One possible resolution is to trade in the AWD with vibration issues for a FWD and get better
tires and/or a winter set. It’s pretty darn close to the same performance as an AWD with stock
tires, no risk of vibration issues, less road noise, better fuel efficiency, same towing capacity, more cargo capacity, and less cost overall to buy and to maintain. If reported vibration issues in AWD start to climb it may mean that FWDs also retain their value better than AWDs. I personally would not buy a used AWD without having it thoroughly inspected by a mechanic looking for these types of issues. Of course if you picked a package that bundles in AWD this is not an option.
If enough people shy away or voice their concerns before placing an order for the AWD for fear of vibration problems Kia may address the issue at inspection time. But as long as they keep selling the problem might continue to be classified as insignificant until the model reliability rating years from now says differently. If you can’t detect it unless you go 80mph I doubt they have it in their quality test plan to drive it that fast off the assembly line. As long as the AWDs are in high demand this is a potential problem that is only growing because they are building more and getting them done faster unless they address catching it somehow at factory inspection at quality control checkpoints.
I know I’ve been challenged on this forum for my opinion of better winter
tires on a FWD being as good as AWD with all season
tires. This vibration problem is an example that AWD is introducing more issues to worry about. I think modern AWD (not 4WD or 4x4) is in part a gimmick to charge more and make people feel they are buying something that will help them drive better. As long as you drive for the conditions and have
tires for the conditions a FWD in snow is a perfectly safe option. AWD will not get you to your destination any faster.
If you have one on order, this is just an idea to consider or feel free to ignore me. My advice is free either way. Consider if you get one with the bum differential, are you more likely to drive fast in good conditions to notice the vibration or are you more likely going to need the minor added acceleration during heavy rain and snow? If enough low mileage AWDs start showing up on used lots that will send a message and Kia will start to wonder.
If you already bought your AWD and want to keep it even though you are experiencing the vibration this post may not help you and I’m sorry for your troubles and hope that Kia will do right by you.
If you are holding out for a TSB or recall, it may take a while. Consider Kia just issued one that could impact as many as 295,000 vehicles. Until this is a problem of critical mass this could just continue to be a problem for individual service departments to handle on a case-by-case.
Kia Recalls 295,000 Cars in U.S. for Engine-Compartment Fire Risk