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Mazda 3 Rattles, Bumps, and Squeaks

101 messages,  Last post on Sep 25, 2012 at 6:49 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Auto Repair, Hatchback

Messages Page 10 of 11

#85 of 101 rattle coming from rear of 2010 Mazda3 by m3touring

Jun 28, 2010 (11:16 am)

Hi all,
 
Like a number of 2010 Mazda3 owners, I've been hearing the metallic rattle coming from the rear when going over small bumps (especially with the rear seats folded down, radio off, windows up, and rear carpet removed). I took it to the dealer to get diagnosed; they replaced the rear shocks with new ones.
 
The rear shock replacement didn't get rid of my rattle after all. I took it back to the dealership. They determined that the rattle was coming from the fuel tank. They called up Mazda directly to ask about repair/replacement. Mazda is aware of the problem, and indicated that the splash guard within the fuel tank is loose, and, therefore, rattles over minor bumps (this is very apparent with the rear seats folded, radio off, etc.) The dealer also looked for the issue on their brand new (i.e. unsold) 3s sitting on the lot - they all have this problem. I guess only those of us with sensitive hearing actually notice it....
 
I asked the technicians if this problem will grow worse, or if it will cause major damage to the tank. They said it wouldn't.
 
Anyway, since all fuel tanks on all 3s will have this problem, there is no point in replacing the fuel tank with a new one. Repairing it seems pretty difficult since the problem is within the walls of the tank. I've called up Mazda customer service reporting this, but all I got was that "this problem will be looked into".
 
My own solution to this is to find some lightweight, but sound-absorbing foam and stuff it around the spare tire. It will help with the overall road noise too.

#86 of 101 Re: Rattle during acceleration [3driver] by RiceBurner3

Jun 28, 2010 (12:08 pm)

Replying to: 3driver (Feb 23, 2010 3:46 pm)
Sorry for the delay getting back to you. I went to the Dealer and I went out with the mechanic to reproduce the noise. Of course it would not make the noise. The noise is similar to a loose washer on a bolt and is on the Passenger side. The guy probly thinks I'm nuts! I need to have him ride w/me above 65Mph

#87 of 101 Re: rattle coming from rear of 2010 Mazda3 [m3touring] by saak

Jun 28, 2010 (1:43 pm)

Replying to: m3touring (Jun 28, 2010 11:16 am)
Thank you for the information. I, too, had been wondering what the heck was making that soft rattle in the trunk area when driving over rough pavement. I suspected it may be coming from the spare tire, or from the tools and equipment stored around the spare tire. Never would have guessed it was from the fuel tank -- how weird. In any case, this is a minor issue (even for those of us with sensitive hearing). The car is solid, and amazingly rattle-free and squeak-free in all other respects.

#88 of 101 Re: rattle coming from rear of 2010 Mazda3 [m3touring] by mel00

Jul 13, 2010 (7:46 am)

Replying to: m3touring (Jun 28, 2010 11:16 am)
I have a 2010 Mazda3 sport hatchback and I had this same rattle. I finally figured it out myself because I didn't want to risk having the dealership dismantle and cause something else. Remove the panel that covers the back middle break light (next to the hatch window). I used masking tape to cover the plastic inserts that snap into the adjacent panel. It not only makes a tighter fit but it totally stopped the squeaking noise. Good luck!

#89 of 101 Re: Air conditioning Loud Buzzing noise [4camv] by melissa10102

Jul 28, 2010 (6:27 am)

Replying to: 4camv (Jun 21, 2008 7:25 pm)
Hi
 
Did you ever figure out what was causing this? I am in the EXACT same scenario that you were. Just wanted to know what ended up happening because I am trying to figure out if this has something to do with them towing my vehicle.
 
please let me know what you ended up doing with your mazda3.
 
thank you

#90 of 101 Re: rattle coming from rear of 2010 Mazda3 [mel00] by m3touring

Aug 26, 2010 (3:37 pm)

Replying to: mel00 (Jul 13, 2010 7:46 am)
Thanks for the info, but I don't have the hatchback m3 (I have the sedan). When you say "middle break light" do you mean the one attached to the rear windshield on the interior? Did you have a squeaking noise or a rattle?
 
Thanks

#91 of 101 Re: Air conditioning Loud Buzzing noise [melissa10102] by m3touring

Aug 26, 2010 (3:39 pm)

Replying to: melissa10102 (Jul 28, 2010 6:27 am)
I have also noticed a buzzing noise when I first start the A/C and the car is at a standstill. The buzz goes away after the first few seconds. The A/C seems to be working fine. I think it is normal for this car.

#92 of 101 pete(simon and garfunkle) howard by steven39

Aug 30, 2010 (10:12 am)

#93 of 101 Re: mazda 3 'strange noises' [pogs8008] by mazda_pro1

Jan 23, 2011 (3:52 pm)

Replying to: pogs8008 (Sep 08, 2007 1:43 pm)
Most likely engine mount #3

#94 of 101 2011 Mazda3 Rear End Clunking by mazda3mistake

Mar 16, 2011 (6:46 am)

My Mazda3 has just over 700 miles and recently developed a clunking noise in the rear end. Sounds like a loose muffler or gas tank rattling every time I hit the slightest bump. Drove my friend to work the other day and he said it sounded like we were bottoming out with every bump. Took it to the dealership this morning where they test drove it for 2 miles and said they heard nothing. They checked everything underneath and found nothing. I drove it home and the clunking remains. How did I end up with a lemon after reading all the great reviews?

Messages Page 10 of 11

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