Clicking noise from a just-bought-certified 2015 Prius C two

Hmm, hard to say what that may be. Being only intermittent, it's pretty much guaranteed if you took it into the dealership that they wouldn't be able to "duplicate customers concern". Maybe try to get a recording of it on your cellphone and re-post here? Might also check the air intake for the High Voltage battery which is under the backseat of your car. The intake for that is on drivers side, lower panel of the rear seat. I suppose it's possible there could be a leaf in that fan... Who knows, anything is possible.

btw, that air intake for your high voltage battery is something you want to keep an eye on. Periodically check to make sure that filter screen is clean. It's easy to do.

 

13400 miles means still under warranty, right?

 

Have you taken it to them?

 

Then it seems like you've found the solution. Always have your phone ready and the issue will never recur.

 

Unfortunately, virtually impossible to know given information available.
My only advice would be to at least establish with your dealership-or "a" dealership that you believe it's a problem and issue. Then just be ready to record when and if it manifests again.

Maybe finding a dealership you feel better about, and maybe finding one willing to be more aggressive in helping you track down the issue. But I'm afraid your going to have to wait until you can get more tangible evidence. Either it happening more often or an actual recording, or both.

In ANY service departments defense, it is difficult to track something like this down, if a customer is saying it makes this sound, but is at the moment NOT making that sound.

You say it sounds "like" these other sounds. Any idea of direction or source area of the sounds? Where it seems to be emanating might go a long way in ruling out what it is NOT. No use it hunting down areas behind you....if the sound is coming from in front of you..or vice versa.

Good Luck.

 

Going by location, about the only thing I can think of is the auto HVAC system. Try changing modes or putting it under load to see if that gets it clicking.

There are small electric servomotors which actuate linkages to move the air blend doors in the system. This is how it directs flow between feet, face & defog. Another mixes air-conditioned air with heated air to hit the temp setting.

If one of the linkages is getting stuck, the motor can fight it causing a repeated clicking.

 

You'll have to read the fine print on your paperwork. Which warranty and who underwrote it? Certain parts may still be covered under one of the original warranties- that's good at all Toyota dealers nationwide. Other parts would only be covered under the used car warranty you bought with the car from the selling dealer, and claims could only be made to them directly.

These cars are heavily computer-controlled and they will perform certain operations without your involvement, particularly relating to evaporative emissions management. It is normal for the car to make operational noises after you've shut down and departed. Eventually you'll pick up the pattern and stop noticing it.