Wow, Rx 400h Bestowed Upon By "the Rattles"

[Jim Nazium]

Well, it has been one month of ownership and I guess the Lexus brand is not exempt from the dreaded Rattle Bug.

I'm getting a few so far. The first one is in the front DASH. Here is a link talking about the repair procedure.

2004 –2006 LEXUS RX 330, 2006 RX 400h, & 2007 RX 350; INSTRUMENT PANEL RATTLE

Has anybody had this done? Any side effects? Was it repaired correctly? Is there an alternate repair or suggestion?

The second rattle I'm getting is coming from the rear. It is not from the rear cargo tonneau cover (I don't have one), and it doesn't sound like it's coming from the inside portion of the cabin. I'm guessing it is from the outside cover that covers the spare tire. I am not convinced at this point, since it sounds more metallic in nature than the plastic on plastic that the cover is made of. Anybody have any clues or know of the source(s) for the rear trunk area?

I'm a little surprised, seeing as how this is Toyota's flagship product line. As well, the fact that the RX family has been in production since 2003/04. You would think someone would of gotten hold of this pretty quickly and remedied the problem. My vehicle was manufactured and built in May 06 and was PDI'ed in June.

Cheers,

MadloR

[Gryphon]

MadloR, find a willing volunteer to ride in the back while you drive and try to locate the source. I don't have any 400h rattles as yet, but have done this on other vehicles with some success.

Tom

[RX400h]

One thing that'll confuse almost anyone is the noise that comes from leaving the right side of the sun visor unlatched. It really sounds like the noise originates in the dash somewhere. The first time it happened, I was baffled until I pushed in the visor.

In the rear, check the tools for changing the spare tire. Other than those two sources, our RX has been noise-free. It is unlikely that any of the noises you hear is unfixable.

Dave

[Jim Nazium]

Oh, I am convinced about the dash rattle. If I press and hold the area of the dash (and, there are two points in question outlined in the TSB where the felt is supposed to go) with a little pressure I can stop the noise. I know it's not the sunvisor. Today I was looking from the outside and knocking at the trim that holds the spare tire cover and I noticed that it rattles, though not metallic. I will remove all tools and items from the trunk.

Thanks for the feedback...

MaloR

[Gryphon]

MadloR, I think there has been a post here about the rear seat middle arm rest ratting in certain positions.

Tom

[skyfish400h]

I'm getting a few so far. The first one is in the front DASH. Here is a link talking about the repair procedure.

2004 –2006 LEXUS RX 330, 2006 RX 400h, & 2007 RX 350; INSTRUMENT PANEL RATTLE

The second rattle I'm getting is coming from the rear. It is not from the rear cargo tonneau cover (I don't have one), and it doesn't sound like it's coming from the inside portion of the cabin. I'm guessing it is from the outside cover that covers the spare tire. I am not convinced at this point, since it sounds more metallic in nature than the plastic on plastic that the cover is made of. Anybody have any clues or know of the source(s) for the rear trunk area?

Thanks for the link. I too have what sounds like a dash rattle (not the visors, but could be somthing behind the panel up there). I think it is in the dash, sound like its coming from the center channel speaker grille area right above the nav. Pushing on the dash has had no effect... where are you pushing to get yours to quiet?

I've had 3 rattles in the back and one heavy clunking sound. The first was the small cams right at the hatch opening that get cycled to release the cover (if you have them engaged). They ran felt over the entire surface of the cam so it doesn't tapa tapa on the hatch. The 2nd was the rear licence plate frame. Getting a better looking frame solved that one. The 3rd was inside the hatch. Something abou the motor mount or hinge assy needed tightening. And lastly, the heavy thunking noise... as yet undiagnosed. Could be play developing between the hatch and its structural tiedowns. It only happens when I go into a steep driveway at an angle which twists the body relative to the hatch.

[Jim Nazium]

I'm getting a few so far. The first one is in the front DASH. Here is a link talking about the repair procedure.

2004 –2006 LEXUS RX 330, 2006 RX 400h, & 2007 RX 350; INSTRUMENT PANEL RATTLE

The second rattle I'm getting is coming from the rear. It is not from the rear cargo tonneau cover (I don't have one), and it doesn't sound like it's coming from the inside portion of the cabin. I'm guessing it is from the outside cover that covers the spare tire. I am not convinced at this point, since it sounds more metallic in nature than the plastic on plastic that the cover is made of. Anybody have any clues or know of the source(s) for the rear trunk area?

Thanks for the link. I too have what sounds like a dash rattle (not the visors, but could be somthing behind the panel up there). I think it is in the dash, sound like its coming from the center channel speaker grille area right above the nav. Pushing on the dash has had no effect... where are you pushing to get yours to quiet?

