Broken Differential

[AV8R]

I think the paint chip issue has put everyone on high alert. Im sure its a one of and is covered by the warranty. DONT PANIC!

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Sorry for your diff problems guys & yes I’m hopeful these are isolated incidents, but thankfully Kia a has taken responsibility for the issues & acted in good faith to rectify the fault unlike other manufacturers who run a mile & deny, deny & deny.

 

[robz32]

I first noticed a slight whinnying sound from the rear-end when turning while reversing and making u-turns. My old Trans-Am had PosiTrac(same as Limited Slip Differential) and used to make similar sounds so I didn’t think it was a problem. However the sound suddenly got worse and this week I felt & heard a “clunk” while reversing & turning out of a parking spot. I immediately called my Kia tech and he told me to come in. Last symptom was on the way to the dealership while merging onto the highway. As I accelerated onto a wide sweeping on ramp the car suddenly pushed harder to the left, but corrected when I let off the gas. As soon as I gave it throttle it pushed left again like it had AWD understeer. Only other way to describe it was that it was giving more power to the back right wheel on throttle.

It actually scared me and glad I was able to make it to the dealership before I had a similar problem as the OP.

I’m not trying to alarm anyone and reiterate that it’s a very very rare issue. I do absolutely love my Stinger, but this isn’t something to take lightly and again suggest contacting Kia if any similar symptoms arise.

How many miles you had in yours?

 

[eflyguy]

Hey guys (Jim and SBGT) - what are your build dates?

Different markets (US and AUS) has me a little concerned, but if the build dates are close, that might mean something.

 

[StingEm]

Were these mechanical LSD cars or the standard differential?

 

[Terra]

All good questions.
JimB the original creater hasn't been back to answer any... Mmmmm

 

[StungBlueGT2]

How many miles you had in yours?

Just passed 5k miles recently.

Hey guys (Jim and SBGT) - what are your build dates?
Different markets (US and AUS) has me a little concerned, but if the build dates are close, that might mean something.

Got mine February 2018 and think it was a December 2017 build, but will have to double check when I get it back to be sure.

Were these mechanical LSD (Limited Slip Differential) cars or the standard differential?

GT2 with LSD.

Hope that helps and hope Jim responds soon too.

 

[StingEm]

Just passed 5k miles recently.

Got mine February 2018 and think it was a December 2017 build, but will have to double check when I get it back to be sure.

GT2 with LSD (Limited Slip Differential).

Hope that helps and hope Jim responds soon too.

This discussion may be relevant then: https://stingerforum.org/threads/lsd-limited-slip-differential-noise-when-cold.4167/page-2

 

[Matt77]

Mine has the same noise when reversing on full lock when cold. Dealer drained oil and found metallic particles. Kia is replacing diff, waiting for part now. Dec 2017 build.

 

[JimB]

Sorry I haven't responded sooner but I have been out of town on business. So, I am not sure of my build date, it's still at the dealer. They are hoping the differential will come in this week. Mine is limited-slip, as are all GTs to the best of my knowledge.

Mine also started out exhibiting some "road noise" and just locked instantly at about 40 mph, throwing the car hard to the right. I almost hit the sidewalk! Apparently the noise I heard was the initial failure as it was taking place. The service dept. says that my limited-slip diff "exploded" and, no, I wasn't abusing it at the time. While I have got on it, and have taken it to the track:

My best and worst from Friday night. Wasn't ready for the light on the first run and still trying to figure out what happened on the second run. I think it dumped boost.(And yes, it was in Launch Control mode). I think a 12.5 is very respectable but I think it could be faster. I spun too much on launch.

View attachment 8533

My service adviser knows I took it to the track. While I have no evidence at this time, I have the suspicion that the differential may be the weak link in the drive-train of this platform. I will post again as soon as I get my car back but I suggest that everyone pay close attention to the sound of their car in the rear and have it inspected if they hear anything abnormal.

 

[StungBlueGT2]

Update: I finally got my Stinger back and have a brand new $4400 differential. My tech said he’s glad I brought it in immediately because it was on the verge of coming apart. They sent it to Kia for further testing since Kia corporate is now looking into the problem. I’m glad they are taking the issue seriously and addressing it quickly. My car feels better than ever and so happy to have her back!

