Squeaky Paddle Shifters

[corradoMR2]

My paddle shifters squeak and seem to be getting worse over time. They sound and feel cheap to say the least and is very disappointing. Left one is more noticeable since I downshift far more than upshift.

I'll post a video tomorrow. Anyone with this issue?

Edit - video posted here as well:

 

[AV8R]

One word...... warranty

 

[corradoMR2]

One word...... warranty

Agree and will take that route. However, what concerns me is at least one or two reviewers (Motortrend is one I believe) stated the paddle shifters were cheap.

Concern is if this is expected and "normal" from Kia and even if they replace them if the issue will re-occur. When I once had a Fusion as a rental the paddles creaked too and felt cheap which reaffirmed why I buy Lexus and Audi vehicles.

Will post a vid so we're clear.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I added a poll!

 

[corradoMR2]

I added a poll!

Good idea and thanks!

I hope it's just mine or the odd owner with an early build.

My paddles even wobble a bit, more so the left one, and just overall do not feel solid. Heck, my Thrustmaster PS4 steering wheel paddles feel more solid with each click.

Here is the quick vid I took. Crank the volume to hear the squeaking!

 

[westcoastGT]

Nothing on mine , but I rarely use them .

 

[corradoMR2]

Nothing on mine , but I rarely use them .

Thanks for the feedback. I use them every time I drive and for the first 150-200 km I had no issues but soon after the creaking started. I've probably clicked them several hundred times now at least so I'm wondering if it's a question of number of clicks.

 

[AV8R]

Are they rubbing on wheel casing at back?

 

[corradoMR2]

Are they rubbing on wheel casing at back?

Well, you made me think to look more closely at the plastic trim around the paddle shifter and I may be closer to finding the root cause. Thanks for the inspiration!

It appears the black plastic may be moving a fraction of a mm and possibly causing the creaking when the paddle is released. I gave it a tiny shot of silicone spray and jiggled the entire paddle in all directions and even turned the steering wheel upside down to get the tiny bit of spray all around that trim. After a few minutes of doing this, the creaking is gone! Let's see how long this "fix" lasts though...

 

[AV8R]

Brilliant! Happy to inspire.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Are they rubbing on wheel casing at back?

Good call!

Well, you made me think to look more closely at the plastic trim around the paddle shifter and I may be closer to finding the root cause. Thanks for the inspiration!

It appears the black plastic may be moving a fraction of a mm and possibly causing the creaking when the paddle is released. I gave it a tiny shot of silicone spray and jiggled the entire paddle in all directions and even turned the steering wheel upside down to get the tiny bit of spray all around that trim. After a few minutes of doing this, the creaking is gone! Let's see how long this "fix" lasts though...

That's great! I bet it'll last a long time (squeak-free) this way...

Brilliant! Happy to inspire.

This is exactly what forum communities are for!

 

[Crisis]

Hi there. Not yet a Stinger owner but likely to become one in the next few months. Thought I'd reply to this post as I have considerable experience with Hyundai/Kia paddle shifters. Unless the Stinger paddle shifters are much better than those fitted to my 2015 Sonata 2.0T, then yes - they are cheap.

I've had my Sonata for about 3-1/2 years and have put on a little over 50K miles in that time period. So far, I have replaced the upshift paddle twice and the downshift paddle once, all under warranty. The problem is that the switch in the paddle shifter mechanism would wear out, resulting in either double shifts (1-3, 2-4, etc.) or no shifts. My take on this is that Hyundai simply didn't expect buyers of Sonatas to use the paddle shifters exclusively, every day as I do. Admittedly, the Sonata is a family sedan, not a sports sedan, so this is not shocking but disappointing none the less.

Given that the Stinger is marketed as a real sports sedan, I would hope that the paddle shifters would be designed for everyday use. To the OP, I can tell you that my replacement paddle shifters do tend to be loud when initially replaced but do quiet down over time.

A question for you: I'd read that the Stinger does not have a position for the shifter to remain in manual mode and that it returns to "Drive" every time you come to a stop. How annoying is that?

 

[corradoMR2]

Hi there. Not yet a Stinger owner but likely to become one in the next few months. Thought I'd reply to this post as I have considerable experience with Hyundai/Kia paddle shifters. Unless the Stinger paddle shifters are much better than those fitted to my 2015 Sonata 2.0T, then yes - they are cheap.

I've had my Sonata for about 3-1/2 years and have put on a little over 50K miles in that time period. So far, I have replaced the upshift paddle twice and the downshift paddle once, all under warranty. The problem is that the switch in the paddle shifter mechanism would wear out, resulting in either double shifts (1-3, 2-4, etc.) or no shifts. My take on this is that Hyundai simply didn't expect buyers of Sonatas to use the paddle shifters exclusively, every day as I do. Admittedly, the Sonata is a family sedan, not a sports sedan, so this is not shocking but disappointing none the less.

Given that the Stinger is marketed as a real sports sedan, I would hope that the paddle shifters would be designed for everyday use. To the OP, I can tell you that my replacement paddle shifters do tend to be loud when initially replaced but do quiet down over time.

A question for you: I'd read that the Stinger does not have a position for the shifter to remain in manual mode and that it returns to "Drive" every time you come to a stop. How annoying is that?

Good feedback, thanks! I'm not impressed with the Stinger's paddle shifters so I'm skeptical of their durability since I too use them daily. It's what makes driving engaging and fun!

Yes, an annoyance it goes to D and no manual mode with the shifter (shift by wire) so we are limited to the questionable paddle shifters.