Noise under the hood

[msangapu]

I have a 99 Toyota Solara. I bought it used about 2 months ago (currently 49k) SE V6.

They replaced the windshield (previous one was cracked when I bought it) and ever since then, I've been hearing a noise under the hood. Oh yeah, when they replaced the windshield, they messed up my wipers.. they wouldn't work and would make some noises even when not turned on. They fixed the wipers but they can't figure out this stupid noise.

It's noticeable to me because I had the car for 2 weeks before they replaced the windshield and I've been hearing this noise ever since. I've been to the shop 3 times now and they are clueless. They looked at everything around the wipers and all around the engine to see if anything is loose.. No luck.

Has anyone else experienced this?

The service guy said that it could be a number of things. But then why did it start happening after they replaced the windshield and messed up the wipers? He said it could be the front fender. He banged it and sure enough it did rattle similiar to the noise it makes while driving. I'm still not convinced.

They said they can't help me (as all this was free so far). But I wanted to see if anyone else out there might have the same noise. I guess I should see if there are any recalls on this thing. Probably not.

The car drives great and is smooth as silk.. The noise is not even that loud, but I know it's there and everytime I drive - it's all I hear! It's mostly noticeable when I drive over bumps and holes in the road. It doesn't sound like metal, but more like loose plastic. I don't think it's anything engine related either..

Thanks for any help.

[msangapu]

Okay. I just read another post about struts.. I guess a lot of Solaras have this noise.

God damn it.. I cancelled my warranty within 30 days so I don't even have that. And it costs $250 ?? Ack !! I guess I will get it fixed then. I can't stand the noise.

I bought the car from a Mazda Dealership (used) and they are a pain in the butt. Wonder if I'll have better luck with the Toyota.

[msangapu]

National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Please go to this website if you are experiencing the same problem with your struts. It seems to be a defect. This might be worth your time especially if you are not under warranty (i.e. ME!!).

[DavPak]

National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Please go to this website if you are experiencing the same problem with your struts. It seems to be a defect. This might be worth your time especially if you are not under warranty (i.e. ME!!).

toyota has been making the solara since '99. don't you think that if there was a defect it would have been taken car of by now? in my experience, this complaint happens in less than 2% of camry's and solaras. toyota has one of the best track records for finding defects in the manufacturing of their cars. as i stated in an earlier post, toyota has never had a recall, only 'service campaings.' i'm not discouraging you from trying the NHTSA, but i don't think that you'll get very far. good luck.

[msangapu]

I agree that Toyota is a good company. I wasn't aware that they've never had recalls. You are probably right, but how do you explain the same problems people have? Is it just coincidence?

I guess it's going a bit too far to say it's a Toyota defect because I'm sure there are Solaras that are functioning properly without this problem. I guess they can't make all cars perfect.

Thanks for your comments.

[Flipside909]

I wasn't aware that they've never had recalls. You are probably right, but how do you explain the same problems people have? Is it just coincidence?

It's usually coinidence...or an isolated problem. No car manufactured in the world is perfect. If this was the case, we wouldn't have the need for warrantys and mechanics, right?