Like JimB said, pay attention to anything unusual, especially when reversing & turning or making u-turns. Again, it’s not a common problem but it could be serious if not addressed immediately.

Good luck Jim and hope yours gets resolved soon too.

 

[Patrick D.]

I'm wondering if the G70/G80 are using the same LSD? And if so are they having any issues?

 

[eflyguy]

No LSD on the AWD, although it is now standard on all GT's (was not in 2018)..

I had the transfer case between front and rear lock up at around 90 on the highway coming back from SC late one night. All four wheels locked. THAT was surprising. After a few seconds, there was a loud bang, and I had steering but no drive. Managed to dodge across 5 or 6 lanes to the shoulder, and coast to a stop just short of an exit ramp. No cell phones back then (early 90's).

Dealer was able to get it changed under warranty, but the real cause was the quicklube places I had been depending on for regular service and inspection had never even looked at the transfer case. It was dry, and VERY blued when they cracked it open..

 

[WildBill]

No LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on the AWD, although it is now standard on all GT's (was not in 2018)..

I had the transfer case between front and rear lock up at around 90 on the highway coming back from SC late one night. All four wheels locked. THAT was surprising. After a few seconds, there was a loud bang, and I had steering but no drive. Managed to dodge across 5 or 6 lanes to the shoulder, and coast to a stop just short of an exit ramp. No cell phones back then (early 90's).

Dealer was able to get it changed under warranty, but the real cause was the quicklube places I had been depending on for regular service and inspection had never even looked at the transfer case. It was dry, and VERY blued when they cracked it open..

This is somewhat confusing. Was this in a Stinger or another vehicle? And typically it's not the quick lubes responsibility to check the transfer case for lube. That's like a 60,000 mile changeout for most manufacturers.

 

[Patrick D.]

I believe this was a car he had in the early 90s not a Stinger.

 

[JimB]

Mine is waiting on a model-specific differential lube. The dealer installed the differential but nobody ordered the lube which is apparently special for the Stinger only. They thought that the diff would come filled as does other components. Wonder if this lube is an attempt to band aid the problem verses a total recall. I have found 8-9 similar failures online now. Has anyone read anything on this lube situation?

 

[StungBlueGT2]

Mine is waiting on a model-specific differential lube. The dealer installed the differential but nobody ordered the lube which is apparently special for the Stinger only. They thought that the diff would come filled as does other components. Wonder if this lube is an attempt to band aid the problem verses a total recall. I have found 8-9 similar failures online now. Has anyone read anything on this lube situation?

My tech said they tried flushing & refilling the differential with “lube” first, but it didn’t eliminate the problem so it had to be completely replaced.

I thought it came filled too but I see they added “MTF 75W-85” fluid to mine. It’s possible the lube is just their first option to try to resolve it, but if it’s truly defective they’ll just replace them like they did for us. It’s an expensive job so Kia’s probably just making sure it’s not something simple before committing to a full $4400 differential replacement.

But good luck and hope yours gets resolved soon.

 

[JimB]

Well, still waiting for that differential fluid to arrive. I was told that the last to be had in the US was in Atlanta and that it went out USPS ground last Thursday. I have now found around 100 stories online about these differentials making noise, especially when cold or during tight turns. BEWARE....this is what proceeded my total failure that almost led to a crash! These diffs should not make any noise. They didn't when they were brand new and shouldn't now. This diff fluid my dealer is waiting on has been specially formulated for this problem, so I have been told by my service manager. It is NOT the factory original fluid so it can only be nothing less than a band-aid which Kia hopes will stave off a complete recall. I know I will have mine checked on a regular basis for metal. This should get interesting. Kia will have an opportunity to either drop the ball and lose customers or else show that their customers are #1.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

I spoke to my Dealer Service Dept. last week about this, said they would be changing the diff oil out if customers complained about any noise, they were ordering stock in & would call me when it arrives to change out as a precaution.

 

[123JerryBoat]

I spoke to my Dealer Service Dept. last week about this, said they would be changing the diff oil out if customers complained about any noise, they were ordering stock in & would call me when it arrives to change out as a precaution.

Did they say if there is any difference with the new diffs?