klejeune

I noticed in my 2015 Lexus RX 450h that when on the freeway my hood vibrates (near the bottom of windshield), and you can actually see it through the window.
Has anyone experienced this issue?
I've asked the dealer twice now and they can't simulate - which I think is bull. They can't replace the hood mounts (like I asked them to) unless they can simulate.

Oldfart

Have someone take a video while you are driving.

Htony

Did you drive out to freeway to show the dealer tech? Or what did they do for simulation?

RGSW

Think this is posted to wrong forum, should be 3d Generation forum???

klejeune

Tried taking the video and it's not clear.

Droid13

Try putting some small stickers at various points on the hood that contrast the paint, that should make it easier for the video to demonstrate the hood motion. Make sure the video includes a stationary point as reference (inside dash, maybe put a sticker or two here as well).

spschneer

My 2015 RX350 does the same thing...trailing edge of the hood, just over the windshield wiper mounts, vibrates about a 1/16" (maybe less, but still noticeable) at speed. Seems to be related to the roughness of the road too...smoother interstates happens less, rougher interstates happens more...

Has anyone actually taken this in to a dealer and gotten it "fixed" or is it a "live with it" issue...

Clutchless

I think the rubber stops on the body may be able to be screwed in or out to adjust the hood resting point.

spschneer

When I first noticed the hood edge vibrating, I chalked it off to Lexus using thinner gauge sheet metal in the hood for weight savings/fuel economy. Many (most?) cars sheet metal seems to be about the thickness of a soda can thus making it hard to repair even a minor fender-bender...most times now, the panel/part is replaced instead of repaired...

The hood aligns perfectly on the sides with the fenders so there is no "adjustment" room available to raise the bumpers...To me, it appears it is the large span of thin metal between the hinges flexing & vibrating due to road roughness or wind action.

Htony

I drive same model year/car. Mine does not do it. And thin sheet metal hood? Most of time hood is part of frontal collision mitigation. Usually hood is heavy in weight.

lexusrus

Is your hood OEM? Did you buy your RX brand new?

Do you see a VIN number sticker on the inside edge of the hood somewhere? Matching the other body panels?

The hood is an important part of the crash system mechanism design and will fold as designed during a crash. Especially in frontal crashes where you certainly DO NOT want a very rigid hard metal plate that will not bend or fold and pushing through the windshield and chopping you/passengers in half.

I don't see my RX450h vibrating at all.....It is all intact and without any rattles or vibrations.

spschneer

Just checked, there's 3 stickers (all with Lexus Logos): A model number/group/options identifier sticker, a (yellow) warning sticker for High Pressure refrigerant (AC) and a VIN sticker. RX350 was purchased pre-owned and according to the CarFax, was involved in a minor front end accident WITHOUT airbag deployment. All panel gaps are straight, clean and uniform so it appears the damage was properly repaired. No rattles either If I were to guess, I'd say it is OEM (original or OEM replacement).

The trailing edge seems to "flutter" when there's a combination of turbulent air-flow as well as some road roughness.(e.g: windy day on the Interstate or passing/being passed by a semi on the interstate with rough road surface). It does not do it all the time nor on every road or every semi-pass. Just when a combination of factors occurs. I have to be looking for it, also...

Clutchless

It could still be an aftermarket replacement hood with new OEM stickers. They install the stickers after the paint work. The less than OEM spec aftermarket hood may explain your issues. If you knew which insurance company covered it that may let you know as some specify OEM parts and many do not.

I had an accident in a Honda I owned with no airbag deployment where the hood, front bumper, fenders and radiator were replaced and they got new inside the hood stickers as they were added after the paint work and I had to return a week later for them to be installed. I do not know if the hood was OEM or not, but they did install a beat up used radiator that I had to pull and get cleaned 6 months later. Visually the work was perfect.

spschneer

Klejeune,
Was your RX450 purchased new? Do you know if it was ever in an accident?

I'm wondering if my description of the hood movement is similar to the way yours moves...trailing edge of the hood right above the windshield wiper pivots? It doesn't appear the hood is actually loose. I can't move it with my hand, but the trailing edge of the sheet metal is fluttering or shaking...

Is yours also related to wind/vibration/road surface roughness?

Thanks