the window may not have enough adhesive. Over time, it can come loose and fall off, potentially creating a road hazard. Drivers might notice rattling before the trim fully separates.

The fix is straightforward. Dealers replace the molding at no cost to the owner. As with all recalls, the repair is free.

Motor1 has reached out to Kia via email, as well as to Schaffer through TikTok and Instagram messages. This post will be updated if either responds.