This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third generation (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) Kia Sorento SUV in taking off the plastic interior door panels in order to upgrade the OEM door speakers, add soundproofing material, fix a faulty electrical switch or replace a broken power window motor.

Owners of other Kia, Hyundai and Genesis vehicles such as the Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Niro, Telluride, Forte, Rio, Optima, Stinger, Cadenza, K900, Sedona, Kona, Venue, Santa Fe, Elantra, Sonata, Accent, Veloster, Ioniq, Nexo, G70, G80 and G90 may also find these instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to complete this procedure include a Phillips head screwdriver, a plastic pry bar tool, a small flat head screwdriver and possibly also a large flat head screwdriver.

To remove the OEM speakers, you'll need a Phillips head screwdriver or an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet.

The first two steps are to fully lower the power window motor and then open the door.

Locate the small square screw trim cover located below the door pull handle and the armrest.

Use a small flat head screwdriver to gently pry open the top edge of the screw access cover.

Set the silver metal screw aside in a safe place.

Move to the top front corner of the door panel.

Gently pry off the triangular shaped sail panel with a plastic panel removal tool to release the friction fasteners and retaining clips.

Push in the release tab on the white plastic electrical connector before sliding it straight out of the socket.

Now that the sail panel has been removed, move to the bottom edge of the door panel.

Insert the large plastic pry bar tool or a large flat head screwdriver into the notch.

Firmly pull out the bottom edge of the door panel to release the friction fasteners.

Continue pulling out the pop rivets all along the bottom edge and both sides of the door panel.

Then carefully lift the plastic door panel off the top lip on the metal door frame.

Locate the black plastic bracket for the door opener handle cable and the door lock rocker switch cable.

Push in the small release tab on the rear edge of the bracket and lift it out of the mount on the back side of the door panel.

Remove the two plastic tabs on the front edge of the bracket out of the mount.

Push in the release tab on the electrical connector and slide it straight out of the socket.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) lower front door speaker is situated at the bottom front corner of the door frame.

To remove the old speaker, rotate the four bolts in the counterclockwise direction with an 8mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet or you can use a Phillips head screwdriver.

The lower front door speakers can be replaced with aftermarket speakers in the following sizes: 6 1/2" and 6 3/4".

I highly recommend adding some Dynamat sound deadening material to the door frame and the back side of the plastic door panel to help stop vibrations and rattles when you crank up the volume.

To replace the plastic door panel, hold it near the metal door frame.

Tilt the top edge towards yourself to access the back side.

Push the white plastic electrical connector for the switch panel back into its socket.

You should hear or feel the connector "click" securely into place.

First, re-insert the two tabs on the front edge into the mount.

Then lower the rear edge and push on it to secure the retaining clip.

You should hear or feel the retaining clip "click" securely into place.

Carefully lower the top of the plastic door panel on to the upper metal lip on the door frame.

Firmly tap in the pop rivets all along the bottom edge and both sides of the door panel.

Raise the square plastic screw access cover and snap it back into place.

Line up the sail panel and push on it to secure the friction fasteners.

Sit inside the vehicle, close the door and verify that the door opener handle, door lock rocker switch, power window switch, the power door lock switch and the speakers are still working properly.

Please take a look at all of my 2016-2020 Kia Sorento DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.