I have a 2007 ES350 and complained about the noise back in '08. Every year it gets louder and now even after the car is warm and I let it sit an hour it slaps for the first couple of miles. I have started a discussion with Lexus and have been to the dealership. Last week when I went in and told them what I wanted to talk about I was escorted into an office with 2 service writers. I got the same BS that this is probably piston slap and perfectly normal. I told them piston slap is not normal and I have never been in any gas powered vehicle that sounds this bad at startup. I also told them about posts I have seen and all I got back was blank stares. I am convinced they know all about this and how to fix it but have been instructed by Lexus to try and ignore the problem. I don't buy for one minute that this will have no long term effect on the engine. With all the bad publicty out there for Toyota right now I believe it is time for anybody with this issue to turn up the heat. The dealer did keep my car overnight and told me he drove it twice and it was no louder then any other loaner. Total BS. They are going to have a tech drive it Monday morning. If they still won't admit to the problem I am going to insist on a factory rep drive it cold with me in the car and also take out some of the loaners. If that does not work I plan on talking to the local media. There was just an article in Sunday's paper about a lady who had the sticking gas throttle problem and few years back and they kept telling her it was not a problem with the car.
