Issue Number SA322 - Rattle Noise from Tailgate

[ERS]

I don’t have it to post but the was another bulletin that came out recently. There is another fix recommended if the first TSB did not work. I had this done and it did fix the problem. I would just let your dealer know and they should take care of it for you. I do understand how annoying it is but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks, Bryan, glad to hear the second fix worked. Do you know what that fix involved? I have an appointment tomorrow to have the dealer address the problem again and knowing there is a second TSB is very helpful. I also have a “creaking noise” coming from the driver-side dash area that just started last week (I started a thread about it, but there only seems to be one other person so far with that issue.). It is not associated with rough or bumpy roads like the hatch problem, however, and is most notable at low speeds. I absolutely love everything about how the car drives and feels except for these annoyances.

 

[GuyManDude]

Thanks, Bryan, glad to hear the second fix worked. Do you know what that fix involved? I have an appointment tomorrow to have the dealer address the problem again and knowing there is a second TSB is very helpful. I also have a “creaking noise” coming from the driver-side dash area that just started last week (I started a thread about it, but there only seems to be one other person so far with that issue.). It is not associated with rough or bumpy roads like the hatch problem, however, and is most notable at low speeds. I absolutely love everything about how the car drives and feels except for these annoyances.

Thanks, Bryan, glad to hear the second fix worked. Do you know what that fix involved? I have an appointment tomorrow to have the dealer address the problem again and knowing there is a second TSB is very helpful. I also have a “creaking noise” coming from the driver-side dash area that just started last week (I started a thread about it, but there only seems to be one other person so far with that issue.). It is not associated with rough or bumpy roads like the hatch problem, however, and is most notable at low speeds. I absolutely love everything about how the car drives and feels except for these annoyances.

I believe the second repair is a thicker gasket and additional washers behind the top guide bumper on the side of the hatch. I would recommend shining a flashlight on the top of the hatch while it’s closed pointing down into the gap where the guide bumpers are located. Then look through the gap at the tail light, you will be able to see the small space between the guide bumpers. This is where the noise is coming from when they collide over bumps. I pointed this out to them and they said even after the thicker gasket and washers were installed they still had to add more washers until they contacted to stop it. Sorry to hear about the noise in the dash. I have not had any problems as of yet. I will say my dealership did want to get it resolved and scheduled for one of their engineers to be there as well. Even though it took four times I was pleased with the attention they gave it. I hope your dealership provides good service for you as well.

 

[ERS]

I believe the second repair is a thicker gasket and additional washers behind the top guide bumper on the side of the hatch. I would recommend shining a flashlight on the top of the hatch while it’s closed pointing down into the gap where the guide bumpers are located. Then look through the gap at the tail light, you will be able to see the small space between the guide bumpers. This is where the noise is coming from when they collide over bumps. I pointed this out to them and they said even after the thicker gasket and washers were installed they still had to add more washers until they contacted to stop it. Sorry to hear about the noise in the dash. I have not had any problems as of yet. I will say my dealership did want to get it resolved and scheduled for one of their engineers to be there as well. Even though it took four times I was pleased with the attention they gave it. I hope your dealership provides good service for you as well.

That was very helpful, thank you. I do have an excellent dealership and they have a designated Stinger mechanic that has been sent to two separate trainings. I’m hoping he already has the new TSB, but having your detailed information will be helpful when I discuss it with him tomorrow.

 

[GuyManDude]

That was very helpful, thank you. I do have an excellent dealership and they have a designated Stinger mechanic that has been sent to two separate trainings. I’m hoping he already has the new TSB, but having your detailed information will be helpful when I discuss it with him tomorrow.

No problem and good luck, I’m sure they’ll get it fixed. Cheers!

 

[Kazz]

I'm not great at getting the spatial from the written word. But basically, what Kia's trying to do in order to fix the problem, sounds like moving the bumpers on the side rails moved more inwards, towards each other, yes? They're not moving them in/out/up/down?

 

[GuyManDude]

I'm not great at getting the spatial from the written word. But basically, what Kia's trying to do in order to fix the problem, sounds like moving the bumpers on the side rails moved more inwards, towards each other, yes? They're not moving them in/out/up/down?

Correct, they should touch side by side when the hatch is closed.

