2014 Prius help identify sound and issue - High pitch noise near front bumper when engine is turned

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by wezzdc, Nov 26, 2025 at 2:14 AM.

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  1. wezzdc

    wezzdc New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Please help! Trying to save money and fix it myself, so would appreciate the help because I couldn't find anything on YouTube that sounded anywhere near similar to my problem.

    My car is making a really weird noise so I'm scared to drive it to a repair shop or anywhere beyond my garage.

    Context I recently came into some car problems when I drove over a curb at a decent speed. And airbags were deployed after getting off the curb lol

    After recharging the 12-volt battery, I can start and drive the car. I can change gears easily, and there are no engine check lights at all. The only lights that are on are the airbag lights. In fact, it feels perfect when driving it, but I've only driven it at low speeds at 5 miles per hour.

    However, there's this really loud high pitch sound coming from the front of the car. Please see the video. I can feel vibrations at the front bumper of the car, but there is no vibrations coming from the engine. I've also checked the oil level for the engine, and all the reservoirs from the top of the hood look pretty good. At the bottom, there's also a catalytic converter shield installed.

    I have a whole list of youtube unlisted videos but I can't post links yet. I can DM you the links

    Main sound:
    Undercarriage videos:
    Engine bay video (turned off):

    2014 Prius 170k miles
     
  2. wezzdc

    wezzdc New Member

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    I have the unlisted youtube links but I still can't post them, I'm trying to hit the minimum posts needed.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Blown air bags usually equals write-off. What’s your insurance, just liability, no collision?
     
  4. indel

    indel Junior Member

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    Your car will need to put on a lift for diagnosis since you went over the curb with enough speed to cause airbag deployment. Also, I am pretty sure you need to report the airbag problem to your insurance.