3.3TT Lets talk about turbo failures

[DoctorStiches]

Its always driver side that has issues with these twin turbo v6 cars. Since the days of the 300zxtt at least. Usually (i assume) because the driver side in the LHD models has less space around the turbo and the heat builds up more. Thats my thoughts not backed by science.

 

[OshawaStinger]

Any update on those that were showing symptoms of turbo failure? I have 17k on mine and I'm hearing some whistling noise from 50-60% throttle, which started few months ago. Also, I'm getting this buzzing noise but only when I'm driving around 110-120km/h then it goes away again. It's coming from the driver's side as well.

 

[DrBruce81]

I am hearing a whistling noise on my 2019 GT1. I have 21,655 miles and no modifications. The whistling occurs at 2,300 rpm (about when the boost gauge begin to register. I want to be clear. The sound is not a whine, hiss, flutter, nor like any sound associated with a BOV. It sounds literally like a person whistling starting at a low pitch and gradually. I performed several troubleshooting steps before taking it to the dealer. I replaced the filters, inspected the hoses and filter housings: all good. The car does not make the sound if I rev the engine while in park (no turbo engagement). I've eliminated charging issues, as alternators can sometime make a whining noise. Anyway, I took it to the dealer on today. I specifically asked them if they had access to a dyno, as to hear the noise while the hood is up. Of course they didn't. Well, it took them about 40 minutes to to tell me there is no issue with my car. They said it's normal. I asked if it's a feature or an onset of failure of the turbo. Get this, the service technician stated that the sound is normal and is piped in to the cabin to give the driver more of a "Sports Car Experience". He also stated that the sound may be more pronounced after the turbo breaks in. They did state on the paperwork that it's normal and clears all diagnostics. I plan to contact Kia and open a case, because I think there is an issue on the rise. So, I'd like to know how many of you out there are hearing a whistling noise.

 

[General_Vodka]

I am hearing a whistling noise on my 2019 GT1. I have 21,655 miles and no modifications. The whistling occurs at 2,300 rpm (about when the boost gauge begin to register. I want to be clear. The sound is not a whine, hiss, flutter, nor like any sound associated with a BOV. It sounds literally like a person whistling starting at a low pitch and gradually. I performed several troubleshooting steps before taking it to the dealer. I replaced the filters, inspected the hoses and filter housings: all good. The car does not make the sound if I rev the engine while in park (no turbo engagement). I've eliminated charging issues, as alternators can sometime make a whining noise. Anyway, I took it to the dealer on today. I specifically asked them if they had access to a dyno, as to hear the noise while the hood is up. Of course they didn't. Well, it took them about 40 minutes to to tell me there is no issue with my car. They said it's normal. I asked if it's a feature or an onset of failure of the turbo. Get this, the service technician stated that the sound is normal and is piped in to the cabin to give the driver more of a "Sports Car Experience". He also stated that the sound may be more pronounced after the turbo breaks in. They did state on the paperwork that it's normal and clears all diagnostics. I plan to contact Kia and open a case, because I think there is an issue on the rise. So, I'd like to know how many of you out there are hearing a whistling noise.

Take the coupler that connects to the turbo off and stick a diag cam in there. If there is any visible damage to the turbo fins then you will see it.

 

[DrBruce81]

Trying not to touch anything, as to remain blameless. However, I don't think there would be any damage the turbo. Can't be wear-and-tear after 21,600 miles. If they are damaged after 21K miles we are all in trouble. Anyway, I reached out to dealers in TX and CA. No engine component related issues with the Stinger. Only the interior rattle being reported.

 

[namja]

Trying not to touch anything, as to remain blameless. However, I don't think there would be any damage the turbo. Can't be wear-and-tear after 21,600 miles. If they are damaged after 21K miles we are all in trouble. Anyway, I reached out to dealers in TX and CA. No engine component related issues with the Stinger. Only the interior rattle being reported.

Turbo damage/failure can be damage to the actual fins (as if something flew in there), or the bearing, or something past these. So, it can happen at any time to anyone. Reasons could be defect, or pushing too much boost, or something actually getting in there.

Does yours sound like someone playing a flute? Or maybe wind noises through a cracked window?

If so, I may have the same noise as you. When it first happened, it sounded like a faint supercharger, occurring at or above a certain boost or load threshold. Meaning it happens at a stop with WOT, above a certain RPM at a certain speed, or some others I can't remember.
I don't have a JB4 or diagnostic tool that logs so I can't tell if there's any loss or spike in power. But I've had this noise since at least February 2022. After one weekend of hard driving, it now takes less boost/load to reproduce the noise.

One possible reason could simply be the rubbing or friction of rubber components. Not sure how to remedy if so...
Other reasons could be intercooler pipework. One forum user here fixed the issue by reclamping I think the hot side?

