Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[FordService]

I have a new explorer, 10K miles. I get an annoying vibration, low rumble in the dash at 70 mph and faster, highway speeds...

I have the same vibration from the center dash area and from the driver side door panel. 2013 FE Ltd 12K miles...

A trip to the dealer is a great next step, Jeff G and newton294. I'd like to go ahead and get your regional customer service managers involved, too. To make that happen, PM me your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership; I'll take it from there.

Crystal

 

[Swartz22]

I might have an idea, as I had to replace my windshield a few months ago, after all said and done I start to drive home and around the 60-70 mph speed I would get this vibration coming the dash windshield area, thinking it was something the shop did, I took it back and they checked everything it seemed to be all good from there view. So after about 3 days of this vibe, I took a look at the plastic pierce in front of the windshield where the wiper blades mount, and guess what it was broke. So I turn I took it in to Ford and was told there was. TSP for this exact issue and they replaced it for free. So my advice is start there.

 

[insaaa]

Do you happen to know what that TSN number was?

 

[peterk9]

That would be the cowl. It was one of the things causing howling noises in the early models. That and the 'A' pillar. You can try taping it down to see if the noise disappears. There is no TSP or TSN unless you're talking about paint or TV sports. I assume you are referring to a TSB (technical services bulletin).

Peter

 

[ltdjp]

I heard a similar type of rattle/vibration for the first time coming from the same area today driving on the highway in windier than normal conditions. The sound seemed to occur driving into the wind or during strong gusts.

 

[Mulletmobile]

Itjdp I have the same problem. Mostly when driving into a headwind at freeway speeds. Very annoying. Stopping by dealer in way home this morning to see what they can do? Anyone have a resolution to theirs yet?

 

[peterk9]

See my post #7 . Try taping down the cowl. Several members have had that issue. If the noise disappears then you have isolated the problem and can then take it to the dealer.

Peter

 

[ltdjp]

Itjdp I have the same problem. Mostly when driving into a headwind at freeway speeds. Very annoying. Stopping by dealer in way home this morning to see what they can do? Anyone have a resolution to theirs yet?

Let me know what they say!

 

[breshi]

Had the same issue and isolated it down to the rubber cowling running along the bottom of the windshield. Noticed that it happened after my ex sat in the sun for awhile. I'm thinking it gets hot and becomes more flexable. I folded the leading edge underneith itself all the way across for about a week. After putting it back to its normal position, the problem went away.

 

[DrJones55]

Thanks for this. I tried it and it worked, fixed our issue.

We just received our 2015 X Sport and we were driving it home with 10 miles on it. At highway speed exact same thing, buzzing sound from passenger front dash windshield area. Also if you try the defrost fan, it would produce the same noise at lower highway speed, I guess it introduces more air pressure to cause that cowl to start vibrating.

I spoke to the dealership shop foreman and he went on a drive along when it was making the sound. He knew exactly what it was and indicated there was a TSB for it to remove the cowl, and bend the metal bracket down so it holds the cowl is tighter to the windshield and prevents air from getting underneath to cause the cowl to start vibrating. When I applied the process that Breshi indicated I noticed that metal bracket on that side was indeed higher. If the issue surfaces again, we will take it in to have the TSB applied.

Had the same issue and isolated it down to the rubber cowling running along the bottom of the windshield. Noticed that it happened after my ex sat in the sun for awhile. I'm thinking it gets hot and becomes more flexable. I folded the leading edge underneith itself all the way across for about a week. After putting it back to its normal position, the problem went away.

 

[Sgt1411]

Just a thought for people with vibration issues after a windshield replacement but after the windshield is replaced many glass installers dont have the OEM Ford tool to properly crimp the rear view mirror back on properly. On my 2011, this vibrated like crazy until dealer showed me it requires special tool and then no more vibration.

 

[Mulletmobile]

Update: Humming noise found to be from the A-pillar area according to service writer. They ordered a "kit" to fix it. Seat cover on the passenger side will be receiving a new cover (on order). Now for the wheel, they are still waiting for info back on it. They said I should have brought it to their attention sooner as Ford may claim it to be curb rash as it is on the RF...may have to battle with this one. The scratches are two gouges that look like they outlined a wheel weight on the outside edge (I know they don't do that anymore). Literally looks like this / \ along the edge of the rim. I brought it to their attention as soon as I noticed it, but because they were slammed and I was leaving on vacation they would not write up anything on it at the time. Will update with more when I get it back tomorrow.

 

[PIUtility]

I'm taking my '13 PI Utility in this week for the cowl issue as well. Its a hell of a rattle at highway speeds and worse in cross winds.

 

[mvjoker]

Buzzing Noise

On the Ford Explorer Facebook site their is a discussion thread about noise when underway in the windshield. The area of the noise reported by two on FB differs. Is anyone here experiencing a noisy windshield?

In my 2014 Explorer is experiencing a buzzing noise at highway speeds; 50-mph and higher, near the windshield. The emanating noises sounds like bees buzzing above the dash. I have been monitoring this frustrating noise which began earlier this summer at 6900-miles on the vehicle. Noise seems to occur during windy days when driving into a slight cross wind or after driving through semi trailer air wash generated behind their vehicles.

Local dealer unable to solve problem.

Was wondering if anyone else is experiencing similar problem.

 

[LukerDooker]

In my 2014 Explorer is experiencing a buzzing noise at highway speeds; 50-mph and higher, near the windshield. The emanating noises sounds like bees buzzing above the dash. I have been monitoring this frustrating noise which began earlier this summer at 6900-miles on the vehicle. Noise seems to occur during windy days when driving into a slight cross wind or after driving through semi trailer air wash generated behind their vehicles.

Local dealer unable to solve problem.

Was wondering if anyone else is experiencing similar problem.

Search for loose or buzzing cowl & windshield noise- the cowl is loose or not flush to its mounting area.
Its lifting up slightly in heavy wind or high speed.

Just press on the plastic that is touching the base of the windshield under your wipers. Its flexible and not firmly seated. In cross winds areas of it can buzz due to slight lifting by the air.

To test some have said you can tape down the cowl or the buzzing area, and then drive it, no noise = problem found.

Inside, the end of the dash sits on a layer of foam. Look at the bottom of the windshiled closely while sitting in drivers seat.
The dash may not be mounted properly or loose, possibly its both interior dash loose and exterior at the cowl area is loose. Mostly its just one or the other.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum mvjoker.:wavey:
From what you've described, I would think it is a problem with the cowl. Not a totally uncommon issue.

Peter

 

[Schmoopie11]

'14 XLT Highway NOISE!!

I have a 2014 XLT 4WD that is making an abnoxious LOUD vibrating noise on front passenger side...at first I thought it was wiper rumbling but it is not. it is very loud...anyone else experiencing this issue? anyone know the cause?

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Schmoopie11.:wavey:
I merged your thread with this one. I think you likely have the 'noisy cowl' issue. You can try taping it down to see if the noise goes away. There have been a few of these incidents lately.

Peter

 

[Schmoopie11]

Thanks I will try it...is this something that i have to take in to be fixed or can i just do it

 

[peterk9]

This is something the dealer should look at first. Some members have done their own and I believe have posted that in this thread. Check out post 44 in this thread; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388152&highlight=howling

Peter