AC smelling like vinegar

[Kia Guy]

Have a 2019 Kia Niro EV and have noticed that when I get into my car and it blows AC, it smells like vinegar.

I suppose this is isolated to the AC system. I don't know if this is related, but I change my cabin filter religiously every 10k. I'm only at 48k KMs.

Anyone experience this? Any quick fix?
If no quick fix, would this likely be covered by warranty?

 

[marshall]

It's probably bacteria or mold forming on the evaporator or rodent activity. You can try a few things to reduce or eliminate the odor.
1. Run the car's heater on high for awhile.
2. Change the cabin filter again.
3. Use one of aftermarket products to disinfect the evaporator. There's a bunch of YouTube videos on this process. Make sure you can live with the scent that is adding to these products before using.
4. Make sure you don't have any signs of rodent activity.

If you can run the car heater or run the blower without the AC on after using the AC to dry the evaporator, you can probably prevent this from happening in the future.

 

[Kia Guy]

It's probably bacteria or mold forming on the evaporator or rodent activity. You can try a few things to reduce or eliminate the odor.
1. Run the car's heater on high for awhile.
2. Change the cabin filter again.
3. Use one of aftermarket products to disinfect the evaporator. There's a bunch of YouTube videos on this process. Make sure you can live with the scent that is adding to these products before using.
4. Make sure you don't have any signs of rodent activity.

If you can run the car heater or run the blower without the AC on after using the AC to dry the evaporator, you can probably prevent this from happening in the future.

Ran the heater for 30 minutes while I updated the car's software. That seemed to do the trick. Checked motor compartment for signs of rodent(s), but could not find anything.

Much appreciated!