I have a 2008 mazda3 with a rattle in the R side of dash that I can't seem to locate. Has anyone had a similar issue and can tell me how to fix it? I have rented 2 of these cars also and the rental guy said they try to get rid of them because of the rattle that shows up about 35000 miles and they can't find it. I had it to the dealer and no luck either.

 

i have an 06 hatchback. its had that rattle since i bought it new. i took part of the dash apart and couldn't find anything. i decided to live with it. i wonder if it might be in with the airbag.

 

Had the same problem with my last Mazda 3 and the dealer took it out and said it was the front AC duct - they tighten this up with some black electrical tape and I never had the rattle again.

 

That ventilation duct is right below the glovebox, but just recently I found that the panel on the left side of the passenger footwell rattles too. This has been an issue only when the car's cold & hits bumps in the road. I padded the panel and have had a couple quiet days so far.