Rattles in Prius

[Hpaul]

Just bought a 2012 Prius. Very pleased with car so far but the car is spoilt by annoying rattles from the interior. Would toyota dealer be likely to be able to remedy this?

[FROSTYBALLS]

Depends whether the rattles are in evidence when the dealer sees it.

[Hpaul]

I could certainly demonstrate the rattle. It seems to be coming from the rear of the cabin.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Just a thought - are the seats properly latched?

[Hpaul]

I have checked that. Maybe it is rear hatch?

[Heidfirst]

or parcel shelf?

Can you get someone to sit in the back whilst you drive?

[Hpaul]

No parcel shelf in the Prius, it has a removable tonneau cover which I have removed.

[PeteB]

Have you checked everything is secure under the boot floor? (spare wheel, tools etc.)

Also, if the previous owner drastically overinflated the tyres to improve mpg, that wouldn't help.

My 2012 Gen 3 almost never rattles unless I'm on an extremely rough surface, and if it does, it's usually something loose in one of the glove boxes or other cubbies.

Having someone in the back is a good idea because sounds in a car can bounce off windows and appear to be coming from a different area to where they originate. 

In a previous car, I was sure I had a rattle from the passenger side until I sat in the passenger seat with someone else driving and it sounded as if it was coming from the driver side.

[ShahA]

On 29 January 2016 at 11:12 PM, FROSTYBALLS said:

Depends whether the rattles are in evidence when the dealer sees it.

 

[Hpaul]

After some investigation it seems that main source of rattles is the hard plastic trays etc in the rear hatch area under the boot floor. Judicious positioning of small lengths of foam draught stripping has cut rattles by 90%. I will now do the job properly and hope to cut 99% of the rattles. Thank you all for your suggestions.

[Hpaul]

After some investigation it seems that main source of rattles is the hard plastic trays etc in the rear hatch area under the boot floor. Judicious positioning of small lengths of foam draught stripping has cut rattles by 90%. I will now do the job properly and hope to cut 99% of the rattles. Thank you all for your suggestions.

[Heidfirst]

if you put the tonneau back it will also cut down the remaining noise of rattles.

[PeteB]

That reminds me, when I've been in the back of a Prius taxi I've noticed a little more road noise when the cover's been removed that when it's in place.

Not sure if it makes much difference in the front though.