I've had 3 rattles in the back and one heavy clunking sound. The first was the small cams right at the hatch opening that get cycled to release the cover (if you have them engaged). They ran felt over the entire surface of the cam so it doesn't tapa tapa on the hatch. The 2nd was the rear licence plate frame. Getting a better looking frame solved that one. The 3rd was inside the hatch. Something abou the motor mount or hinge assy needed tightening. And lastly, the heavy thunking noise... as yet undiagnosed. Could be play developing between the hatch and its structural tiedowns. It only happens when I go into a steep driveway at an angle which twists the body relative to the hatch.

The front Dash Rattle can be found about 6 inches to the right from where the opening for the front defroster begins and again on the opposite side (passenger side, 6 inches before where the defroster vent ends). From the link, it is difficult to envision but I can now understand how it is made. The front defroster has a funnel that channels the air from below the air box assembly and exits out on top of the front windshield. Where the exhaust plumbing ends, it has two contact points that touch the underside of the vent front vent cutout found on the top of the dash (you cannot see it, because the contact point is on the underside of the dash where the two pieces meet)

Speaker------{================================}------Speaker

if you can imagine looking directly above your dash, the two contact points where the rattle is sourced can be found at the = points. If you press just beneathe those two areas, the rattle stops. This area is where the inside air vent is contacting the underside of the dash opening from the underside. I believe Lexus's fix is to place some felt on those two contact points. My fear, is the need to loosen and remove the dash. EEGADS, if they dare scratch my dash or reinstall it back incorrectly. I may attempt to look into fixing this myself.

As for the rear rattle, well I do not own a tonneau cover. And I am convinced it is the rear spare tire cover and lid assembly. I plan on removing it and install some hook and loop tape (velcro) where the outer circular diameter meets the out circular lid. That should fix that.

Interesting that you point out some other cause of rattles in the rear, I will take note of them in the future.

MadloR

MadloR, I think there has been a post here about the rear seat middle arm rest ratting in certain positions.

Tom

I will try leaving the rear arm rest assembly in the down position tomorrow. But, in my case I am CONVINCED the source of the noise is on the OUTSIDE. For what it's worth, my vehicle has the factory installed trailer hitch.

Thanks Gryphon

[JimsGX]

Well, it has been one month of ownership and I guess the Lexus brand is not exempt from the dreaded Rattle Bug.

I'm getting a few so far. The first one is in the front DASH. Here is a link talking about the repair procedure.

2004 –2006 LEXUS RX 330, 2006 RX 400h, & 2007 RX 350; INSTRUMENT PANEL RATTLE

Has anybody had this done? Any side effects? Was it repaired correctly? Is there an alternate repair or suggestion?

The second rattle I'm getting is coming from the rear. It is not from the rear cargo tonneau cover (I don't have one), and it doesn't sound like it's coming from the inside portion of the cabin. I'm guessing it is from the outside cover that covers the spare tire. I am not convinced at this point, since it sounds more metallic in nature than the plastic on plastic that the cover is made of. Anybody have any clues or know of the source(s) for the rear trunk area?

I'm a little surprised, seeing as how this is Toyota's flagship product line. As well, the fact that the RX family has been in production since 2003/04. You would think someone would of gotten hold of this pretty quickly and remedied the problem. My vehicle was manufactured and built in May 06 and was PDI'ed in June.

Cheers,

MadloR

Hi,

I just recently had this fix done on my new 2007 RX400h with 150 miles on it. Just two days after taking delivery. When the mechanic told me he was going to have to pull the dash, I was afraid they would create more problems. Luckily, it worked out okay... Looking at the labor associated with the fix you posted, I think it may be an under-estimate of the hours necessary to perform the fix. The service rep told me it took them about eight hours to R&R the dash. They kept the vehicle overnight.

My vehicle is now three weeks old and its recently been back in for another rattle in the rear. It sounded more like two pieces of styrofoam rubbing together than like a rattle actually. They told me that they found a TSB relating to the right rear tail light, and that they installed an "insulation kit" for it. This didn't resolve the problem however. I think I tracked it down though. It was related to the small plastic hinge pins of the rear seat cup holder that were shaking/vibrating over bumps when the cup holder cover was closed. I strategically installed a couple of felt pads that force the covers pop-up spring mechanism to firmly contact the cup holder that folds down inside when the cover is closed. Its been a few days and the noise hasn't returned.

I'm still not completely satisfied. I occassionally hear a vibration coming from the drivers door that I haven't taken the time to isolate yet. At times, I also hear other noises coming from the rear. They're more subdued though, and are going to be more difficult to isolate. The noises aren't "Lexus Like" though.

