1. Loose Interior Parts:
* Where is the bang coming from? Front? Back? Left? Right? Try to pinpoint the location as accurately as possible.
* When does it bang? Over bumps? When accelerating? Braking? Turning? Only at certain speeds? This will help narrow down the possibilities.
* What feels loose? Check under the dash, in the glove compartment, around the seats, and in the rear cargo area. Look for anything that might be rattling or shifting. Glove box latches, loose screws on trim pieces, etc., are common culprits.
2. Suspension or Steering Issues:
* Could it be coming from the suspension? While you'll likely *feel* suspension issues more than just hear a bang, a worn or broken part could be making noise inside the cabin. Check for loose or damaged components in the suspension.
* Steering components? Loose play in the steering column or linkage could cause a bang, especially during turning.
3. Exhaust System:
* Exhaust leak or rattle: A loose heat shield or a part of the exhaust system contacting the body can create a banging sound that reverberates into the cabin. This is more likely to be a low-pitched rumble or clang.
4. Other Mechanical Issues (Less Likely but Possible):
* Something loose under the hood: While less common to be directly felt inside the cabin, a loose component under the hood, especially one that vibrates at certain engine speeds, might cause a noise.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Safety First: If you're unsure about anything, take your Vibe to a mechanic.
2. Visual Inspection: Start with a thorough visual inspection of the interior, paying close attention to the areas where you hear the bang.
3. Test Drive: Reproduce the noise by driving over different road surfaces and performing various maneuvers (accelerating, braking, turning). Have someone else listen while you drive to better pinpoint the location.
4. Shake Test: Gently shake various parts of the interior to see if anything feels loose.
Without more details about the bang's characteristics, it's impossible to give a definitive answer. The more information you can provide (frequency, location, conditions under which it occurs), the better the chance of identifying the problem.
