Anyone else's Kia smelling like vinegar? Need help!

Maintenance and Repairs
1

I’ve been experiencing this strange smell in my Kia that reminds me of vinegar, especially when I turn on the air conditioning. It’s really frustrating, and I can’t figure out what’s causing it. I’ve read that this could be linked to a couple of things, like mold or mildew buildup in the AC system,

Potential Causes

  • Mold or Mildew: It seems quite common for these to develop in the AC evaporator when moisture gets trapped.
  • Leaking Battery: Some users mentioned that if the battery is leaking, it can also emit a sour smell, which might be mistaken for vinegar.
  • Odors from Sealants: I’ve also seen people note that sometimes sealants used in manufacturing can produce odd smells as they break down over time.

What I’ve Tried

  • Cleaning the AC System: I did some DIY cleaning by spraying an AC cleaner through the air intake, but the smell hasn’t gone away.
  • Checking the Cabin Filter: Replacing the cabin air filter is another step I took, but no luck yet.

Questions for the Community

  • Has anyone else dealt with this issue?
  • What steps did you take to resolve the smell?
  • Is it worth taking it to the dealership, or can I handle it myself?

Every bit of advice or personal experience would be greatly appreciated! Let’s figure this out together.

1 Like
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I’ve noticed my Kia smelling like vinegar too! I think it might be an issue with the HVAC system. Mold can really build up in there, especially if you live in a humid area.

8 Likes
3

I thought I was the only one! It’s definitely a weird smell. If it’s mold, you might want to check the cabin filter as well.

4

Vinegar smells can also come from food spills! Check under the seats or in the cup holders. I had an apple slice roll under my seat once and it got really funky.

5

Haha, that’s such a relatable experience! I found an old sandwich once. Cleanliness is key!

6

Have you guys tried running the AC on high to see if that helps? Sometimes that can clear out any stagnant air and help with the smell.

7

Good tip! I might give that a go. Just hoping it’s not something more serious with the HVAC.

8

I’m curious, has anyone checked for any leaks? A coolant leak can sometimes emit a funky vinegar smell too.

9

That’s a good point! I’ll definitely look out for that. It’s such a mystery why our Kias smell like this.

10

Honestly, I find it strange that so many Kias have this smell. Is it a manufacturing issue? I’d be curious to know if there’s any recall associated with it.

11

Great question! I haven’t heard of any recalls, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is related to the materials used during production.

12

Maybe it’s just a quirky thing about Kias! They have their charm. But seriously, good luck with the smell—it can be annoying!

13

Thanks for the support, everyone! I guess we all have a similar problem. Let’s keep sharing tips to tackle this vinegar mystery together.

14

I’ve noticed the vinegar smell in my Kia too! It could be due to mold or mildew caused by trapped moisture. Might want to check under the mats and in the vents.

2 Likes
15

Exactly! Mold can pose health risks, especially for those with allergies. It’s essential to address it quickly.

16

I think it might also be an issue with the AC system. When they get damp, they can start to smell pretty funky. Have you tried running the heat for a while? Sometimes that helps dry things out.

17

Good tip! That’s a simple fix if it helps with moisture. I hate the idea of mold lurking in my car!

18

I’ve heard that vinegar smell can indicate serious issues with interior moisture. If left unchecked, it could affect passengers’ health over time. Definitely worth a thorough inspection.

7 Likes
19

Totally agree! I wonder, has anyone had success eliminating the smell? Maybe we can share some solutions!

1 Like
20

I just ran some moisture absorbers in my car, and it’s helped reduce the smell significantly. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution!