I had a quiet, but constant rattle coming from the driver's side of the car. For a long time, I thought it was coming from the door panel, but I gently started tapping surfaces with my fist to reproduce and locate it.

The source: The hood release lever is clipped onto the larger plastic panel with a large, white plastic clip. The fitment of this clip is loose.

If you lift the hood release lever, you will see the white clip with the release cable passing through it.

The fix: Disassemble the bottom of the dashboard. Starting from the bottom, will see two or three phillips screws. Back those out. The remainder of the lower dashboard is held on by clips.

If you dislodge the main plastic panel (containing trunk release button, BSM and park assist buttons, ODO buttons, etc), you will be able to see the backside of the plastic clip. Pull the tab down on the white clip and remove it from the main plastic panel. Wrap it in felt tape for a snug installation and to prevent plastic-on-plastic contact. Reinstall.

This was driving me nuts.

 

sounds like you were on a mission - glad perseverance paid off... I can relate.

 

I hear it. I am in no way a "DIY" kind of guy. Atleast I know what I can blame it on.