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Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: Why is My Car Rattling?

That rattling noise may be easier to fix than you think. Keep reading to see what can possibly be causing you car to sound like a jalopy.

By Neftali Medina - October 26, 2015
Contributors: AllFordMustangs

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 (2005-2014).

A Mustang is sculpted to look, drive and sound aggressive, but when something is rattling its pretty easy to make the car feel cheap. For some of us, a rattling noise is something we can often overlook. Eventually, that rattling creeps into our brains and makes us pay attention to it. The causes of rattling can be a number of things, such as an exhaust hanger or failing catalytic converter. This article aims to show you some common causes of rattling noises and the steps you can use to repair them.

Materials Needed

  • Flashlight
  • Jack
  • Jack stands

Step 1 – Check the exhaust hangers

They might be loose.

This is the most common problem that causes a rattling noise to arise from under the vehicle. If you peak under the car, you'll notice several metal brackets that keep the exhaust piping, muffler and catalytic converter in place. If one of those brackets cracks or loosens itself, it will begin to vibrate as the car is in motion. To fix this problem, simply replace the bracket.

Figure 1. Broken exhaust hanger.

Step 2 – Check the heat shield

It might be loose.

In similar respect to the exhaust hangers, the heat shield mounts between the catalytic converter and exhaust piping. The TSB #SSM18453 was released in regards to the heat shield vibrating. To check it, locate the heat shield (It lies in-between the cat and transmission) and give it a nice shake. If the two bolts that are supposed to hold it in place move or the shield rattles, then you've found the problem. The good news is that the dealer will have to fix it for you at no extra cost!

Figure 2. The heat shield's perforated thin metal protects delicate stuff like fuel lines from the hot exhaust pipe.

Step 3 – Check the catalytic converter

It might have failed.

When the catalytic converter fails, a number of things go wrong, one of which is a very loud rattle. This makes even the nicest tones sound like a poorly modified import. In the worst of situations it will decrease the performance of your car and fail its emissions test. This happens because the inside of a catalytic converter breaks apart, often clogging the system and failing to filter out the engine's emissions. To fix this, cut off the original cat and weld a new one in place.

Figure 3. A catalytic converter.

Pro Tip

If your catalytic converter is bad, it might be a good time to completely modify the exhaust system. Not only will doing so repair the problem, but it will also increase the performance of your engine.

Step 4 – Check the interior

Interior plastics are common sources of rattles.

Maybe your problem resides inside the cabin. Interior plastics are a common source of rattles. Whether it's from mileage or due to increased vibrations from things like aftermarket exhausts, stiffer bushings, etc., interior plastics can loosen and rattle with age. To troubleshoot, roll your windows up and turn off the stereo and any other sources of noise. From there, proceed to drive the car around until the rattle makes itself known. Pay attention to where the rattle is coming from; is it the rear of the vehicle, or the front? Consider having a passenger ride in the car, as a second set of eyes and ears can only help in tracking down the issue.

Figure 4. Typical Mustang interior.

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