Rattles Everywhere!

[concentrate_synonym]

Hi there. I know rattles have been mentioned plenty on these forums, and I looked through some other threads, but most didn't seem to match my rattles.

The thing is, I can't even keep track of the rattles, so I don't know how to fix them all. I've definitely had the plastic speedometer and tachometer covers rattle. I asked for them to be fixed, but they've come back. Since then, I've had:

A weird almost crinkling noise coming from the left side of the dashboard under the windshield.

A rattle from the passenger side, which I can't narrow down at all because I'm on the wrong side.

A rattle somewhere behind and to my left (but less frequently).

I don't even know how to describe some of these to the dealer, considering I don't even know where all of them come from. I've also had a weird sort of grinding noise that seems to happen after I've been going highway speeds and I slow way down. It sounds like it's coming from the hood area near the bottom of the car, but who knows.

Does anyone have any experience with getting any of these fixed? I find myself turning up music to overcome the general noise in my car. I'm moderately annoyed by this, considering it makes the car come off as poorly manufactured. I like a lot about the Focus, but I find myself thinking/worrying about it too much. Thanks in advance!

[Sponsor]

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by concentrate_synonym

Hi there. I know rattles have been mentioned plenty on these forums, and I looked through some other threads, but most didn't seem to match my rattles.

The thing is, I can't even keep track of the rattles, so I don't know how to fix them all. I've definitely had the plastic speedometer and tachometer covers rattle. I asked for them to be fixed, but they've come back. Since then, I've had:

A weird almost crinkling noise coming from the left side of the dashboard under the windshield.

A rattle from the passenger side, which I can't narrow down at all because I'm on the wrong side.

A rattle somewhere behind and to my left (but less frequently).

I don't even know how to describe some of these to the dealer, considering I don't even know where all of them come from. I've also had a weird sort of grinding noise that seems to happen after I've been going highway speeds and I slow way down. It sounds like it's coming from the hood area near the bottom of the car, but who knows.

Does anyone have any experience with getting any of these fixed? I find myself turning up music to overcome the general noise in my car. I'm moderately annoyed by this, considering it makes the car come off as poorly manufactured. I like a lot about the Focus, but I find myself thinking/worrying about it too much. Thanks in advance!

Hi concentrate_synonym,

When you took your vehicle in to the dealership, did you have the Service Tech ride along with you for a test drive? Sometimes showing them/letting them hear the sound is beneficial when they're trying to chase down mysterious noises and rattles. The next time you're ready to have the dealer check this out, give me a heads up and I'll be happy to escalate your case to your region's customer service manager. All I'll need is a PM from you with your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll do the rest.

Have a great day!
Crystal

[Rememo]

Yeah... these little buggers are rattle traps. I have:

A rattle coming from the seat belt adjuster right next to my ear.
Multiple headliner rattles.
A rattle coming from the sun roof.
A rattle coming from the gauge pod.
A very strange sounding rattle coming from the steering column.
A rattle coming from the passenger seat.
Multiple rattles coming from various doors.
And... an annoying squeak coming from the rear (passenger) side.

Of course, based on temperature, speed, engine RPM, and the phase of the moon, they come and go, so tracking them down would be very difficult.

[Seriously Focused]

Originally Posted by Rememo

Yeah... these little buggers are rattle traps. I have:

A rattle coming from the seat belt adjuster right next to my ear.
Multiple headliner rattles.
A rattle coming from the sun roof.
A rattle coming from the gauge pod.
A very strange sounding rattle coming from the steering column.
A rattle coming from the passenger seat.
Multiple rattles coming from various doors.
And... an annoying squeak coming from the rear (passenger) side.

Of course, based on temperature, speed, engine RPM, and the phase of the moon, they come and go, so tracking them down would be very difficult.

How many miles did you have on your car before you started noticing all the noises ?
I have just under 8000 miles and no rattles yet.

[Rememo]

Originally Posted by Seriously Focused

How many miles did you have on your car before you started noticing all the noises ?
I have just under 8000 miles and no rattles yet.

You're lucky. Mine started at 500 miles, and have gotten worse up to my current 7500 miles. Mine was built in December of '11.

[kam327]

I have 9500 miles, 12/11 build. Intermittent rattles in the dash area which can usually be temporarily cured with a good punch. But I have a constant rattle above 45mph in the passenger area. Happens with or without passenger. Took it to the dealer recently and they replaced the interior A-pillar molding which they claimed was warped, hitting the windshield and therefore causing the rattle. Did not solve my rattle (no idea which rattle they think they solved). This weekend I plan to get underneath and check for anything loose.

[pkj099]

im starting to get rattles in my 12 titanium sedan...fml

[IngotFoFo]

I've noticed a rattle from passenger side before when my car was idling. My guess is that it was the hood rattling against the headlight housing. It doesn't bother me though because its not that loud.