I just came out of a 2004 GX470 and moved into the RX400h. I loved the GX, it was one of the best vehicles I've owned. My best friend actually bought it from me.

My initial impression of the RX is that it isn't as well built as the GX. The base MSRP of the two vehicles isn't that far apart. I figured I'd try and do my part for the environment in a small way. Hopefully I won't regret my decision...

Jim

[RX400h]

What, pray tell, was the gas mileage of the GX470? I shudder every time I see such a huge vehicle!

[RXREY]

I haven't heard anything in the dash but I did post earlier about the rear rattle and for me it was two things:the back seat backs when the seats are all the way back, tighten and create a noise with the vibration of the car,normal vibration. So if you put the seats forward a bit you'll notice that the seat backs loosten and voila, no rattle. The second rattle for me was from the two tabs that locked the privacy screen. They need to be pushed forward otherwise they rattle against the tail gate! That's it. the RX is SOLID, it's the little things that were simply vibrating so now my car sounds the way she's bulit...solid. Happy trails, Rey in L.A.

[JimsGX]

What, pray tell, was the gas mileage of the GX470? I shudder every time I see such a huge vehicle!

Not as bad as you might think... I got the advertised MPG. 16-17 City and 19-20 Highway. It's rated at 17 City and 19 Highway.

Jim

[Jim Nazium]

Ok, I have my appointment today to take care of the following items...

1. front console, drivers side, (below cupholder), chassis piece between the facade housing and side housing stays apart (doesn't remain clipped together).

2. front roof rack bar on drivers side refuses to clip in place.

3. dash rattle.

4. rear cargo area rattle.

5. isc reinitialisation (I disconnected the battery).

6. free 1st Lexus personalisation programming.

AND THEN, and only then the 10,000 mile inspection (I'm at 9200miles at the moment).

Will see tonight what the "Lexus" Dealer comes up with for S_E_R_V_I_C_E. :)

Cheers,

MadloR

[Jim Nazium]

Wow, car was delivered to Service Department yesterday at 07:15 am and car was completed at 3:30pm.

1. They are not sure about how to go about getting this part replaced. It is very expensive. They took piece apart and tried to snap it back and they were not successfull. Apparently the retaining or locking clips are broken. Who and how this happened is not known. Service manager has contacted head office about whether they can replace this part or not given the nature of the fact I am the Second owner of this vehicle they do not know the history and whether or not this is an actual defect or not.

2). Fixed.

3). Fixed. As per the TSB.

4). Fixed. Apparently it was the Rear Tailgate, it required an adjustment.

5). Apparently, there is nothing required for this, service advisor mentioned that the ECU will just self learn itself. Hmmm, I thought there was the TSB explaining the procedure. Apparently not according to Lexus Dealership. Oh well, we'll see once I hit warmer weather. So far in the 0F to 20F temperature range I can manage to pull off 24-25.5 mpg.

6). Dang, I didn't think I would get a freebie on this the way the Service Advisor was telling me "we do this within the 1st month of ownership for vehicles that we deliver to Our Customers". I changed a few things from the Factory "Standard" settings, and yes they did it for free.

And of course with that they completed the 10,000 mile service. Personally, I think that was a waste of money / time, given the fact it's pretty much an oil change imho. Kind of a rip for an oil change, but I'm not complaining given the fact they covered most issues. I'm curious to see how the Dealer will go to bat for me and how Lexus Canada will serve they American Lexus vehicle.

Cheers,

MadloR

[w@ntonsoup]

They don't do the customization for free??? I think they do.

[Gryphon]

That's a pretty good report, MadloR. I think the cost of the 10K sevice is worth the support you received in return.

Tom

[skyfish400h]

That's a pretty good report, MadloR. I think the cost of the 10K sevice is worth the support you received in return.

I generally agree, and this this is how I approached it as well... but watch out for the 20K. They charge an arm and a leg for the wipers :cries:

[Gryphon]

Perhaps one should just coincidentally replace all the easy items like windshield wipers and cabin air filters right before the 20K service. Then all they can find to charge you for is inspection of 200 bolts that haven't moved since the car was built.

Tom

[skyfish400h]

Perhaps one should just coincidentally replace all the easy items like windshield wipers and cabin air filters right before the 20K service. Then all they can find to charge you for is inspection of 200 bolts that haven't moved since the car was built.

If they are on the list for that service, they will likely just do em.

[trten13]

Well, it has been one month of ownership and I guess the Lexus brand is not exempt from the dreaded Rattle Bug.

I'm getting a few so far. The first one is in the front DASH. Here is a link talking about the repair procedure.

