rattle from hatch back

My Leaf rattles over minor bumps, grooves or dips in the road. Noise sounds like the hatch is not closed all the way, but it is. Anyone else have this problem? A minor issue I admit, but anoying. My best guess is that it is the plastic visor the third brake light is mounted on, but I can't find anything that needs tightening. Of course it does not happen on every bump, so no doubt the dealer will not be able to reproduce the problem on a short test drive.

I had shoved the emergency kit and first aid kit into the drivers side rear fender and thought that might be what was rattling, but removing those items completely and making sure the tire repair kit was securly fastened into place had no affect.

Thanks for any insight

Have you checked the license plate? I have had that same problem with other cars and find that the small "noise dampers" that are found under the plate are not large enough. Try more padding under plate. If noise continues let us know.

~Colorado LEAF Specialist

I am trying to chase down the same (?) rattle. As I drive it is a gentle occasional noise that, in words might be spelled "cha-link-a"

I get a very similar noise while parked when I lift the hatch---when the hatch is 1' to 2' up/open it almost sounds like a marble rolls or the hatch latch somehow arms or disarms. I cannot duplicate the noise by jiggling the hatch when nearly closed or fully open either--only when partly up or while closed and driving

Try adjusting the small black bumpers on either side of the hatchback, you can rotate them which will allow more of them to protrude out and absorb bumps from the road, etc., better.. the third brake light should not move when you try moving it, it should be tight with no rattle. To get at the third brake lights fasteners, you need to remove the inside flashing on the top of the hatchback, several 10mm nuts, and then the two screws that hold the washer nozzle in place, and then gain access that way.