My Prius has developed a very annoying rattle

How many miles are currently on your Prius?

 

Watch out because sounds seem to reflect off the windshield that come from different areas in the car.

 

Check the upper glove box shelf and make sure it is properly installed in the slots and tabs.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jc1745 @ Nov 9 2007, 11:06 AM) [snapback]537256[/snapback]</div>

I've also been noticing a rumble during bumps from that area (2006@23k miles). Not too bad so far.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jc1745 @ Nov 9 2007, 04:46 PM) [snapback]537421[/snapback]</div>

I'd still check it. The shape of the interior makes finding rattles very hard.

Ours rattles like an old Chevy.

 

sound waves can bounce around and make you think it's coming from one side when it is the other.

 

We have repaired several dash rattles at the shop I work at. Try placing your hand flat on the dash just in front of the dash display and press up and down a few times. If you hear a "plastic on plastic" rubbing sound, of you hear a rattle by lightly slapping that same spot, the most likely cause is either the combination meter needs some foam tape added or the defroster vent may be loose. Again, adding foam tape can usually eliminate the noise.

If you are no longer under warranty, the repair is still rather simple. Most of the dash pieces are "snap together" with the addition of several philips head screws, a couple of 10 mm bolts and the two 12 mm bolts holding the passenger airbag in place.

Rattling sounds from the corners of the dash area may also be loose a/c duct work. Removing the upper half of the dash exposes the ducts and can allow easy access for adding insulating foam.

 

We just brought our 2007 in for a rattle coming from passenger side area. The dealership where we bought it new replaced the front passenger seat. It was found to have a rattle in the back rest some where. Maybe yours is coming from the same area on the drivers side. We noticed it more on side roads then on freeways.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ Nov 9 2007, 07:40 PM) [snapback]537571[/snapback]</div>

Mine, too. My previous car ... a VW GTI ... was *supposedly* notorious for rattles and noises from the interior ... at least according to 90% of respondants over at VWVortex.com.

Compared to my Prius, the GTI was a fricking vault.

I am very disappointed in the poor quality of the interior materials.

Oh, well ... still love the car.

 

If you can find a not too busy streach of road where you can match the speed for the rattle, get it rattling and then reach over and press on the interior covering of the window pillres, window glass, dash parts, etc. or have an assistant doing this, you may find it, but I agree, the acoustics of the car are such that the direction from which the sound is coming my fool you. I have hear noises that sound like they are up in the head liner, and then traced them to an empty soda can in the cup holders.

 

Mine "farts" when I push down on the brake pedal. The noise seems to come from the wheel wells. I've learned to just hit the brakes lightly and not push down too hard at a complete stop.

 

I traced a rattle I swore was coming from the passenger door, to my Maui's in the overhead sunglasses holder!

And a dash rattel to the center speaker connector I had disconnected months earlier.

Can't blame Toyota for those. So overall she's been a tight ship.

 

From your description, it sounds like the rattle may be coming from the small plastic triangular panel, which can be popped out very easily for inspection. Take a small butter knife and pry it out. Good luck.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jc1745 @ Nov 9 2007, 10:06 AM) [snapback]537256[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Nov 14 2007, 10:26 PM) [snapback]539830[/snapback]</div>

Mine has had this rattle every winter. It's easy to confirm it--just hold it down and the noise stops. Goes away in summer, as the plastic is more flexible (and probably expands). One of these days I'll remove those panels (where the little vent is) and put some thin foam tape or thin foam packing sheet material under it to stop the rattle.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samoan_ridah @ Nov 14 2007, 06:25 PM) [snapback]539699[/snapback]</div>

There is a thread on the TSB Forum about the Flatulent Brakes

http://priuschat.com/index.php?s=&show...st&p=530511

 

I found my rumble rattle: it is the small plastic dashboard piece you see when you look into the small front side window - drivers side. It is not totally tight and so it rattles a little.

 

Looking through other posts it seems several other people have the same passenger seat rattle that I have. I also a rattle in the middle of the dash - and when i put my hand down on it, it stops.

It has been pretty cold in toronto, so hopefully the warmer weather will help - if not, it sounds like i can get the dealer to take the dashboard off and install some foam tape.

The car is so quiet, these minor rattles sound so loud and are so annoying. I've had the car for just over a week. I'm coming from a 2006 3 series BMW and the Prius does not yet compare to the quality of the BMW interior. Funny, cause the Prius payment is $100 more a month than I paid for the BMW!