Vibe/Matrix rattle

My 2004 Vibe has the potential to be a great car (layout, versatility, mileage, etc.) but ever since I bought it seven months ago, I've been experiencing various rattles from behind the dash. The dealer tries to stop them, but since they are not constant, it's coincidential if I'm near the dealer when it is rattling. So, they try to tighten up anything behind the dash. Now I have a new rattle from somewhere on the passenger side. Has anyone experienced this? Are there any solutions to this problem? It's ruining what should be a happy experience - a shiny new car. That doesn't happen to me too often and I'm disappointed. Thanks for any feedback.

Reply to
Ralph K.
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2003 Corolla. Same complaints about transient plastic panel rattles and buzzes going over road bumps. During a brief vacation last May, I drove down a graded dirt road for about 4-5 miles. I was able to pinpoint 13 different points that made the interior sound like the car was going to fall apart! DISGUSTING! While not a "failure" (warranty), it was too irritating to ignore. My dealer sensing what he would be up against and knowing the kind of customer I am, put me with an interior technician (radios, stereos, seats, gizmo installer kid) who gave me a 12x18" piece of adhesive backed felt and instructions on how to disassemble the dash as needed. It's easy, really. I stopped 10 out of 13 sources with this stuff. The RADIO was the single worst offender followed by the instrument cluster hood and the roof pillar covers. One that I have not been able to fix is the rear view mirror itself. It crackles at times .... has to do with the night/day flipper mechanism (?).
Reply to
Philip®

These repairs were not covered by your warranty?? I've not heard anything this ludicrous for a while (unless your warranty had expired).

Reply to
hyundaitech

Philly

To fix rear view mirror noises, silicone seal a block of steel on the right side of the back of the mirror this will take the slack or play out of the pivot point. I did this to mine years ago after it developed an annoying tick sound.

I used a piece of 1 inch round stock cut about 1 - 1/4 long.

========= Harryface =========

1991 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3800 V6 ( C ), Black/Slate Grey _~_~_~280,596 miles_~_~_

~_~_~_~_U.S.A._~_~_~_~_~_

~~~The Former Fleet ~~~

89 Cavalier Z 24 convertible 78 Holiday 88 coupe 68 LeSabre convertible 73 Impala sedan
Reply to
Harry Face

Yes they are. In fact on the inside they're the exact same vehicle, apart from the logo on the steering wheel.

Reply to
Darkblood

I recently test drove several vibes. One had a terrible rattle in the dash. Two had peeling or missing chunks of paint. One had missing chunks of pain the size of postage stamps and smelled like rotten egg sewer gas.

This is a terrible shame.

I really like this car - but I am afraid to actually buy one.

Reply to
Moodfoul

I have a Vibe, and am not having any trouble.

I heard a heavy rattle near the unoccupoed passenger seat, and found the seat belt buckle hanging down and swinging free.

There is a slot on the lock pillar several inches below the upper pulley, and I tucked it into that.

No dash squeaks - knock on wood.

RRon snipped-for-privacy@aol.com

Reply to
GHOF

I've had my Vibe since 1/2004 - 7k miles - no problems so far.

KOW!

Steve

Reply to
StephenP

I had the rattle behind the instrument cluster. I pulled out the bracket, put some tape on the metal finger and put it back in.

Reply to
Tj

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