Automotive Parts Shortage Impact
The automotive parts shortage impact on Kia Country of Charleston’s service and maintenance cuts deep. Service & Parts Director, Mitch Jones said, “I’ve never seen anything like it in 30+ years in this business.” The shortages started about six months into the pandemic and have affected both foreign and domestic parts. It has affected everything from oil filters to engines.
Our average turnaround time for a special-order part is three days. We currently have 100+ parts back-ordered. We have some customers that have been waiting longer than a month. There seems to be some improvement in general maintenance parts, but we are concerned that the current COVID spike may exacerbate the problem.
The parts shortage has caused frustration for both customers and staff. In some cases, customers are understandably livid. Our Service Consultants thrive on helping customers and the stress of being unable to help in many cases for more than a year has taken its toll.
We are doing our best to source products from Kia and alternate sources. We notify customers regarding any issues with their vehicles and parts availability. We do understand the frustration and we are working daily to navigate through this problem.
6 comment(s) so far on Automotive Parts Shortage Impact
My 2020 Kia forte gt has been in the body shop since aug 9th 2021 and now just informed that there is no eta for rear body panel. I am a single mother with 3 teenagers and have exasperated insurance rental. I am dependent now upon others for transportation. As I on a personal basis cannot afford fees
You need to contact Kia America customer service.
Sondra how long did you have to wait? I am pushing week 7 waiting for a radiator support for my Kia and there’s no ETA.
If your car is being serviced at Kia Country of Charleston, please call us at 843.573.4995. Otherwise, please contact the dealer who is servicing your vehicle or Kia. Thank you.
I have been waiting for 7months for a floor pan for my 2018 soul and there’s no ETA and they don’t even know if it will ever be made what a joke no more Kia cars for me
Please contact Kia America.