CX-5 2021 - Mysterious Noise…Help

[alra9286]

Hello! I have been having this issue since I purchased my car and the techs can't do anything about it without replicating the noise..

Background info: purchased the car in 2022 - It is a CX-5 2021 & had 10k miles when purchased. Within the first month of driving it; there was this noise that seems to be coming from the front right passenger side (either the dashboard or somewhere around there).

The noise: it is very inconsistent when it happens which is why the techs can not replicate the noise. The noise happens very randomly whether I'm on flat or bumpy road, windows up/down, AC on/off and I can be driving fast/slow speeds or on the freeway. I can drive through a certain road and the noise will occur then drive down it again and it won't. I have taken the car in twice but when they test-drove it; there is no noise. I have tons of videos of the noise but techs say they have to hear it themselves in person to be able to figure out what the issue is which is somewhat frustrating because the noise happens so randomly.

Is anyone having a similar noise issue? Or any suggestions? I added a couple of videos of the noise.

Thank you!!

 

[ceric]

Certainly I can hear the clicking noises.
Have you tried to remove the glove compartment (very easy.. just pinch both sides to let it down) and see what is behind it.
That's what I would do first if I were you.
Make sure the passenger seat buckle is not hitting against the B-pillar.
(i.e. if you buckle up the passenger seat belt, is there still any noise?)

No dealers love to debug noises... they just play dumb and hope you go somewhere else.
Not much money to make even under warranty. Takes time to debug and cannot charge debugging labor to Mazda.

 

[GTEyes]

I had a similar noise on a previous VW GTi and it was related to the sun heating exterior panels.
I've noticed in each of your vids it's a sunny day.
Does it do it when it's cloudy or not sunny?

Another possibility is cowl bolts that need to be tightened...that's a common thing I've seen on here. if you aren't familiar, the cowl is beneath the windshield in the engine bay under the plastic tray that's beneath the wipers.

 

[alra9286]

Certainly I can hear the clicking noises.
Have you tried to remove the glove compartment (very easy.. just pinch both sides to let it down) and see what is behind it.
That's what I would do first if I were you.
Make sure the passenger seat buckle is not hitting against the B-pillar.
(i.e. if you buckle up the passenger seat belt, is there still any noise?)

No dealers love to debug noises... they just play dumb and hope you go somewhere else.
Not much money to make even under warranty. Takes time to debug and cannot charge debugging labor to Mazda.

I’ll try the glove compartment & passenger seat belt!! I totally get because it’s under warranty they really don’t want to deal with it too much! Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[alra9286]

I had a similar noise on a previous VW GTi and it was related to the sun heating exterior panels.
I've noticed in each of your vids it's a sunny day.
Does it do it when it's cloudy or not sunny?

Another possibility is cowl bolts that need to be tightened...that's a common thing I've seen on here. if you aren't familiar, the cowl is beneath the windshield in the engine bay under the plastic tray that's beneath the wipers.

Ooooo good point! I actually cannot recall if it has happened during the night/or when it’s cloudy! I’ll have to make note of that next time! Thank you! I’ll have someone try tightening the cowl bolts. Appreciate the response.

 

[SIIVS]

I have just recently had my 2021 CX5 begin to do this. What was the outcome so i can diect my dealer to fix it?

 

[alra9286]

The dealership never fixed it because they were not able to replicate the noise and anytime I would hear it and try to bring it in, the noise would magically stop. So it is still happening now. Someone mentioned they think it’s the windshield not being properly sealed.. if you get yours fixed let me know what they ended up doing!

 

[N7turbo]

It sounds like it's related to the vibrations from the road. Your dealer tech needs to drive it on the same road you normally hear the noise.

I have read about the windshield issue on here before so that is a culprit.

 

[alra9286]

It sounds like it's related to the vibrations from the road. Your dealer tech needs to drive it on the same road you normally hear the noise.

I have read about the windshield issue on here before so that is a culprit.

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not due to certain roads. Because sometimes I will go through a road and It’ll make that noise and I’ll try again and it won’t. I’ve noticed it happens with Weather changes. For example on cooler days that start to get warm, that’s when the noises mainly occur.

 

[N7turbo]

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not due to certain roads. Because sometimes I will go through a road and It’ll make that noise and I’ll try again and it won’t. I’ve noticed it happens with Weather changes. For example on cooler days that start to get warm, that’s when the noises mainly occur.

I can see that, but it's still only doing it with the right vibration. So, both conditions need to exist.

I think if you want the dealer techs to find the issue, they need to keep the car in a place where it will stay cool (either it's cool overnight or it's inside), and they need to start it up and drive on your roads, not theirs, at mid-day when the sun is on it.