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Kia Niro Hybrid 2020 and found the engine to be very noisy

3K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  jmurphEV  
#1 ·
we recently bought a Kia Niro Hybrid 2020 and found the engine to be very noisy. I noted that the dipstick shows well above the maximum, and was therefore afraid that petrol had got into the oil. Didn't think the oil smelled of petrol, it seems oily and nice. Recorded a video with a microphone in the engine room and in the cabin. I am a little unsure and afraid there is something with the cam, or the timing chain.! Its rattle like i diesel. A little sharp ticking. I know about the injektor sound. This is a kappa engine. Our kia soul had gamma engine. This quiet down when got warm. This kia niro is not. I search for kia niro engine sound on youtube. Not many video out there. Sorry my bad English :)
 
#2 ·
Welcome, I agree that the engine in the Niro can be a bit loud and harsh at times, especially at higher RPMs. Most of the time it's barely noticeable which is nice, but it definitely gets buzzy under load. I think it's just a result of the Kappa being a pretty small motor to begin with so it has to work pretty hard sometimes.

Now, if yours is making more obvious mechanical noises like a lifter tick, that could be a sign of a bigger issue. Sorry I don't have more info or audio recordings of the Niro's motor, maybe someone else can chime in.