Just venting here, but I got out of my Audi into the TSX because I had thought it would be a well-built and reliable ride that I wouldn't have to worry about much. My initial impression of my Sept build TSX was that it was pretty damn solid in feel...since then, the thing sounds like its coming apart. I have 1200 miles on it and I now have a worsening rear shelf rattle/creak, the passenger front door panels make a rubbing noise, and now this morning, the front dash makes a similar plastic panel rubbing noise when I go over any kind of road imperfection (i.e., raised dots in the lane markings). I just don't get it...a car that started off seemingly solid, is gradually looseing. I have taken it in once for the rear shelf issue which they could not hear (though I heard it again on the way home) and now that these noise have progressed to be blatantly obvious to anyone in the car, I will be taking it in again.

Anyone else have interior panel noises (other than the rear shelf issue discussed elsewhere)?

 

Oh yeah. . . First of all, my TSX is going in this week for round 2 on the rear parcel shelf "crackling" noise. The regional tech manager says there is no known fix, even though I have sent him all of the threads on this topic.

I have had to slide cotton into the headliner from the sunroof opening above the passenger head, back side to stop a maddening rattle.

I think I had the same noise as you mentioned in the I/P, it was the upper bezel above the gauges that is under the dash pad. I hand squeezed this area and have not had the issue since.

Finally, I have a "wood ball in a cardboard cup" one time strike that sounds like it is coming from the passenger seat. It only happens when a quick upward motion is evident like driving over a strong frost heave. It does not happen when someone is sitting in the seat. I believe it is around the upper seat back where the seat air bag is.

My trunk hinge rubs on the interior carpet panel and leaves a nice "squeek" when closing. I have tried to re-adjust with no luck.

All I can say is that I too was disappointed with the "tightness" of the interior. Very happy with the car otherwise.

 

Are you sure it's not the seatbelt buckle flopping around?

 

Yes, I even plugged in the seat belt to see if tension would take it away, which it did not. It could also be the seat belt centrifical retractor in the b-pillar as well but why would it not make the noise if someone is sitting in the seat. Quick jars to the seatback does not replicate it either.