I have a high‑pitch rattle/whistle noise coming from the right-hand side of the cabin, roughly at ear level when driving. It’s significant enough that it’s starting to cause ear ringing after even short drives.
Key symptoms:
•Sounds like a fine, high-frequency rattle with a slight whistle-type tone
•Not a typical buzz – more like something very small resonating
•Worse on rough road surfaces at low speed
•On smooth roads it becomes more pronounced above ~30 mph
•Stops momentarily if I hit a bump at speed, then returns
•Very clearly localised to the right side (near driver’s ear area)
The dealer has:
•Been out on multiple road tests (acknowledged they can hear it every time)
•Recently replaced the rear diffuser (no change)
So far no fix and no clear diagnosis.
My observations:
•Doesn’t feel like pure wind noise
•Seems to be vibration-related rather than speed alone
•The fact it stops briefly over bumps makes me think something is sitting under slight tension and then re-seating
I’m starting to suspect:
•Interior trim resonance (rear bulkhead / B-pillar / door area)
•Loose loom/clip somewhere on the right side
•Possibly seatbelt mechanism or anchor point
Has anyone had anything similar or managed to track down a high-frequency noise like this?
Particularly interested if anyone’s had issues around the right rear bulkhead, sill, or seatbelt area.
At this point I’m just trying to narrow it down before it goes back yet again.
Any ideas appreciated.