 

[Kazz]

OK, thanks!

 

[ERS]

No problem and good luck, I’m sure they’ll get it fixed. Cheers!

Bryan, your information in the “TSB for the TSB” was spot-on...I had a printed copy of your post to show my service advisor. The good news was that the dealership had the info and additional parts onhand to make the fix. The mechanic had to add additional pads and washers as you mentioned and I am happy to say the hatch is now solid as a rock, with no noise, even over very severe bumps. Reference the creaking noise in the dash area, the Service Manager rode with me and heard the noise, too. He was unable to pinpoint the exact location either. He has noted it on my records and is sending a query to KIA. It is a small thing but annoying in a car that is overall superb.

 

[GuyManDude]

Bryan, your information in the “TSB for the TSB” was spot-on...I had a printed copy of your post to show my service advisor. The good news was that the dealership had the info and additional parts onhand to make the fix. The mechanic had to add additional pads and washers as you mentioned and I am happy to say the hatch is now solid as a rock, with no noise, even over very severe bumps. Reference the creaking noise in the dash area, the Service Manager rode with me and heard the noise, too. He was unable to pinpoint the exact location either. He has noted it on my records and is sending a query to KIA. It is a small thing but annoying in a car that is overall superb.

Glad I could be some help and they got it resolved for you.

 

[Todd Piefer]

My rattle is now fixed! The "fix" kit based on the TSB did not fix the problem. Adding additional padding may only temporarily address the issue. The dealer contacted Kia and were given the following suggestion. It's in the striker. You need to remove the rear sill panel, loosen the torque bolts and break the weld that holds the striker. It's spot welded inside the body. It's not allowing the striker to slide all the way down 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Once the weld is broken you can make the needed adjustment down. This will allow the deck lid to pull tight to stop the rattle.

 

[Kazz]

"Striker"? Do you mean at the latch itself, in front of the bumper? It really does seem that letting the hatch seat lower at the rear would fix this without parts.

 

[Todd Piefer]

"Striker"? Do you mean at the latch itself, in front of the bumper? It really does seem that letting the hatch seat lower at the rear would fix this without parts.

My text above was copied and pasted directly from the service manager's email to me when he wrote to tell me what they were going to do. Striker was their term, not mine. I searched for the terms "trunk striker" and "hatch striker" on the web and there are numerous hits with images.

This morning's fix took 40 minutes, including their test drive.

 

[Kazz]

Eh, it's all more info I'll be armed with when I finally let go of the car for a few hours. LOL

 

[CDv6]

...loosen the torque bolts and break the weld that holds the striker. It's spot welded inside the body.

This "fix" is painful to read, especially coming from the factory.

 

[Never thought]

So the first attempt from the dealer didn’t fix the rattle. I brought it in for the first oil change and they said they would adjust it. No issues since. It’s been about a week. No clue what they did to adjust it.

 

[Kristian Weston]

I just dropped my Stinger off at the dealer for them to get the noise fixed for the fourth time. The service rep showed me they have a second TSB on the issue due to complaints of the first repair not always working. Let’s hope this gets it once and for all. Side note the have some GT’s and a GT 2 available for sale. I saw both black and blue for the colors.

Yeah very frustrating, mine is still making the rattling after the first fix too.

 

[Kazz]

Oddly, I've not noticed the rattling lately. I hope I'm not getting used to it. Temperatures have been a bit warmer, but not warmer than I've experienced the noise with before. I'll keep listening and waiting for my first trip in to service.

 

[GregM]

Question for my fellow US Stinger owners. I am about to leave my Stinger for one day+ (overnight) so they can figure out the tailgate rattle thing.
When you guys did it, did you dealer give you a loaner for the time of repair?

 

[Luminary]

When you guys did it, did you dealer give you a loaner for the time of repair?

Yes, mine did. Drove a loaner 2016 Optima. My dealership does charge a $5 gas fee for the loaner, but I really cannot complain about that, especially because I will put about 100 miles on it while I have it for the 1 night.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Question for my fellow US Stinger owners. I am about to leave my Stinger for one day+ (overnight) so they can figure out the tailgate rattle thing.
When you guys did it, did you dealer give you a loaner for the time of repair?

I just suggest you don't "expect" a loaner. Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best...