That plastic insert that goes into the cowl (instrument cluster) rattles on my car like crazy does anybody else have this problem. If so what did you do to fix it. I will try tightening down the scews but I doubt it will cure the problem

 

My car does the same thing, along with a few more interior pieces. It annoys the hell out of me. Im not sure what to do about it. Im not abig fan of how the interior of my car is put together.

 

I had that problem after I put in AWR mounts. I folded a piece of cardboard into about 3/16" thick and pushed it back, up, and into the space b/w the shield and the cowl right between the two upper screws (just until it was not visible). problem solved!

 

Honestly, I am very disappointed of the fit and finish of this car on the interior pieces. They just don't have the same tolerances as Honda and Toyota. I almost regret selling a more quiet and better put together 1997 honda accord for a 2003 mazda that is more audible on commutes.

 

IMO the Mazda interiors are very nicely put together and actually look much more high-quality than their Japanese-built brethren. I don't have any rattles at all.

The only thing that bothers me is the exterior wind noise, but I solve that by turning up the volume.

 

I agree that thy are nice looking, but Mine does rattle quite a bit in several different places. All in all I believe mazda is a way better car than the Honda, especially with the bang for your buck. But I am disapointed with the rattles of the interior.

 

Honestly, you can't compare the two, Honda has way more quality BUT, your right mazda has a bang for the buck factor and that is why I purchased it instead of another honda that looks the same as all the others.

 

More rattles, but *way* more fun