Have a 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Prestige with 17,000 miles. Today my wife noticed a chirping sound that only comes on with the AC. Sounds like an animal is trapped but I think it is something else. Turning the fan on high the chirp is higher pitched and more frequent than when on a lower setting. Took the cabin air filter cover off, removed the filter and felt inside the hamster cage. Couldn’t feel anything. Took some pictures and all is clean. I’m thinking the fan motor bearing. The filter was changed at 15,000 miles. Anyone else with this problem.
You've done some excellent detective work. The fact that the sound changes with the fan speed is a huge clue. Your suspicion about the blower motor bearing is very likely the correct diagnosis. A chirping sound that gets faster and louder with fan speed is a classic symptom of a worn-out bearing in the blower motor. The bearing is a component that helps the fan motor spin smoothly, and when it starts to fail, it can make a variety of noises, from a squeak to a chirp. The fact that you found nothing inside the "hamster cage" pretty much rules out a leaf or other debris.
It's not a common problem for a car with only 17,000 miles on it, but it does happen. A new blower motor should not have a failing bearing so soon, which is a sign of a possible defect.
The good news is that your car is a 2024 model and is well within the warranty period. This repair should be completely covered by the new vehicle warranty. You should take it to the dealership and tell them exactly what you told me. The sound is directly related to the AC, it changes with the fan speed, and you suspect the blower motor. This will give them a good place to start their diagnosis. It is definitely something that should be taken care of.
