Spectra 06 vibrations

ufa · 09-24-2006, 05:31 PM

A new spectra 06 --- with less than 3000km on it, has been gradually experiencing vibration. It's mostly felt when idling between 800-1000rpm, and while driving in stop-and-go traffic where by you constantly have to start and stop. Once you are driving, this vibration goes away.
Took it for a check at the dealership and they said nothing was wrong after looking at the ECU stats, and going for a drive.
This is not always visible so I couldnt prove it to them. Almost always visible when the car is first started up.

The vibration can be almost always felt on the steering wheel, and sometimes on the body/door/drivers seat as well. Usually at a stop, it will start on the front/steering wheel and slowly transfer backwards. It is also felt more prominently when the car is in drive gear and braked at a stop light, rather than just idling without the transmission engaged.

Also as of recent I am hearing non-smooth noises when the transmission is used -- almost sounds like a used taxi-cab. this may or may not be an issue.

But my question is about the vibrations -- is this normal on a new car? Our 15 year old camry has less shakage.

And yes the question about the A/C being turned on did come up at the dealership. I am aware the A/C will cause extra vibrations, but this happens even when the A/C is not on.

Any insight will be appreciated. Thank you.

ssssspectra06 · 09-25-2006, 06:31 AM

(06 Spectra manual transmission, at just a bit over 4000 km now, no noticeable vibration here like you mention. I do notice of course the usual expected fluctuation in current at on/off AC but elsewhere, even when AC clicks on and dip in current, I feel no vibration...I'm a manual though.)

oldjeep · 10-12-2006, 07:52 AM

I get the same thing on my 06 Spec5 w/auto. Sitting at a stoplight, the steering wheel vibrates and there is a rattling noise. If I grab the wheel tight enough the noise goes away. Seems to be worse now that the temps are in the 20's and I'm running the defrost (AC runs).

Lokigom · 10-22-2006, 05:17 AM

I'm noticing the same problem with mine, I pointed it out around 3500km to my dealership but I couldn't replicate the problem for them at that time. I'm taking it into the dealership in a couple of weeks, maybe I can get some answers from them on it. Mine is almost constant everytime I'm at a stoplight. My car has 8000+ km on it, i'm also starting to notice a whine or wir in the transmission that can be heard over the stereo. Oh well heres hoping.

Jeff

ufa · 10-31-2006, 03:50 PM

I've taken it out to the dealership twice now ( around 4500km now ), the last being during my first oil change. They say nothing is out of ordinary, they wont outright deny there is an issue though. They did say if it's persistant to bring it back at the next oil check. It almost seems like they don't want to acknowledge there may be a problem on the vehicle.

The hyundai I was given as a rental while the kia was being checked, at 47000km , was better without vibrations. I am wondering if this may be a problem with the batch.

I too have started noticing whirring sounds from the transmission lately. Where are you folks located? Should Kia be contacted directly incase the dealerships don't necessarily want to care?

All I know is a new car is *not* supposed to feel like this.

herbd · 11-17-2006, 06:27 PM

it is a common thing in the 3rd gen spectras. it is more noticeable with the a/t i work at a dealership in vegas and have had a few put on the lift that had the same symptoms however its just how the car is and runs. nothing is wrong and nothing will happen over time because of the shaking.

herbd

ufa · 12-01-2006, 07:04 PM

Thanks for your response. I'm glad to know that this is a third generation Kia issue, rather than just my car. However it seems to be not ALL kia spectras get it, just a few specific batches. And if that's the case then why isn't a comparison made against those that are good vs the one that has the problem, in order to 'fix' or replace the parts that may cause the problem?

The vibration seems to be getting worse. Had it checked out again by another mechanic -- and after they verified the problem was real -- they contacted Kia. Kia stated there are no known issues regarding this symptom, its just how the car drives. They also suggested that you have to drive at variable speeds for about a thousand kilometres in order to run the engine in, in hopes that it may stop this phenomenon. Mine's over five thousand now and no improvements in sight.

After this experience, I am not sure I would recommend Kia to anyone else -- Considering a toyota echo/yaris drives smoother. Specially when you are stuck in downtown traffic for a couple of hours a day -- the constant vibrations get extremely nauseating. The car looks fancy and is nice with all the options but the drive is getting to be a pain and no driver wants to be stuck for years with a shaker.

I would look to Kia to atleast admit and notify clients of a known issue, even if they are planning not to do anything about it. Perhaps a free 'test drive a kia after a 5k' show should be taken to major cities just to make future customers aware.

moshneb · 12-24-2006, 04:26 AM

pls change the spark plugs
regards