2015-2017 Kia K900 Quarter Glass: Water Leaks, Replacement, and Used Buying Tips
This guide covers the common failure points, replacement costs, and what to inspect when buying a used quarter glass for your 2015-2017 Kia K900.
- The most common failures are shattering from impact and water/wind leaks from a bad seal.
- When buying a used part, the condition of the integrated rubber molding is as important as the glass itself.
- Replacement is a moderate-difficulty job requiring interior trim removal and proper use of urethane adhesive; it is not a simple bolt-on part.
- Owners should be aware of a critical fire-risk recall (NHTSA 23V-652000) related to the HECU unit on all 2015-2017 K900s.
Symptoms of Quarter Glass Failure
Failure of the quarter glass on a 2015-2017 Kia K900 typically manifests in a few distinct ways. Unlike a windshield, which may crack, this tempered glass is designed to shatter completely under impact.
🎬 Watch: How to replace a smashed and glued-in quarter glass- Shattered Glass: The most obvious symptom is the glass breaking into many small, pebble-like pieces. This is most often caused by an impact from road debris or a break-in attempt.
- Water Leaks: If the urethane seal around the glass fails, water can leak into the cabin. You may notice dampness or water stains on the interior C-pillar trim, near the rear seat, or a musty smell inside the car. This can be caused by a poor previous installation or the seal degrading over time.
- Wind Noise: A whistling or rushing sound coming from the rear of the vehicle at highway speeds is a common sign of a failing or improperly installed quarter glass seal. The gap allows air to be forced through at high pressure, creating noise.
Important Vehicle-Specific Recalls
While there are no specific recalls for the quarter glass itself, owners of the 2015-2017 Kia K900 should be aware of two major safety recalls for this vehicle.
Fire Risk Recall (NHTSA ID: 23V-652000): This critical recall affects 2015-2017 K900 models. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) for the anti-lock brake system can short circuit, creating a fire risk whether the car is parked or driving. Kia advises owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall repair is performed.
🎬 See more details on the Kia fire risk and parking warningHeadlight Failure Recall (NHTSA ID: 16V-209): Affecting 2015-2016 K900 models with LED headlights, the multifunction light switch can develop high electrical resistance. This can cause the headlights to flicker or turn off completely while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
Buying a Used 2015-2017 K900 Quarter Glass
Purchasing a used OEM quarter glass is a cost-effective alternative to buying new, but a thorough inspection is essential to ensure you get a quality part.
What to Check Before You Buy:
- Inspect for Scratches and Pits: Hold the glass up to a light source and examine it from multiple angles. Deep scratches or significant pitting can impair visibility and are permanent flaws.
- Check the Seal/Molding: The rubber molding around the edge of the glass is critical. Ensure it is not cracked, brittle, or peeling away from the glass. A damaged seal will not be weatherproof and can lead to leaks and wind noise.
- Verify the Tint: The K900 came with factory-tinted glass. Compare the used part to the other windows on your vehicle to ensure the tint level matches. Mismatched tint is very noticeable.
- Look for the OEM Logo: Genuine Kia glass will have a small Kia logo printed on it. This confirms it is an Original Equipment Manufacturer part, which guarantees a perfect fit and quality, unlike some lower-grade aftermarket options.
- Examine for Hidden Damage: Check the edges for any small chips or fractures that could compromise the glass's integrity once installed.
Cost Comparison for K900 Quarter Glass Replacement
The cost to replace a quarter glass is primarily driven by labor due to the need to remove interior trim panels.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM Part | $250 - $450 | Price from a Kia dealership. Ensures perfect fit and tint match. |
| New Aftermarket Part | $150 - $300 | Availability may be limited for a low-volume vehicle like the K900. Quality can vary. |
| Used OEM Part | $50 - $100 | Significant savings. Inspection is critical. Found on online marketplaces. |
| Shop Labor | $150 - $250 | Typically 1.5-2.5 hours of labor. Involves trim removal and urethane application. |
Replacement Procedure and Difficulty
Replacing the quarter glass is a bonded glass job that requires precision and the right materials. It is more complex than replacing a simple bolt-in part.
- Installation Difficulty: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
- DIY Feasible: Yes, for experienced DIYers comfortable with removing interior panels and working with urethane adhesives. Not recommended for beginners.
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours, plus adhesive cure time.
Basic Replacement Steps:
- Remove Interior Trim: The interior C-pillar trim panel and potentially the rear seat side bolster must be carefully removed to access the back of the glass.
- Cut Out Old Glass: Using a specialized auto glass cutting wire or cold knife, the old urethane bead holding the glass to the body must be carefully cut.
- Clean the Pinchweld: This is a critical step. All old urethane must be scraped off the vehicle's body frame (the pinchweld) down to a thin, uniform layer. The surface must be perfectly clean.
- Prime the Surface: Apply an auto glass primer to both the pinchweld and the new glass to ensure the new urethane bonds correctly.
- Apply New Urethane: Using a caulking gun, apply a consistent, V-shaped bead of approved auto glass urethane to the pinchweld.
- Set the New Glass: Carefully place the new quarter glass into the opening, pressing it firmly into the urethane. Use tape to hold the glass in place while the adhesive cures.
- Cure and Reassemble: Allow the urethane to cure for the manufacturer-specified time before driving (Minimum Drive Away Time). 🎬 Watch: Professional installation procedures using high-quality urethane adhesive Once cured, reinstall the interior trim.
Pro Tip: When buying used glass, also purchase a new tube of high-quality auto glass urethane and primer. Do not attempt to reuse old adhesive or use generic silicone sealant, as it is not strong enough and will leak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a chipped or cracked quarter glass be repaired?
No. Quarter glass is made of tempered glass, which is designed to shatter into small pieces on impact for safety. Unlike a laminated windshield, it cannot be repaired and must be fully replaced if damaged.
Is the left quarter glass the same as the right?
No, they are not interchangeable. The left (driver-side) and right (passenger-side) quarter glass panels are mirror images of each other and have unique part numbers. Ensure you are purchasing the correct side for your vehicle.
My quarter glass is leaking. Can I just add more sealant?
Applying silicone or another sealant over the existing seal is a temporary fix at best and often fails quickly. It also makes a proper repair more difficult and costly later, as the silicone must be completely removed. The correct solution is to remove the glass, clean all surfaces, and reinstall it with a fresh bead of urethane adhesive.
How long after replacement until I can wash my car?
Most urethane manufacturers recommend waiting at least 24 hours before taking the vehicle through a high-pressure car wash. This ensures the adhesive has fully cured and the seal is watertight. Hand washing carefully is generally fine sooner, but avoid spraying high-pressure water directly at the new seal.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 87810-3T000 87820-3T000
Tempered Safety Glass
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Kia K900:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Symptoms of Quarter Glass Failure
- Important Vehicle-Specific Recalls
- Buying a Used 2015-2017 K900 Quarter Glass
- What to Check Before You Buy:
- Cost Comparison for K900 Quarter Glass Replacement
- Replacement Procedure and Difficulty
- Basic Replacement Steps:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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