Mitsubishi Lancer in Tampines produces explosive exhaust pipe noises with sparks, LTA takes enforcement action

A car in Tampines has been producing loud explosive exhaust noises to the chagrin of public housing residents there.

The noise was apparently so loud that residents of more than 10 blocks within a 500m radius of the car have heard it before, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Explosive pops

Footage of the red Mitsubishi Lancer travelling away from Block 660B Tampines Street 64 was put up online.

@shinmindailynews 【本地】改装车喷火爆响，十多座组屋居民受扰 一辆改装轿车近日频频在淡滨尼64街一带的组屋区“喧闹”，不仅排气管发出爆炸声响，还会喷出火光，声势骇人。 有居民反映，噪音已持续一两个月，每周都会出现，也有小孩半夜被吓醒。 专家表示，在陆交局规定下，车辆引擎改装须申请批准，但若出现喷火现象，一般都属于违法。（报道：管雅凡，拍摄：庄耿闻，剪辑：黄于殷） 新明电子报 一元掌握天下事 #shinmindailynews #新明日报 #新加坡新闻 #新加坡 #sgnews #sg ♬ original sound - 新明日报

The vehicle was heard producing a succession of about five to six loud explosive pops as it accelerated away.

Sparks could also be seen being emitted from its exhaust pipe.

However, a check on the OneMotoring website on Mar. 26 showed that the car's road tax details no longer existed.

Complaints

According to an earlier post on Facebook, the loud noises emitted, as part of its afterfire, could be heard late at night as well.

The post also tagged the relevant authorities.

Residents have filed complaints via the OneService app, according to Shin Min.

Illegal modifications?

The vehicle is believed to have undergone illegal modifications.

An auto repair shop practitioner told Shin Min that sparks and loud noises can be caused by modifying or lengthening the exhaust pipe or through engine modification, which will enable a vehicle to go faster.

Such modifications can cost between S$20,000 and S$30,000.

Car owners might be able to carry out these modifications in Malaysia, which is cheaper.

LTA enforcement action

Mothership received a copy of an email complaint submitted to LTA regarding the noise produced by the vehicle.

An LTA personnel responded to the complainant with an email reply on Mar. 24 that said:

"Please be informed that our enforcement officer has conducted check on the reported vehicle location and appropriate enforcement action has been taken accordingly."

What residents and MP said

Residents interviewed said they were aware of the vehicle's presence and loud exhaust sounds because they had encountered it before.

One resident said the noise was disruptive, given that the estate was relatively new and there are many young families who have just moved in.

Another resident said he was aware of the noises occurring over the past one to two months.

The MP of the area, Baey Yam Keng, told Shin Min he was informed about the vehicle in late January 2026.

Residents had flagged the noise disturbance in a Telegram group previously.

As there was no specific information about the vehicle, the authorities were unable to take action, Baey said.

He added that a resident only recently managed to obtain the car's licence plate number and a video of the noise emitted.

Baey said he immediately notified LTA.

Penalties

Individuals who illegally modify vehicles can be fined up to S$20,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.

Penalties are doubled for repeat offenders.

Workshops that engage in illegal modifications can be fined up to S$40,000.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$80,000.

Top photos via SG Road Vigilante