Went to the dealer on Monday and explained that I think the back window is loose ( rattling) they said they could not duplicate the noise...umm whatever just drive the car, I have climbed in the back and pressed and yanked on anything that could be loose or rattling and I can not find a thing. Dealer claimed it is the seat belt assembly. So to me it sounds like the window.

Any takers? something we live with? or has anyone else had this issue...

Other wise the 8 is kicking ***....

 

There is a bulletin on the rear window to tighten the latch but you yourself said everyting is tight. The passenger side seat belt buckle does rattle against the passenger seat if the seat's too far back - although that seems too easy.

 

Latch meaning..? the pass through deal? or...? I will check it later or do you have the post for the window SB

 

Finishlineperformance web site has copies of all the service bulletins posted. The latch I'm talking about is the plastic gizmo that you use to pop open and close the rear window. You claimed your window is tight so I don't think this fix is going to help you.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...1-04-1331a.pdf

 

worth a check...who knows I had a supra that the hatch did the same thing was something I had to live with so no biggie just seeing if anyone had this issue.

 

yea just looked at the paperwork and mine does stay locked open/closed so...guess Ill get the wife in the back seat and drive around and have her hunt for it ...)

 

here's another idea....you could always take someone from the dealership for a ride....so you can point out exactly where the noise is and when it happens....then they can't say they weren't able to duplicate it....sometimes its easier for us that way because we know where to look

 

I have this exact same problem. Both of my rear door windows rattle. It drives me nuts. And it has nothing to do with the latch being loose. I know it's the window as I can push on the window just slightly when it's rattling and it stops. I have already fought with Mazda about this. I have actually done this:

And the outcome was them telling me that 1) you aren't the original owner, so you don't know if the car was in an accident or not. "it was probably caused by an accident" (and therefore not covered under warranty). 2) it's a characteristic of the car. It happens when it's cold and there is "nothing we can do about it" (then why is it not happening to everyone with an 8?). 3) Replacing the rubber seal around the window might fix it, but it isn't covered under warranty because "adjustments" are only covered for 12k miles (I have a 2004 with 20K on it). (how is replacing a seal considered an adjustment???).

At any rate... It seems to be getting worse and worse, and bothering me more and more. I am VERY happy with the car EXCEPT for the rattles and the treatment I get from Mazda. I have a feeling the rattle is going to eventually drive me nuts enough for me to find a way to rig it to stop. I just feel that I shouldn’t have to deal with this… Mazda should.

N

 

The service bulletin doesn't have anything to do with the "latch being loose". It has a fix to make the window close tighter. There's two parts. The first part involves moving the latch slightly (anyone can do this procedure). If that doesn't work, it makes you disassemble the door trim for some additional moving the latch work.

 

I have the same problem but it sounds like a seat not being attached, or metal against metal. It does not happen on all bumps but like Niccoli mentioned, i love the car except for the damn rattle. I will check the windows, trunk lining, and make sure all is tight, but I too am a second owner and am unsure if it was in an accident.....

 

Perhaps this will help?
I had a similar rattle. I took my Mazda Tech for a quick spin.... I know it sounds odd... but he replaced one of the rear taillight assemblies and the rattle disappeared. You might try tightening both of the rear taillight assemblies. You will need to move the trunk liner out of the way to access the attachment points for the taillight assemblies.

 

I vaguely recall someone posting about a rattle in the back of the car and that they found the cuprit behind one of the side panels beside or above one of the rear seats. That's as specific as I can remember, but if you search you may find the thread. It was probably a year ago at least. Sorry I can't be more specific.

 

In the DIY section there's a fairly elaborate rattle hunt & fix.

 

thanks for the help. I did the window fix as far as moving the lever and I still have the rattle, so this week the wife is jumping in the back seat to find the culprit. It does not happen on every bump just once in a while, Also the funny thing is you woul dthink on big bumps you woul dhear it but it does not. who knows..

My Mazda dealer is real good here in FL so if it keeps on I am droping it off and saying you deal with it. I will do a search in DIY as well Thanks...

 

In some cases , the actual back window being loose ie not sealed properly can cause a tapping type of sound that is very difficult to find. Only way to fix is to have the back window removed and refitted and sealed.

regards
Rexi

 

Papapump, could it be the plastic door piece near the rear window?? Those things tend to shrink up when the winter gets colder and it causes the door panel to rattle sometimes.