GregT

I just purchased a new 2015 RX 350. As I accelerate from a stop at normal speed it sounds loud to me. The loudness disappears at 30 mph or so. I have a 2001 RX 300 that does not do this. I like (a lot) the new 350, but am surprised that the engine noise is louder that a 15 year old RX. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed this? Thanks in advance for any comments.

Cruiter

From my computer screen it's really hard to evaluate what sounds loud to you. But it doesn't sound normal so you should probably take it in and have the service writer ride with you.

Welcome to the forum

nx200tmb

In my experience with a 13 RX350 it does seem noisier than it should.

Don't know if Lexus skimped on the sound deadening or what, but I'm always surprised by how much louder the engine and road noise is, on the RX350 (bought brand new).

garygve

I bought a 2015 RX350 and I agree there is way to much engine noise for a $50,000 plus luxury SUV at the lower speeds. I have a question for the forum moderators does anyone from Lexus ever look at this forum to see what customers are saying about their product?

BertL

Congrats on your 2015. CL isn't associated with Lexus, so if Lexus HQ somewhere does read this forum, they're not sayin'. ;-). Over the years there have been an occasional Lexus employee from dealerships that have made themselves known to the boards and have been helpful acting on their own -- not in an official capacity --, but IIRC the number of those kind folks has been less than a handful around the RX forums that I tend to frequent the most. My experience has been that if there is something good or bad you really want Lexus to hear about and respond to, it's best to contact their Customer Service. Lexus also has an Advisory Council they use to gather fairly structured input from owners from time-to-time -- it's an invite-only sort of thing, so not something anyone can sign up for or provide random input to.

Cruiter

As Bert said. However this is the largest and most active Lexus forum and I just have to believe it's like one news station monitoring other news stations, they have lurkers even if they're behind the scenes. Also as Bert said, your best assurance of them hearing what you have to say is direct communication to their 800 number.

Congrats on your purchase, isn't it a great car?

garygve

That's too bad Lexus doesn't, you would think that would be something they would want to do since its all about their product. If I manufactured a product that customers had a problem with I would want to address it and not let it fester on the internet and spread bad rumors that could effect future customers buying my product. I own a 2012 Chevy Avalanche and posted a problem I was having on the Avalanche Forum this summer and a GM customer rep posted a reply within 1-day for me to contact her with a private message and she worked with my dealer to take care of it even though it was out of warranty. This kind of customer service goes a long way, I just think all it could do is help Lexus by responding to some posts on this forum even if it was just providing information that we couldn't get from a dealer.
Anyway at least I know they don't follow this forum or if they do they won't respond to any posts. A couple of members here have traded in their new Lexus's for other brands because they didn't like the ride for a luxury SUV, wouldn't that have been nice for Lexus to respond to those owners to work with the dealer to see if there was anything that could be done. Now when asked by friends why did you get rid of your Lexus so quick, they will tell them it road like a truck and that person will tell someone else etc and just keep spreading when maybe it was just tires or pressures that was the cause. O well I vented enough here they are living on their old Lexus luxury ride and quiet reputation which they have gotten away from and when you keep losing existing customers you will never get them back.

nx200tmb

They may "unofficially" follow this forum. You never know. Lexus is a huge company so you can't assume anything.

However, you should take your complaint through the official channels if you want to get anything done.

I'm sure Lexus has done the cost calculations of the the noise vs profit, and they're just fine with the way it is. It's is the most popular small SUV to date, so no need to fix it if it ain't broken, in their eyes.

kitlz

garygve, the only way to assure a company knows about a potential problem with a product is to hear directly from the affected customer. CL is basically a resource, not a substitute. How much Lexus monitors this site is unknown. But I'm sure they do. It's only fair to give them the opportunity to address them whether you paid $15K or $50K. Their dedication to quality is well documented.

I have to ask, did you test drive the RX before you bought it? Well, some of those unhappy owners didn't. You can't fault Lexus for that. Additionally noise is one of those subjective topics. It would be interesting to know if you’ve driven another '15 RX for comparison. That can help determine whether it's normal or if there’s an actual problem. For other issues, we do have threads where members were able to fix a ‘problem’ without dealer intervention. But I wouldn’t dismiss the dealer completely. For example, all have Technology Specialists to answer questions related to bluetooth, connecting cell phones, etc. Mine also has monthly seminars to help new owners familiarize themselves with their vehicles. And let’s not forget the owners’ manuals. They’re searchable online as well.

Going online and posting negative comments (sometimes anonymously) is easy. That time would be better spent contacting the company for a resolution.

1111GS

The loudness you hear is perfectly "normal". 15 RX is a nice vehicle with some nice design feature. But if you come from an older RX, you will notice the loudness from acceleration from a stop. We come from an 08 and that was the first we notice. Two other things that I think could have been improved are the wiper and back up camera. Overall it is a great vehicle, but it could be better for its price. But if you're not happy, I agree, it's best to contact the dealer/Lexus directly.

GBalmes

I just purchased a new 2015 RX350 and yes I noticed it too. I'm annoyed by the engine loudness when you accelerate from a stop. It feels like it lacks power that you have to step on the gas pedal to achieve that acceleration that you want. To me this is really odd. But reading it here now that some people notice it too is reassuring that I'm not imagining things. I can honestly say that Im not really pleased with this vehicle.
My question is: is it because its a front wheel drive? Dealership gave me loaner car a week ago, another RX350 2015 but with navigation, I would think this is a all wheel drive vehicle. This SUV drives smooth and quiet with power you expect from a V6 engine. So can anyone here say that it is because I have a front wheel SUV as oppose to having all wheel drive, that is why im having this noise or engine loudness when accelerating?

Cruiter

It's easy to tell if your loaner is AWD, just look under the rear and see if there's a differential. Also, for those that haven't noticed the new message at the top of each forum's 1st page https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...uncements.html , Lexus now has recognized our forum officially in that you can post to their official Corporate monitors and ASK LEXUS. Please read the link and post to them if you feel the need. It's new and some have already received answers.

justin1203

FWD RX's do not have the center differential lock button either, right?

Cruiter

Right, mine is strictly FWD and I don't have the button.

CanadianRX

I noticed it too before I bought but it wasn't a problem for me as it quiets down at speed. It probably has more to do with the weight of the car and the fact that it takes more rpm to get this overweight beast going. Didn't notice it as much in the loaner es but that car is also 1k lbs lighter.