When driving in second gear at approximately 3000 to 4000 RPMs, I began to notice a knocking sound, even when the engine is warm. I first thought it was gear noise. I took my ES 350 to the dealer last week for a 60,000 mile service and asked them to check it out. The service manager from Parker Lexus in Little Rock rode with me and definitely heard it. The next day the dealership called me and told me the problem was a rod in the engine and that the engine would need to be replaced. They are ordering a short block and say the car will out of commission for 3 to 4 weeks.

So far, they are being very good saying the powertrain warranty should cover it and are providing a courtesy car for me.

Anyone else had this problem? Seems to me to be unusual for this engine.[/SIZE]

 

No, that is an unusual problem. It sounds like the dealer is taking good care of you even though I don't understand the 3-4 weeks downtime. 3-4 days would be more like what I would expect. But if you have a nice loaner I guess you will get along fine. Maybe the shortblock has to be shipped from Japan which would take a little while.

Dave Mac

 

I think the delay is due mostly to the warranty process. Now that they have a tentative diagnosis, they have to tear down the engine and document the damage. Once they do this, they send it to Lexus for appproval since i'm guessing it involves a very costly repair. Most likely they will have to order the short block which could take awhile also. Three to four weeks was his worst case, i.e. "Blessed is he who expects the worst for he shall never be disappointed."