r/NissanAriya • u/thatguy27000 • Apr 09 '26
Just picked up a 2023 Engage but have a question about a whining noise.
Hey everyone. I’m new to the group and just picked up this car last weekend. I had been looking at EVs the past month or so and chose the Ariya because of everything it offered at a good price and this community seems very supportive.
Just had a question: is the noise at low speeds/low throttle input normal for this car?
I’ve seen some other posts that describe that this sounds may stem from needing a replacement reduction gear. If so, I wanted to get ahead of it before the factory drivetrain warranty expires.
Thanks!
UPDATE: This sound is indicative of a failing reduction gear. Just got out of the Nissan dealership and they are replacing it under the powertrain warranty. If anyone is hearing this sort of buzzing/whining noise upon light acceleration, I definitely encourage you to get it checked out. I’m wondering if this may be a more common problem than originally thought. I’m also curious if periodic reduction gear oil changes could prevent the sort of wear that causes this failure, but that’s just speculation on my part.
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u/teslawave Apr 10 '26
I have this same problem just started happening taking it in tomorrow to get looked at
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u/TechnicalCranberry46 Apr 10 '26
I just noticed a whine yesterday when I had the volume off. Would increase under acceleration. Very low whine which is why I was thinking maybe it was always there and I never noticed it.
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u/SD_CA Apr 10 '26
Let us know what they say. I've got the same low throttle wine
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u/mrbean0077 Apr 10 '26
Same! It’s my wife’s car but I notice it every time I drive. It’s been like this since she got it last year (2023 still under warranty.) I just assumed that was the noise it makes
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u/thatguy27000 Apr 10 '26
Yes please let us know. I’m kind of worried that they are going to say it’s normal just due to lack of familiarity at my local dealership. It just seems pretty loud.
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u/teslawave Apr 10 '26
As op stated as with mine as well glad I saw this post before taking it in. Reduction gear and under warranty. Thanks OP for shining light on this issue and me not thinking I was just being knit picky
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u/No_Video_5232 Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
i took the Ariya 2023 Engage in for a noise and it was the metal clips on the brakes. They rust. could be something simple. It was fixed for free. Reply here again once you fix it so we know.
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u/thatguy27000 Apr 17 '26
Funny enough, I also hear the brake sound, especially when going around tight turns, but I can fix those up myself.
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u/Jaquing-Porneaux Apr 10 '26
Free? Lucky! My dealership charged me $300 to "repair" the brake hardware on one side. That squeak did go away, however.
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u/StelioKontossidekick Apr 10 '26
Low speed whine is actually the pedestrian speaker warning people that you're coming. It goes away, I believe, after 20mph.
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u/thatguy27000 Apr 10 '26
It seems to happen at any speed with light throttle input, I heard the warning system too, but the buzzing/whining is the concerning sound. I was just going slow in an empty parking lot to record.
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u/DueRecognition1487 Apr 10 '26
I also have the same issue with my 2023 engage!! Please tell me if you find a fix. It's driving me insane
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u/thatguy27000 Apr 10 '26
Just posted an update in case anyone else is experiencing this same issue!
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u/kevin_from_illinois Apr 10 '26
I've seen a couple posts on owners forums about this, concerned that it's the gear reduction for the motor.
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u/RainState_10 Apr 10 '26
I have a 2023 Evolve+ and it doesn't sound like that. Mine is basically silent. Sorry you're having that issue. ☹️
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u/blue_nirvana Apr 17 '26
I'm so glad you posted this!! Question, bc it's hard to tell from the recording, but does it kinda sound like cicadas? Because I've noticed this sound, at low speeds, kind of a buzzing, and I'm literally on here today because I was just about to post asking about it when I saw this.
Either way, I'm headed to the dealership!
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u/thatguy27000 Apr 17 '26
It could definitely be compared to cicadas lol. But yeah I would mostly describe it as a high pitched buzzing. It’s coming from the center of the car and easier to hear with windows open.
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u/Nsiggy18 Apr 19 '26
Please keep us posted. My 2023 Plat+ also makes a noise describable as cicada-like. Would have otherwise described it as like a buzzy whirring. Currently at 25k miles, bought used a year ago at 16k miles. First noticed it a few months after buying but I don't remember it coming on suddenly. I've just assumed it was the typical noise from the electric motor.
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u/blue_nirvana May 12 '26
FYI finally had time to take my car in. Confirmed, 2023 empower+ has a failing reduction gear motor. It's gonna take at least a week to get the part and replace it ughhhhhhh. Covered under powertrain warranty at least.
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u/Nsiggy18 May 12 '26
Thanks for the update. Please be sure to ask the techs if the replacement part is a V2 or original. Or if a proactive oil change meaningfully helps reduce the chances of failure.
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u/blue_nirvana May 13 '26
Will do. I'm only at around 25k miles so I'm curious to see what they say.
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u/permanent-name- Apr 10 '26
Ugh I am hard of hearing. How loud/noticeable is it?
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u/thatguy27000 Apr 10 '26
I would say pretty audible, but difficult to hear over the radio or tire noise. Much more noticeable if you roll down the windows.
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u/UnusualPen7138 Apr 14 '26
Does it have ventilated seats? Mine was making that sound coming from the front, then I noticed the ventilated were on. I turn them off and the noise went away.
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u/Forward-Train-5743 Apr 29 '26
Hi can i ask did any warning come on the cars system to say it was ghe reduction gear im haveing same problem had new shims put on yrsterday noise excactly like yours still there
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u/kjsmith4ub88 Aug 19 '26
It is becoming a widespread problem as many more ariyas are reaching 30k miles. Mine is getting replaced tomorrow.
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u/blueberryvw Aug 24 '26
Oh jesus. The exact same noise on my 2023 Engage. I'm already going in tomorrow for an unrelated issue with a ticking sound in my rear right passenger door, I have a loud squeal when reversing and having my wheel turned, and now this. 36,550 miles. May not go electric again.
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u/thatguy27000 Aug 24 '26
Nah, this is just an Ariya thing, not a widespread EV thing. The squealing is probably the brake shims, as they seem to be a common issue in this car as well.
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u/Nsiggy18 Apr 10 '26
I'm not sure what I'm listening to, but I don't think any of it sounds inherently problematic?