 

[RichPanini]

I am hearing a whistling noise on my 2019 GT1. I have 21,655 miles and no modifications. The whistling occurs at 2,300 rpm (about when the boost gauge begin to register. I want to be clear. The sound is not a whine, hiss, flutter, nor like any sound associated with a BOV. It sounds literally like a person whistling starting at a low pitch and gradually. I performed several troubleshooting steps before taking it to the dealer. I replaced the filters, inspected the hoses and filter housings: all good. The car does not make the sound if I rev the engine while in park (no turbo engagement). I've eliminated charging issues, as alternators can sometime make a whining noise. Anyway, I took it to the dealer on today. I specifically asked them if they had access to a dyno, as to hear the noise while the hood is up. Of course they didn't. Well, it took them about 40 minutes to to tell me there is no issue with my car. They said it's normal. I asked if it's a feature or an onset of failure of the turbo. Get this, the service technician stated that the sound is normal and is piped in to the cabin to give the driver more of a "Sports Car Experience". He also stated that the sound may be more pronounced after the turbo breaks in. They did state on the paperwork that it's normal and clears all diagnostics. I plan to contact Kia and open a case, because I think there is an issue on the rise. So, I'd like to know how many of you out there are hearing a whistling noise.

I think I am hearing the same exact sound. Been stressing about it for a while now lol. Checked all the hoses, checked turbo fins, housing etc. everything looks good, no play in turbos, no leaks, dealer said it sounds normal. Car is bone stock and has full power.

Had the sound since I bought it at 26k miles, now at 33k. Maybe you can post a recording to see if we are hearing the same sound?

 

[DrBruce81]

Unfortunately, the forum won't allow the file extension. I will try to find something on the internet that imitates the sound and post a link.

 

[JSolo]

^^Host it at mega.nz, google drive,icloud, etc. You don't have to have the forum host it.

 

[DoctorStiches]

I can post directly from my phone just record it with a friend or a family member i am curious too now

 

[DoctorStiches]

Personaly sounds like a twin turbo car to me lol

 

[DrBruce81]

Ok. I've uploaded a short video of my car making the whistling noise. You have to turn up the volume to hear it. As a recap, it only occurs when driving and accelerating. The noise begins when the turbo gauge begins to register at about 2,300 rpm. If in neutral I can rev the engine and no whistling noise. Let me know what you think it is.

 

[DoctorStiches]

That my friend is how a turbo sounds hehehe . That is.
I have a semi inclosed intake and because its open to the air i hear the whistle. And in neutral the turbos do not spool the same as they would under load.

If this is not how you want it to sound like you should inspect the intakes on both turbos to see if some seal is loose or if your air box was punctured somehow.

Conclusion. The stock airbox and intake prevent bassicly all sound from getting out so i assume there is a leak that would not affect power but would affect the audible sound.


I hope this does help

 

[DrBruce81]

Thanks for the response. I was concerned because, the sound recently started. I did inspect both air boxes and air filters. As I stated in previous posts, prior to the whistling sound, I had not touched anything under the hood (except oil changes). Although the original filters did not need replacement I did replace them with two Wix filters. Anyway, it's good to hear that's a normal sound. I've heard (from the interior) several Stingers accelerating on the internet. I would think I would've heard a whistling sound at some point. Thanks again.

 

[DoctorStiches]

Your very welcome and i hope that it is not to annoying of a thing

Hmmmmm
I am quite curious as to how the sound started all of the sudden....

And best of wishes ^_^

 

[DrBruce81]

Your question as to how the sound started all of a sudden: I've always had a keen ear for mechanical issues. Even the sound of the lifters tapping when a Stinger is initially started, I had to make sure of it's normalcy. The whistling sound started at about 21,000 miles. I guess it's as the dealer Service Manager said, "Your car's turbos are just breaking in." (hence the whistling sound). All I know is it was quiet before. One thing I'd like to point out about abnormal sounds in the Stinger. This is my second Stinger. The first one had a snapping sound that came from the sun roof. It would happen randomly no matter the temperature. I also heard rattles in the interior. On my current Stinger I do hear rattles in the sunroof when closed. I don't think it's a concern.

 

[SRV]

Ok. I've uploaded a short video of my car making the whistling noise. You have to turn up the volume to hear it. As a recap, it only occurs when driving and accelerating. The noise begins when the turbo gauge begins to register at about 2,300 rpm. If in neutral I can rev the engine and no whistling noise. Let me know what you think it is.

Are you sure it's the turbos?

It kind of sounds like transmission noise to me, and would explain why you don't hear it in neutral/stopped.

 

[DoctorStiches]

I didn't even think a tranny could make that sound !!!

 

[keplaffintech]

Sounds like the turbos or something related to throttle/intake. Listen to how the pitch of the whistle drops even though the revs stay the same at the end - it's following the throttle. Turbo on its way out?

 

[MerlintheMad]

Ok. I've uploaded a short video of my car making the whistling noise. You have to turn up the volume to hear it. As a recap, it only occurs when driving and accelerating. The noise begins when the turbo gauge begins to register at about 2,300 rpm. If in neutral I can rev the engine and no whistling noise. Let me know what you think it is.

How cute. Your car is starting to "purr" at you. That would not bother me, as long as it doesn't signify something starting to fail.