2004 –2006 LEXUS RX 330, 2006 RX 400h, & 2007 RX 350; INSTRUMENT PANEL RATTLE

Has anybody had this done? Any side effects? Was it repaired correctly? Is there an alternate repair or suggestion?

The second rattle I'm getting is coming from the rear. It is not from the rear cargo tonneau cover (I don't have one), and it doesn't sound like it's coming from the inside portion of the cabin. I'm guessing it is from the outside cover that covers the spare tire. I am not convinced at this point, since it sounds more metallic in nature than the plastic on plastic that the cover is made of. Anybody have any clues or know of the source(s) for the rear trunk area?

I'm a little surprised, seeing as how this is Toyota's flagship product line. As well, the fact that the RX family has been in production since 2003/04. You would think someone would of gotten hold of this pretty quickly and remedied the problem. My vehicle was manufactured and built in May 06 and was PDI'ed in June.

Cheers,

MadloR

It is really very dissapointing for a car of this quality to produce so many different rattles. German competitors are rock solid. My RX 400h is only 8 months old and I already had to deal with a number of strange rattles and creaking sounds.

[w@ntonsoup]

My experience and in reading zillions of online forums shows that no vehicle is "rock solid" - reliability certainly favors Japanese brands, with both German and American being far lower on the list. I'd much rather have a rattle than a mechanical problem.... But I say this even as my 400h has the annoying rear hatch rattle which we expect the dealer to resolve at the next service.

[Jim Nazium]

FWIW, my M5 has had a rattle from day one (sunroof screen) that was never repaired no matter how often I've complained, and my wife's previous '03 VW Jetta Wagon (made in Germany) had numerous dash rattles that I have had to take to a car stereo specialist and have him line all the individual plastic dash pieces with felt.

hehe, german squeeks.

[Robl45]

well I'll post my thoughts. This freaking thing is a rattle trap, honest to god, it rattles more than my wifes(now mine) Jeep Wrangler.

1st, I got a sound like beebies or something rattling at drivers ear level. Sounds like maybe the seatbelt height adjuster or something. Only when I drive over serious bumps like brick roads that we have a fair amount of in Florida here.

2nd, something from the back of the car. The privacy screen was making noise, like the fabric is just rubbing together or something. I had it in the back fully extended but with those clips that touch the tail gate pushed back so there should be no noise. Then I tried it with the screen not fully extended. It was about the same. Now I have it laying in the back of the trunk, its almost just as bad. Service tech said, thats just the way they are. Are you kidding me??

oh and its gets better. The roof rack rattles and they tell me its designed like that. No joke, it really is, go touch your cross slats, you will notice once side is kinda loose, thats the spring mounted easy one handed movement design. apparently, there is no noise if you load the rack up. So I just have to listen to a metallic noice from the roof rack every time I drive.

Honestly, the best part about this car at this point is the RES and they didn't make the volume loud enough so I can barely hear the damn thing.

Sorry to vent, but I'm pretty frustrated, I can't even use most of the phones with the blue tooth as most have next to no functionality.

[Jim Nazium]

oh and its gets better. The roof rack rattles and they tell me its designed like that. No joke, it really is, go touch your cross slats, you will notice once side is kinda loose, thats the spring mounted easy one handed movement design. apparently, there is no noise if you load the rack up. So I just have to listen to a metallic noice from the roof rack every time I drive.

One of the things that was fixed on the service was a cross over bar for the roof rack that wouldn't lock in place (all other 3 sides would). So when I got the vehicle back I noticed that not only does it lock in place now, but it is completely slack free. Unlike the other sides which have some give, the next time I take the vehicle in I will ask that the service tech do the same for the remaining sides. I am not complaining that this is a source of rattle for me, but I do think the cross over bars should be tight so as to eliminate any possible rattle/noise.

One other thing and this blows me away, has anybody else noticed how loose the housing that covers the spare tire is? Is it only me? Check it out the next time and give it a little knock and see how noisey that cover is. I haven't had time but I will be loosening it and put some hook and loop tape and report back when I do. Also, I find the rear muffler has way too much play, no way should the muffler have as much as 2 - 3 inches of slack from right to left or up and down.

Cheers,

MadloR

[Gryphon]

Madlo, I too have noticed the cheesy spare tire cover, although I don't hear any rattles from it while driving. And I agree that the muffler looks like it has fallen down when viewed from behind. Perhaps all the more reason to minimize any off-road driving.

Tom

[Jim Nazium]

god darn it, a new squeek. Can you believe the rear seat of the drivers, where the seat pocket is for the rear right passenger, squeeks against the drivers seat. Unbelievable.

MadloR