I don't mind the normal VESS noise, but the reverse chime (gong) is so much louder. I don't believe my system is abnormally loud (I think all Niro's are this loud, but haven't confirmed), but it disturbs my neighbors when I leave/arrive for my night shifts. I'd hate to disable the whole speaker. Any suggestions? The dealer said there is no volume adjustment.
Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) Reverse Chime is too loud
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jdaus
121 - 140 of 142 Posts
First, welcome to the forum.
If you're interested in installing a kill switch for the VESS, other members have created a PDF that I believe I found on this forum.
I've attached it here.
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143 Posts
See
2020 Kia E-Niro VESS/Reverse Chime defeat solution and
2020 Kia E-Niro VESS/Reverse Chime defeat solution
for a procedure to install a button to turn off/on the VESS system, including the loud reverse alarm. You will need to join the Inside EVs Forum to download files.
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52 Posts
I'm down with this. I'm not going to modify my leased 2022 Niro EV, but I too would like to have the volume lowered. I looked at replacing the entrie switch panel with one that I would have to somehow get from Europe, but even that's something I don't want to deal with.
That's two of us, let's keep it going.
It is too LOUD!
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3 Posts
Thank you all for the info about a VESS kill switch. I may have to eventually resort to that. I am very disappointed that Kia hasn't resolved this issue after 2 years of complaints. We shouldn't have to disable a required safety feature because it violates the noise ordinances in our communities! The laws that regulate VESS need to be amended to include a maximum volume of 54 - 57 dB.
Mines a lease, not a problem
Remember you are using the wires as intended.
If you turn it in [probably a bad financial idea these days] snip the wires and tape them and tuck them, gone.
If you add disconnects between the switch and the connector, you can easily remove the switch if the car needs to go in for service, although I doubt a tech would notice or care
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As I mentioned, I have no intention on tampering with anything on the car, but I am very much in favor of doing a petition, or even more, to get Kia to make a change.
Perhaps things changed with the 2023 Niro, but I cannot hear the backup warning sound while inside the car. Today I had the opportunity to watch my wife back the Niro out of our garage, and from the outside it was quite obvious. I also heard what I assume is the VESS sound, which is more subdued. All told, I would not change the volume of either sound.
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My son just got a 2023 Niro a couple weeks ago, and he's mentioned nothing about the sound. And hears pretty well, so at least it's not obvious (or obnoxious).
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95 Posts
Mine is a 2020 and it sounds like a UPS truck backing up.
2020 Red Kia Niro EV EX Premium, 2023 White Kia Niro EV Wave
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Yes, there is a definite difference. I traded in one of my 2020s on a 2023 and that is one of the first things I noticed. I don't have this overwhelming urge to unplug the VESS speaker like I do on the 2020.
I think my 2022 is louder than a UPS truck!
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89 Posts
it's federally mandated "sound" and most noticeable in a very quiet area like inside a garage, enclosed parking deck, and etc.
While this is correct, it's also true that the VESS chime on the newer Niros is far louder than previous versions and is likely far louder than the federally mandated minimums. I've heard both and the late model is truly on the level of a trash truck backing up.
Kia changed the volume level drastically in 2020. My '19 was not obnoxious at all. Kia says they are meeting the federal requirement, but I disagree. My Bolt was a '22 model, so meeting the same federal standard. And it wasn't loud at all, just the same Sci-Fi sound that my Niro had. The fact the Kia has reduced the volume for 2023 shows they know they messed it up.
I think something like this is the best solution. I don't mind the low speed sound. It's just the loud backup beep I want to kill. And then ONLY when backing in/out of the garage. No taking panels off, no wire taps, bumper removal, etc. The inline fuse allows the system to function as normal when sound is wanted. I believe this will also avoid voiding any warrantees. Note that this fuse is for the Active Air Flaps as well, so you don't want to disable this by just leaving the fuse out or risk electrical issues by wire taping. Go back to normal by simply removing the switch and putting the fuse back in. Easy to purchase parts and build your own.
Note: This is just my opinion. Of course everyone is free to choose their own path.
Link to switch
Note: This is just my opinion. Of course everyone is free to choose their own path.
Link to switch
With all due respect, removing the fuse is about the worst way to do this, and the one most likely to cause an actual problem, or warranty issue
(2020 PHEV) I have hated the reverse alarm since day 2 of owning this car. I was totally ambushed by the trash truck the first time I backed out of my driveway. Yes, I had used Reverse in my test driving, but in the nearly empty dealer lot near a busy road, and I must have had the windows closed. Was absolutely horrified when I heard the alarm bouncing off the houses and cars. Would not have bought the car had I caught this before signing. I do not often do early morning or late night trips that would wake or annoy my nearest 37 neighbors in a fairly dense suburban 'hood. But some recent trips have broken that streak and poked the wound, bringing me back to the forum.
Regarding the various discussions of how the beeper came to be so loud, I am firmly convinced that it is ENTIRELY Kia's fault for taking the cheapest and easiest possible route to implement the 2020 regulations, without any regard for real-world consequences. How so? They already had a VESS speaker in front for the forward-motion sound. Instead of adding a speaker in the rear, they just cranked up the beeper volume in the front loud enough to ensure meeting the regulation for going in reverse!
So, how loud does that need to be? Some technical stuff is below. The basic answer is a pedestrian needs to get sound at about the level of a low conversation 10 meters (40 feet) behind the car. Imagine talking with someone 40' away. Now, turn around and walk 15' further away (the length of a car) and, still facing away, resume your conversation. How loud do you have to SHOUT to be heard by the other person? This is what Kia did to avoid putting another lousy speaker on the car.
The proper (and legal) fix for this would be a factory rear-speaker retrofit kit, to direct the required minimum sound out the back instead of screaming out the front.
Technical references:
noiseawareness.org
www.noisequest.psu.edu
![Image]()
![Image]()
Regarding the various discussions of how the beeper came to be so loud, I am firmly convinced that it is ENTIRELY Kia's fault for taking the cheapest and easiest possible route to implement the 2020 regulations, without any regard for real-world consequences. How so? They already had a VESS speaker in front for the forward-motion sound. Instead of adding a speaker in the rear, they just cranked up the beeper volume in the front loud enough to ensure meeting the regulation for going in reverse!
So, how loud does that need to be? Some technical stuff is below. The basic answer is a pedestrian needs to get sound at about the level of a low conversation 10 meters (40 feet) behind the car. Imagine talking with someone 40' away. Now, turn around and walk 15' further away (the length of a car) and, still facing away, resume your conversation. How loud do you have to SHOUT to be heard by the other person? This is what Kia did to avoid putting another lousy speaker on the car.
The proper (and legal) fix for this would be a factory rear-speaker retrofit kit, to direct the required minimum sound out the back instead of screaming out the front.
Technical references:
Common Noise Levels - Noise Awareness Day
While noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, it is completely preventable by taking simple steps to avoid noise exposure and protect your hearing.
noiseawareness.org
PSU Noisequest
www.noisequest.psu.edu
121 - 140 of 142 Posts
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