Troubled by the front row vibration in my Tiago: Tata says it's normal

Strangely, this does not happen right after a cold start or until the engine heats up.

BHPian twominds recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello BHPians,

I own a 2021 Tata Tiago XZ+ Petrol, manual with 15k+ KM on ODO. I have been experiencing vibrations during idling mostly concentrated in the front row since last month which were not so noticeable in the last (almost) three years. Though it is a known fact that vibrations and Tata cars are inseparable, it was not so bad but I find it unbearable now.

Front passenger seat is the worst affected and the steering wheel vibrates too. Strangely, this does not happen right after a cold start or until the engine heats up (i.e, at least two or three bars on the temperature gauge). It's understood that the engine revs at a slightly higher RPM on a cold start, but why after the engine reaches its normal operating temperature just beats me!

I decided to bring it up during the next periodic service which was just around the corner. The service advisor suspected spark plugs, but they had to be replaced anyway per TATA's schedule. I knew this and insisted on using NGK Iridium Spark plugs since I have been hearing good feedback from my fellow Tata car owners. He flatly refused saying they are not allowed to use anything other than what TATA supplied ones - BOSCH spark plugs. BTW, I have bought an extended warranty (valid until 2026). So I convinced myself that I will have to live with BOSCH spark plugs and returned.

As expected the TASC did not find any problems and asked me to get it back if I find any problems. I immediately took it for a test drive (though it was dark) and after driving for 10-15 mins it was clear that the problem was not resolved.

Not satisfied with the explanation, I reached out to TATA Customer Care. Next day I received an email and also a call from TATA Motors, they put me through to various people and I clearly expressed that I was not happy. Finally, they put me through to the same service centre and asked me to get my car the next day for a re-check. I clearly told them the Service advisor is not at fault here and I do not wish to blame him. I know him and and have had some good experiences with other problems with my car.

Next day I dropped my car and the regional CRM from TATA dropped in to take a look. Later they called me up and said there was nothing wrong. Meanwhile, when I was in the service centre I just requested the technician attending to another Tiago to let me check it - just start and idle for a few mins. It seemed way better than mine!

I just returned feeling hopeless.

Summary of what has been done so far by the TASC:

• Spark plugs replaced (as per schedule)
• MAP, MAF, Lambda (oxygen) sensors checked, cleaned - no issues found
• No DTCs reported (no value addition)
• Air filter replaced
• Timing belt checked

Importantly almost everyone, TATA motors, TASC seem to be parroting one line: "This is how a three-cylinder engine behaves". I personally am not satisfied because I know my car, I love it - it was definitely not this bad. In the last three years, I have had some really wonderful road trips and now I just feel sad even looking at the car and really want to resolve this!

What else can I do now, help me out!

Here's what BHPian Lemonysnicketz had to say about the matter:

Hey,

I own a Tiago JTP. From my experience it could be one of two things:

• A and C engine mounts. They are most prone to failure especially the C mount which is under the engine and right below the front row. Look for cracks in the rubber of the mount.
• Clutch release bearing. Tata TA65 gearboxes are notorious for cheating through release bearings. Easy way to check is if there is a difference in vibrations when you engage and disengage the clutch in neutral.

Hoping this helps.

- your neighborhood Tata vibration enthusiast

Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say about the matter:

I experienced something similar in my Jeep Compass. In my case the culprits were-

• Bad Engine C mount.
• Bad Alternator.

Replaced both of them for 1.10 lacs. Jeep parts are Merc, BMW, and Audi like expensive.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:

Most likely culprit is bad engine mounts. One or more may need replacement, you need to have the car inspected at any other dealership or any competent garage.

Here's what BHPian SS-Traveller had to say about the matter:

Suspicion is, one of the ignition coils is failing when hot. Swap out all the ignition coils with new ones (or from another car which has no vibrations), and check again.

Here's what BHPian Jeroen had to say about the matter:

Although a bad coil tends to throw various error codes, I have seen a few cases where it did not.

I don’t know if your engine has a dual flywheel or some harmonic damper. Both can cause these sorts of symptoms when beginning to fail. And it usually shows up when everything warms up, rather than cold.

I would also check very carefully the proper alignment of the exhaust and the exhaust rubbers. As the exhaust warms up it expands and perhaps it just starts touching something.

There could be other possible causes as well. Notably the ignition (pre) timing and or advance.

Is the idle RPM set correctly? Don't go by the rev counter, but check with an external device.

Good luck, let us know what happens.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.