I have a 2007 with 87000 miles on it. Over the past two months, it's developed a clicking noise from the rear of the car. At first I thought it was a loose hatch, but it seems to be shutting snugly. It only happens on slight bumps and not on actual potholes. It sounds exactly like the sway bar links on my old volvo would sound when they were going (which was often), but there are no sway bars on the prius. A suspension noise doesn't surprise me after the winter we had in Boston. I'm going to dig into it this weekend and wondering if anyone has any ideas of where to look? The other odd thing is that it occasionally disappears completely for a day or two. Any ideas? Thanks! Aaron
The Prius actually has a rear stabilizer bar. Noises are difficult to diagnose because from the driver's seat it may sound like it is coming from the rear, but if you are sitting elsewhere in the car you may form another impression.
I also experienced the "mysterious rattle sound" from the hatchback area. I tried all the suggestions with no success. Finally, I had my wife drive while I took of panels and searched. It was a bolt from the rear wiper motor! See picture - the bolt with the wrench on it.
