2010 Windshield crackling sound...

[LaPlanteys2010vibe]

Hi there, I have a 2010 Vibe and have notices some crackling, or shifting sounds coming from the lower area of the windsheild under lower temperature conditions. If anybody has any feedback on this on what to do I appreciate it much in advance!Jason

[star_deceiver]

Something loose on or with the dash? Something fall into the vent and is running around when you turn?

[LaPlanteys2010vibe]

No its only when its cold, my friends mazda speed 3 actually makes the exact noise. It comes from the area where the windsheild meets with the frame...very hard noise to describe, almost sounds like ice cracking and mostly happens when going over bumps.

[star_deceiver]

Air bubbles in the windshield glue being compressed?

[j42.snyder]

I'd be interested to know myself. My Vibe doesn't do it - but my 2002 Sunfire did it quite regularly - although more when it warmed up. It almost sounded like the seal around the glass was moving slightly in the body or something, as the body flexed. The Vibe seems much stiffer structurally than the Sunfire though - I'm surprised to hear it's happening there. It certainly wasn't a confidence inspiring sound - but it never seemed to pose a problem in the 7 years I drove the car - just irritating. Nothing an upgraded sound system can't solve...

[LaPlanteys2010vibe]

An upgraded sound system......hmmmmm interesting lol! Well the weather warmed up today and the sound is gone...very strange, unfortunately we still have a full winter to go through.

[cmiedema]

My 2009 Vibe does the same thing. I popped the hood & see that there are a couple fasteners on either side of the vehicle in that area that secures the plastic venting "plenum" at the base of the windshield. The fasteners are screwed into slots instead of round holes & I think it makes this noise when the plastic slots shift after hitting bumps in the road. For sure worse in colder weather. I will try & post some photos tomorrow. I am actually bringing my car to the dealer tomorrow to address the BRAKE VACUUM SUCTION PORT recall. I might ask about it then.

[cq358]

Well, my vibe been through the coldest Saskatchewan winter (-52 with windchill). The windshield creaking noise was most pronounce when drive on rough road in winter time. I leave the car outside all year around. When moisture or ice build up at the lower cowl and freeze, it will have those creak noise.The only solution is to leave your car in a warm underground garage and let the ice melt away then the car will become quiet. I know the noise is annoying..but part are made with plastic and if you take the dashboard out and put everything back a few times then in the long run there will be even more noise.

[cmiedema]

I took my car into the dealer & the rattle is in fact the plastic cowl shifting. The plastic pop rivet fasteners attached to the cowl with floating slots to me is actually a serious design flaw. The tech tried to put some silicon underneath but I think it is worse now. Long story short, this is a design flaw & we have to live with the annoying noises it makes. Disappointed.

[cq358]

Well I believe most car have hard plastic and the creaking noise is the contact between hard PVC plastic, ice and the winsheild itself. The only fix they can do is putting thin foam felt around the glass contact surface. I know 08+ Honda put a big fat foam right between the windshield and the dash board to solve the creaking noise. This is the same solution with 03+ corolla . If you stare at the lower edge of the windshield carefully you will see a big thick foam tape.

[LaPlanteys2010vibe]

Thanks for everyone's reply on this situation. I have actually brought it up to the dealer and they had it for 2 days with no conclusion other than to remove the dashboard and look into it further. After reading some of the post on this issue, maybe I will refrain from proceeding and just live with it?

[TresBon]

Hi,I bought a 2010 in August. Nice car. I really like it. Except I have the same issue. I have had my car in once already. The dealer put in sound dampening tape. It did not work. I am taking the car back in again. Please don't just live with the noise. Hold GM accountable for the issue. We've spent alot of money for something that should not have this type of defect. I will not be fully happy until GM fixes my car. So far GM has been accomodating. I will post more after GM takes another look.

[cq358]

is the noise come when drive on rutted road?Do you leave your car outside?Is the rattle happen only driving around 40km in coasting?

[TresBon]

The noise is coming when I drive at any speed and happens when the car is driven over bumps or during momentum changes (i.e. - braking, accelerating, and cornering).

[cq358]

Is like a knocking sound come from the a) driver seat belt area or it come from the left air vent?

[snoops]

I noticed last night (with dropping temps coming) a rattling noise around the windshield. It seems to come from the passenger side. I'll have them look into this next time. Hopefully SOMEONE will get theirs fixed properly and help us all out!

[TresBon]

The creeking/crackling noise I hear is coming from the windshield about at the center of the wind shield. At first I thought is was the On-star wiring hitting the wind shield, however this was quickly removed as the cause when I held the wiring and plastic housing while driving. The sound continues to be heard. The sound eminates from the base of the wind shield.

[cq358]

i would take the plastic shroud outside at the wiper arm area.but when temperature is below 10c.. the clips are very very brittle. I would do it next year spring either clan up the contact edges or apply thin foam tape at the contact point.

[TresBon]

Yes. This sounds to be the logical fix. I expect that GM will do this for me. I didn't spend 18K to be in my driveway taping up my brand new 2010 Vibe.

[TresBon]

All,I had my 2010 Vibe in today to have the creaking noise fixed in my wind shield. As already suggested from some of you, GM removed the plastic around the windshield/wiper area and added weather stripping around the inside of the window cowl edge and lubed the rubber. I took my car for a test drive and...no more sound! I am very happy that GM was able to fix my car. The experience, although some what inconvenient, was worth it. GM provided me a rental car to boot.I hope this helps anyone else that may be experiencing the same issue.MarkP.S. - For reference my car has 5,400 km on it now and I first heard the issue when I had about 3,000 km.

[star_deceiver]

Glad to know all went well!