How to Remove the Rear Seats of a Kia?
3 Answers
On both sides of the rear seat headrests, near the windows, there are handles. Pull these handles. The backrest of the rear seat can be folded forward. For the cushion part of the rear seat, in most cases, you simply push the cushion towards the rear of the car and then lift it upwards to remove it.
I've removed the rear seats of Kia cars a few times before, so I have some experience. Here are the specific steps: First, locate the front edge of the seat cushion where there are usually two metal clips. You need to lift it upwards firmly with both hands, applying vertical force to avoid breaking the clips. After removing the cushion, there's a fixing screw on each side at the bottom of the backrest that needs to be loosened with a wrench. Some models also have a seatbelt buckle in the middle of the rear seat that needs to be released. Once all these are done, lift the backrest upwards to remove it. However, the clip positions may vary between different models. For example, the Sportage has an additional hidden bolt compared to the KX5, so it's best to check the owner's manual first. Always wear gloves during the process as the edges of car seats are sharp and can easily cut your hands. When reinstalling the seats, make sure to align them with the slots and press firmly to avoid rattling noises while driving.
I remember being all thumbs the first time I removed the rear seats, but now I've got it down pat. Removing Kia rear seats is actually quite straightforward: First, clear out any items in the back row, then start with the front edge of the seat cushion. Grip the edges of the seat firmly with both hands, use your knees to brace against the underside for leverage, and give a sharp upward pull to release the seat cushion clips. Next, tackle the backrest—locate the mounting bolts at the base of the seat, usually one on each side. Loosen them with a 14mm socket, and the entire backrest can be lifted straight up. Pay special attention to the center rear seatbelt anchor point; remember to detach it. Some newer models may also have charging harnesses that need unplugging. The whole process takes less than 20 minutes, but when reinstalling, always double-check that the clips are fully engaged. Once, I didn't seat them properly, and the seat kept squeaking while driving.
