Disappointed by rattles in new 2011 Highlander

[soupcxan]

I bought a new 2011 Highlander V6 SE a few months ago. Now have 1600 miles and I've noticed many many recurring rattles. My 8 year old Mazda had its issues but never this many consistent rattles. I am not even sure where to begin asking the dealer to fix them.

1) Rattle from the undercarriage (heat shield?) when you shut the drivers door - only when the car is cold
2) Rapid tick-tick-ticking noise from the dash at certain times, comes for a few minutes then goes away for a couple of days. Is independent of engine speed or AC operation.
3) Drivers side window squeaks against the seal
4) Passengers side sun shade rattles when used at highway speed
5) Glovebox rattles (easily fixed with a piece of foam between glove box and dash)
6) Back seat has multiple rattles
7) There's other noises coming from the back but I can't even begin to identify them

I wouldn't mind this in a Corolla, bu this is really dissapointing in a $33k car. Has anyone had luck getting these noises fixed?

[neam]

hello soupcxan, I have noticed a random clicking sound inside the cabin on my 2011 HL when going over bumps , braking, and accelerating. At 1st I thought it was some relay clicking but later found out it was coming from the seatbelt latch. That could be one of the sounds you are hearing.

[Dman1]

There was a TSB on Highlanders (my 2009 was affected...not sure about 2011) involving a rattle in the windshield. I believe that the issue was with the clips holding the windshield in place. I would have thought that this issue would have been addressed. And for me in Canada, this is a $50,000 vehicle, since we, as Canadians, are still getting hosed at the auto dealers.

This noise issue is concerning. Don't get me wrong, I love my Highlander, but it appears that Toyota's quality, or at least fit and finish, has been going downhill somewhat in recent years. My last three vehicles purchased involved me going to local Toyota dealers, and nowhere's else. When it is time for me to purchase a new vehicle, I will likely consider Toyota, but as of right now, there are definitely other manufacturers I am considering (but definitely not GM...too many bad experiences).

[TrailDust]

If after all the volumes of consumer input about poor quality builds of various models (including the Highlander) and Toyota produces another rattle trap in the redesigned 2014 Highlander, then I'll be buying my future vehicles elsewhere because Toyota just doesn't seem to be getting it.

[becks]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

If after all the volumes of consumer input about poor quality builds of various models (including the Highlander) and Toyota produces another rattle trap in the redesigned 2014 Highlander, then I'll be buying my future vehicles elsewhere because Toyota just doesn't seem to be getting it.

Same here TD. It is unfortunate that they just don't choose to hear us.

[bschurr]

Interesting. I picked up a HL in late July. 2500 miles and 2 months later and I have none of the issues described in this thread.

[TrailDust]

Some are luckier than others. I've only ever had the windshield rattle when the temp drops below the mid 50s, and also the weird passenger side 2nd row door rattle that only shows up when the gas tank is near full and I'm alone in the vehicle....

[ktmd]

Originally Posted by bschurr

Interesting. I picked up a HL in late July. 2500 miles and 2 months later and I have none of the issues described in this thread.

Wait until it gets colder outside.

[fongster]

Sorry to hear of the noise woes. I only have noticed an intermittent creaking sound coming from my driver's seat belt buckle. It's a small sound, sounds like a wooden rocking chair creak but much smaller. I'll turn up the tunes a bit louder, lol.

[tagheuer]

2011 Highlander Limited with 11,000 miles on it, almost one year old now.

Either we are lucky or the complaints on this forum make it seem like rattles are much more prevalent than they really are...

We have been through one winter, and so far ours is very quiet and virtually rattle free...

I can tolerate a few minor rattles, ALL cars develop rattles after time...

my 2009 BMW 328 rattles more than any car I've ever had...

But isn't it fair to say the 2011 Highlander suffers from very few known mechanical defects? i.e. all major systems, including drivetrain, HVAC etc. are known to be very reliable...right?

[05Moose]

Definitely lower quality with regard to rattles in the 2011 vs our 2005. Couple weeks ago, my wife complained about a loud rattle coming outside near the rear fender. Rode in the backseat and found the problem underneath. Turns out rocks (from new oil and chip road paving) had gotten between the fender liner and the body in front of the rear wheel. Driving on the freeway, it caused a certain vibration to where they bounced around making a loud ruckus. Had take the fender liner out and clean it good. Then added some foam to keep the liner more snug (driver's side had a perfect fit, passenger side was loose). Anyway, turns out it wasn't a problem with the vehicle per se. (brought this up also in case it happens to someone else)

But riding in the backseat listening for that rattle...lordy there are a lot of rattles in the back (3rd row area)!!! I never hear them from the front seat, but the ceiling HVAC vents aren't a snug fit, the plastic ceiling panels where they meet the side panels inside the 3rd row windows rattles, and a few other places. I couldn't believe it. Talk about poor quality. I'm just glad we can't hear them up front.

[tagheuer]

if your cars are having that many rattle problems give them a few attempts to repair then lemon law them, or request a buy back.

That's not acceptable.

Ours is the quietest vehicle we ever owned...

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by tagheuer

But isn't it fair to say the 2011 Highlander suffers from very few known mechanical defects? i.e. all major systems, including drivetrain, HVAC etc. are known to be very reliable...right?

IMO, I'd say that's a fair statement.

[ajlee777]

I have 4500 miles to date on my 2011 HL Ltd. Here are my comments relative to noise:

Originally Posted by soupcxan

3) Drivers side window squeaks against the seal

I hear this. It sounds like a whistling noise when I go faster than 35 MPH.

Originally Posted by fongster

Sorry to hear of the noise woes. I only have noticed an intermittent creaking sound coming from my driver's seat belt buckle. It's a small sound, sounds like a wooden rocking chair creak but much smaller. I'll turn up the tunes a bit louder, lol.

I used to have this but no longer!

Originally Posted by Dman1

There was a TSB on Highlanders (my 2009 was affected...not sure about 2011) involving a rattle in the windshield. I believe that the issue was with the clips holding the windshield in place. I would have thought that this issue would have been addressed.

I hear this as well. It sounds like the thumping when rain hits the car roof. The noise appears above 50 MPH and sounds like it is driver side near my registration and inspection sticker NY.

I'm overall happy with the car but the last windshield noise is very disturbing!

[shellback]

My experiences with my 11' SE have been positive. At 12k miles I have no rattles. I did once experience a rattle coming from a second row seat belt being twisted after someone had used it. It was slapping against the door frame trim. Whenthe belt was straightened to lay flat against the seat no noise! There are plastic clips on the door frame that are aparently there to hold the belts when not in use. I never had to use them.

I wish that my wife's Odyssey was as rattle free as my HL