Rattle in rear of '06 OBW XT

[givemaxabone]

<1000 miles and my '06 OBW XT has an annoying rattle that I cannot get rid of. It's seems to be in the rear interior of the car, almost sounds metalic and happens when going over pretty much any bump.

I've removed just about everthing back there (cargo cover, floorboards, tire tools, tire, rear cargo doors) and driven it around the block and the rattle is still there. I've checked the ceiling seatbelt and it's nice and tight. I've folded the seats down...still there.

Anyone experienced something similar? I'm not sure, but the only other possibilities that I can think of are rattling rear seatbelt mechanisms, something in the headliner or maybe the rear hatch/door.

I'm at a loss. Any advice, short of taking back to the dealer who has been impossible to work with so far?

[ghostcow]

When I took my 2007 OB xt in to have STS installed I mentioned that I had rattle in back left area, I couldn't find anything that should have been rattling. They said my rear gate/hatch needed adusting and no rattles after that. Something to consider at least.

[givemaxabone]

Thanks. I can't seem to find it, so maybe I'll give the dealer a shot.

Since it does sound metalic, maybe it is the rear hatch. It seems secure, but who knows.

Again, thanks.

[wildh]

ghostcow....did you ever get the noise checked in your engine bay?

[ghostcow]

Wildh - No, not yet. I have taken it into same dealer twice and they didn't think anything of it. So, I think, next month I will take it to different dealer and give it a try. Also going to ask to take a test drive in another Outback XT and see if sounds the same. I guess it could be normal but it just sounds really rough. Oh, awesome stereo in your ride. I bought the OEM subwoofer and just installed it, sounds more that good enough for me.

Steve, your in Portland right? Which dealer are you working with. I got mine at Wentworth, salesman and buying process was great. Service department has been OK except for my enjoy noise issue.

[givemaxabone]

Ghostcow - Yes, I'm in Portland. My dealer was Carr. Issues I've had so far:

- Purchase process a nightmare. Played tons of games and almost soured me on Subaru in total. Maybe this is typical.

- Put the wrong all season floor mats in ('00 - '04 vs. '05+) and would not believe me when I said they didn't fit. I had to compare part number off mats to what it should have been to convince them.

- Cut my window when they took the Dealer sticker off (two long scrapes from a razor blade). I'm torn on whether to ask them to replace the window. They'll probably butcher the door panel in the process.

So, yes, my experience with Carr has not been good. May have to try Wentworth.

[jason3814]

Just a thought, but do you have a metal (or even plastic) liscense plate frame or cover? Sometimes these things can rattle like crazy and sounds can travel all over the car. Good luck

[givemaxabone]

Thanks Jason. Unfortunately, I tried that one....I took the frame off completely and drove it around and the rattle was still there. I did notice that the Outback cladding on the exterior of the tailgate (the add on plastic or metal for the Outbacks) seemed a little loose.

Anyway, it's going into the dealer on Wednesday. I'll report back on what they find.

[Se2002]

Let someone else drive, while you sit back there and narrow down the source.

[Jay H]

Originally posted by Se2002
Let someone else drive, while you sit back there and narrow down the source.

I think my liftgate was a little misaligned for some period. Like it would be hard to close, it wouldn't latch til you closed it a certain way. This is on an 05 XT, but when I brought it in, of course, it somehow fixed itself, it has been fine ever since...

Jay