Manpat

Buzzing, propeller plane like noise suddenly started coming from the front when driving. Can only hear when windows are closed. Noise becomes noticeable above around 30 mph and increases and decreases with speed. Louder around 40-50 mph. Seems to become low pitch and less louder above 60 mph. No abnormal noise when revving the engine in park. No issues with transmission shifting. No noticeable play in wheels. Need help diagnosing the issue. Thanks in advance.

dwest1023

Is the vehicle AWD?

dopeboy1

If AWD then it's the prop shaft. Common issue on these cars unfortunately.

Manpat

No it’s FWD, base model.

heyjon

Tire(s) may be out of balance. Same noise happened to me about a year back. Happened when I hit 50 mph though. 2012 AWD.

csmeance

check the chrome strips that run from the base of the windshield all the way to the base of the rear window! The rubber comes loose off the trim and starts flapping in the wind when driving.

Manpat

Thank you. Although the noise is resonating as if when a shaft is rotating and you hear a sound at certain frequency. It’s certainly not a flapping sound. I will check the tire balance and the chrome strips and report back.

Manpat

Checked for loose chrome strips and found everything fine. Balanced and rotated tires today. The noise seems to have subsided a bit, but it is still there. Mechanic checked for the front wheels while rotating the tires and did not sense any play. Just want to mention I had replaced the transmission fluid with the new DW-1. Did not change the filter, and there is a mix of new and old trans fluid (DW1 and Z1). Did not change the filter this time. Also had timing belt, water pump replaced a few months ago. I do not think anyone of these is causing the noise, but I am not 100% sure. No issue with trans shifting and I do not think timing belt and water pump are noisy because the noise comes only when the car is moving. I am puzzled! Anybody else has any thoughts - would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Georgiey22

I’d suspect it was bad wheel bearings. My bearings had to be replaced at 58,000 miles in the rear.