My car just started squeaking on the passenger side interior. It sounds like it is coming from the dash or A pillar. Anyone else have this issue and also has a fix for this problem, its driving me crazy!
thank you

I have this issue too - same model. About to post on it and doing a search. Have you learned anything since posting this? Its unacceptable.

I developed this after my first dusty trip with the 4R and found that it was dirt between the dash & window, cleaned it, went away. Another trip, same sound, same solution. No idea why it was happening, just was.

To clarify. Are you saying you cleaned between your dash (inside) and windshield or between your wiper cowling (outside) and windshield?

Ha its funny you said this (dirt). Because I first noticed it after every time I went offroad on dirt trails. Because of it going away, and because I only noticed after being in dusty conditions I first believed this was dust particles rubbing against the window that eventually got swept away or “ground” down to where there was no longer an issue. However a dust spray can did not resolve the issue and then I noticed the squeaking even when the truck is clean and has not been taken off road. I also thought maybe it was temperature related, but this also does not seem to be the case – it is now common whether in 110 degree Phoenix heat, or 64 degree SF bay area chill.

It has been driving me crazy, which is how i found this post.

SO i dug further, and found the cause in the amazing forum. After sorting through a ton of posts and the fact that people define "rattle", "squeaking" and "clicking" all differently or interchangeably (come on guys, these are all very different sounds!!) I found these threads and now know it is 1 of 2 causes:
1) The fender liner (this was a 100% fix for some)
2) The windshield plastic trim piece in the corner of the windshield. (this was also a 100% for others - note the author of this solution specifically found the other (fender) didn't work and vice versa.

So is 100% one of those 2 things.


My "windshield creak/tick" and how I fixed it.

This is exactly my sound and issue, complete with Youtube video of the sound.

A squeaking/crackling noise resolved

Major Squeaking issue! (interior/A-Pillar)

I also found this buried on one form the service manuals (apparently)
T-SB-0141-10 Upper/Lower Windshield/Rear Glass Tick Noise
If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, or at the top of the rear glass, the source of the noise may be the two stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield/rear glass, or the windshield retainers bonded to the lower edge of the windshield. This bulletin provides the recommended repair procedure to eliminate these types of noises from the windshield/rear glass area.


Anyhoo.....this is a very common problem. I plan to do the fender fix myself and take it in to the dealer if it does fix it.

The fender liner is super easy to check. Before popping any clips, you might try gorilla tape to secure the rubber splash guard. If it fixes it, you can do the more permanent fix with new clips or the double-sided tape. Also, it’s pretty easy to pop those corner pieces at the base of the windshield if that’s what you are referring to. Pop them out and if the sound stops, either secure them better or get new ones. I just ordered new ones. Good luck.

Might try adjusting the hood bumper cushions. By unscrewing them, you increase the height of the cushion thereby increasing tension on the hood latch.
It eliminated the squeak I was having in my interior and also the squeak it made when I closed the door.

This was it.
I recorded this with sound but do not know how to upload it so you can hear it.
4runner squeak found! - Album on Imgur

Congrats! I assume you are adding 3M tape behind the rubber splash guard or buying more secure clips. I have been waiting for my gorilla tape to fail to do the same but that darn tape is holding strong after 18 months.

For splash guard "squeak" I used a drop of rtv (silicone) under each clip... it was about 3 yers ago- no issues.

Had the same clicking annoyance on my new 2021 Off Road. Tried the wiper supply hose fix but it turned out to be the fender liner clips. On mine, the top two clips closet to the firewall on each side were engineered too small for the hole. A quick trip to Ace for some larger dia. clips and rubber washers to increase the thickness of the factory liner and the problem is solved.

I'm new to this forum but definitely not new to Toyotas. Anyway, I appreciate the info. Phantom squeaks and clicks drive me crazy. Thanks again!

This bothered me for months and I finally found the right combination of keywords and determination to locate people reporting the same issue. My wife thought I was crazy... she thought I was even more crazy when I discovered the culprit and wouldn’t stop celebrating.

Just tell her it's like when she finds just the right cute shoes that she has been looking everywhere for.