From the time my 2004 LS320 was new, there was something loose at the top of the steering post, making a knocking/rattling noise on any vibration from the pavement at low speeds. After several trips to the dealer and unnecessary repairs (lower and upper steering column yokes), they finally replaced the tilt assembly and told me that Lexus has now had enough instances of the same problem, especially on the 300 series, to identify the problem. This has fixed the prior problem, but I will have to take the car back again, because now the smart key does not work in the ignition (even when the smart key is activated and works on the doors and trunk), and with the key inserted it is often a difficult process of turning the wheel to allow the starter key to work. Then the wheel usually tilts all the way back up and away, irrespective of memory settings. This latest problem only occurred with the new assembly.

Anyone else have similar experiences?