My mom is in the process of purchasing a 2021 RX350 with 37,000 miles. We were told by the dealer that while doing their inspection it was noted that it needed the gasket replaced to the timing chain cover. I don’t know a whole lot when it comes to that area of a vehicle, but I would have thought any vehicle that new and with that little miles shouldn’t already need a timing cover gasket. My question is how big of a deal is it? And is that normal?? Could it mean underlying issues or issues possibly down the road?

 

Have not seen this leak at such low mileage but it is a common problem on these engines. I personally would not consider a vehicle at 37K miles that is leaking oil.

Leak will slowly get worse.

 

Oh wow I didn’t know it was a common problem for that engine. The dealer is going to replace the gasket, they said it was covered under warranty. Once it is fixed the leak should be taken care of right? Or is it likely to have more issues arise soon thereafter?

 

This is a design flaw, a section of the timing chain cover that meets the block is thin which results in not enough gasket material (known as FIPG) being in that area. I thought this flaw was fixed in 2019 but I could be wrong. What you're facing is the dealer pulling the engine and re-sealing the cover. A whole lot can go wrong during this process.

Given how common this car is I see zero reason to buy one with a leaking cover.

 

She ended up going with something else. Thank you for all your help!