GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I recently bought a 2005 4dr auto Vibe. I am having problems with clunking noises coming from the rear cargo area. This noise occurs when driving on rough roads. I realize the suspension on this car is tight and the Goodyear tires are supposedly crap, but that is not the problem in this case. The previous owner had weather stripping on the inside of the fold down that covers the spare tire. I have reinforced this with even more weather stripping too no avail. I've also considered that the glass fold up in the rear may be loose. Anyone with this problem? If so please advise. I like the car, it's peppy, functional and sharp looking but the noise is annoying. Otherwise it is quiet on well paved roads.

Could be something rolling around by the spare tire.

take out the spare tire and make sure nothing is loose underneath. then put back the spare tire and tighten down the plastic ring. Now look at where the jack stand and equipment is stored to see if anything is not strapped down tight. Also look inside the two side panel doors (which look like access ports to the rear lights) and see if there is anything stored in there that the previous owner did not take out.

Check the muffler is not loose. a hanger might need replaced

Does the exhaust system move up and down fairly easily? Does the rear suspension hit the tailpipe on these lare bumps? Look for shiny spots on the tailpipe.

Checked it out, it's not anything with the tire. I will take a look at the muffler but to me it seems like a plastic on plastic kind of issue. Finding it has been a pain.

To anyone reading this, I found the problem. The hatch back latch bolted to the car in the shape of a U was loose causing the hatch door to make the noise. The problem is getting to it as there is a piece of plastic covering it, bolted down by rubber bolts that blow out. I Didn't have the tools to pull the bolts so I took it the dealer and they fixed it in 10 minutes. It was just a matter of tightening the bolts.

Good to hear you got it fixed and welcome to genvibe!

Interesting...I have a similar noise in my 04...sounds just like your description!Thanks!-Eric

Read my recent post. My problem is solved. You should check out where your hatch door latches onto the U bolt.

Sweet, I will check mine also. Wife said ( she is driving it now) something is rattling in the back when she is on the highway. I put a new License plate bracket on since I thought it could be that under neg. pressure.