I have a 2020 Rx350 with 43,000 miles that is leaking oil onto the floor (a couple drops each day) from the timing cover.
The oil level on the stick always seemed to indicate that it was full. Took it the the Lexus Dealership where it was purchased
and they are going to repair it and cover all costs since it is still under warranty.

They will replace the head gaskets, timing chain gasket, timing chain and O rings. The parts are on back order and they cannot tell me
when the parts will arrive.

Even though this seems to be a fairly common issue for these engines, they are telling me it is uncommon at 43,000 miles.

Looking for insight from others that have gone through the same thing.

Thanks!
Rick

 

Our 2018 started leaking at about 40K. This has been a known issue - our 2007 ES350 with the same engine leaked there as well. It is more of a seep but some drops fall on the ground and the oil pan is coated with oil. As you discovered, the leak is minor and does not register on tne dip stick. Since I live in southern California, I just went with a thicker oil. 10/30 on the ES and 5/20 for the RX. The RX still seeps and I may go 10/30. Some have success applying silicone on tbe outside of the block, where the right head and timing cover meet. I may go that route also.

 

My ES has a drip. Not going to mess with it. It is a FIP (form in place) gasket so it is very dependent on the technician. A lot has to come apart for the repair. As a mechanic for over 45 years I prefer to live with some small issues depending on the repair. The good thing is that Lexus technicians are used to this and have the right sealant for the gasket.

Here is a video of what comes apart for the repair.
Why are they wanting to change the timing chain and head gaskets at 43k? They do not need to come off for the repair.

 

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Ty Chuyrobles! Since I have warranty coverage I let Lexus diagnose the issue. I’m hoping for a ‘one and done’ repair since I have long term
concerns about the repair. I live in the northeast so a heavier oil isn’t a great option for me. Would love to see Lexus stand behind the current repair in case it happens again in a couple of years.

 

Thanks Rmak! Since I have coverage I’ll let Lexus repair it and hoping it won’t develop the leak again.
I’m hoping that I can hang onto it for another 5-6 years So much for Lexus reliability.

 

Our RX was under warranty when I spotted the leak but chose not to take it in. Many have reported the problem returning, and, sometimes, an engine removal can create other issues. Hope your repair fixes it for good.

 

Very odd that they would replace the timing chain as that is not necessary. Same with the head gasket. These aren't common failure points and I would not touch either one at 43k miles.

 

Thanks N4tecguy. Got the car back and so far so good. The service advisor was wrong about the chain and it wasn’t replaced. All the
work was about replacing gaskets to reseal everything, including the head gaskets.

Now the questions is “how long will it last”? My confidence is low that this is a one time repair.