I have a 2010 S40 and there's a subtle, but very persitant, rattle that can be heard near my left ear. Once I hear the rattle I can't get it out of my head and it occurs 90% of the time when the road isn't completely smooth. Very small bumps almost always produce the noise.

I beleive the sound is coming from where the seat belt comes out of the door column. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? I've been to three dealers and the mechanics weren't able to hear the rattle.

Are there any possible moving parts in the column between the front and rear doors? At times it almost sounds like a sping type noise (about 5% of the time).

I'm so annoyed by the sound that I'm ready to sell my 1 yr old car. Pleae help!!!

On my 2009 S40, I have a creak on the driver's side near the pillar that I mostly hear when going over speed bumps. I did mention it to the dealer at the 22.5K service but they could not find it.

At one point I tried putting silicone grease all around the seals and in the window track. Thought it helped for a bit but the noise came back.

I plan on bugging the dealer at the next scheduled service but I don't hear it all the time.

The noises my car makes over speed bumps alone could be an orchestra.

My 2001 Toyota Highlander also makes it's own set of noises...but it's a 10 YO car so I don't get too bothered by it. A car that is only a few years old should be pretty tight and quiet IMO.

I have a 2010 S40... no noticeable noise like that.

My folks have a 2007 Toyota Camery that makes a similar noise 90% of the time and seems to be coming from the middle of the dashboard vents. It's like plastic squeaking... really annoying.

I also have this sound...occurs more at highway speeds when road is not perfectly smooth. The dealer installed noise suppression devices (or so they say) which didn't fix it. I am now awaiting comment from some North America tech (he's on vacation for a whole month). This car is brand new (5K on it). I've been trying to get it addressed for the last 2500 miles. I have driven other S40's that don't have this. The dealership is declining to install new seatbelts as Volvo has a bulliten that tells them not to do so. They want to hear from this North American Volvo tech before they proceed with anything else.