Is it normal that when I start my 08 ES 350 the engine seems to sound very clanky or almost like a diesel engine for lack of a better way to describe it. Well, maybe not as loud as a diesel engine but very different from what I think it should sound. This seems to smooth out after a few minutes. I've noticed this since the weather has gotten colder (I live in Dallas). When I took it to the dealer, they say this is normal and there is nothing wrong. A service advisor says it probably sounds this way because the oil hasn't had time to go throughout the system. They say they compared my car to another vehicle and didn't hear any difference. Are they feeding me a boatload of crap? I like everything about the car with this one exception.

 

Wow, where do I begin...

The bottom line is that it is normal characteristic of the engine, but I would not say it is normal compared to other makes and models.

I have spoken to Lexus customer service about this. They are aware of the issue, but are denying any warranty claims because there is no fix. So, dealers will feed you any story to get you back on the road.

I have driven other ES350s in the cold and they do it too. I have also driven a 2008 Sienna with the 3.5L engine in it, it makes the same noise.

Do a search on this forum, you will find multiple threads on this topic.

Do what I do, turn the radio up and try to enjoy the car as is.

 

Oh lord, not this again!

It's annoying, but it is the way it is. No fix and it's on every example of the ES350

 

Mine is loud now that is cold here again. Had a loaner RX350 back in late 2006 that was quiet as a mouse in start up. Go figure.

 

Same thing. Drive for 5 minutes and it goes away

 

i quote this from a book i read "piston slap is desirable when having a high horse power engine"

now i know its not crazy high horse power. but it is alot of power for what it is.

deal with it.

 

I have a 1976 Jeep, a 1982 Jeep, and a 1999 Ford pick up that all make noise upon start up when they are cold, I dont even notice it anymore.

Obviously engine life has not been affected.

 

I have a 1996 GMC Safari and I have never experienced this rough/loud idling during cold starts. I'm in GA and it gets cold....below 32 on some nights. It cranks right up and runs smooth...out the gate. I just purchased a 09 Level III ES 350...haven't picked the car up yet it's on the way, I'll be listening though on the mornings when its cold. I went to a Caddy dealer in ATL to test drive a 08 CTS, and at start-up it sounded rough. I asked the salesman why it sounded so rough, he simply replied because the car was sitting idle for a long time.....so maybe it's more than just the cold??. It could have something to do with the newer engines? Not sure... I'll do some research on this...