I heard some strange metallic noises while driving around in my 2022 IS350 F Sport AWD and decided to check out the front suspension. On the driver side, it appears there is a cracked and rusted bolt/nut in the suspension. Has anyone else heard of this problem before? I have attached photos of the driver side and passenger side suspensions for reference.

I am super frustrated because this is my 2nd issue in less than a month of ownership and the car has less than 800 miles. I am not sure if this car qualifies for lemon status in NY as of yet. For referenec my first issue like two weeks ago was the cam gear was messed up and was throwing all kinds of sensor warnings and the engine was misfiring. Lexus replaced the cam gear so the engine is fine but now I have this issue.


Passenger Side Suspension - appears fine

Driver Side Suspension - where I could hear some strange noises

 

Holy crap, how could that bolt crack?

 

Not even sure because I have not hit any large potholes that would cause something like this. I take it this isn't a common issue...so must be a faulty part.

 

Hope the snacks are tasty in the dealer waiting area, you’re spending a lot of time there.

 

And why is that bolt rusted? Obviously under pressure it cracked and the rust didn't help...But on a 22, and considering your light usage (only a month old and only 800 miles) nothing should be rusted or cracked...

 

I don't see a crack at all. The nut is supposed to be like that. https://partsouq.com/assets/tesserac...9017112012.jpg
The rust is surface rust and not anything to worry about. As far as your noises, AWD owners have reported some clunking noises on the 21+ IS. The same does not seem to be affecting RWD owners.

 

Look at the black crack in the bolt, between the ***** on the castle nut:

 

Oh damn that’s a biggy. Idk how I managed to miss it. That is definitely concerning. What’s odd is that IS500 owners are having body panel alignment issues on the driver’s side as well. One user came up with the theory that there is a large amount of stress and deflection on the driver’s side. Looks like that story may be panning out. Let me go check my car real quick.

Edit. Went out and checked my car. I too have surface rust and regarding the crack I don’t think it’s an actual crack. The bolt has an opening for the retaining pin to go through. I have it on 4 evenly spaced sides of the bolt. That may be what he is seeing.

 

Update: I went to my dealer today and they told me they are replacing the upper control arm on the driver side. I asked my Service Advisor if he's seen this before and he said this is the first time he's seen this. I was definitely not hoping to be back so soon...

 

That’s not a neatly drilled hole for a pin, that’s a crack.

 

Sucks indeed, but they're gonna take care of it. I mean, ***** happens even in the best families!