It's not like 1 out of every 10 has this problem. I'm guessing the problem is with less than 1% of the 4GSs built. Still too many if your car is one that is affected...

 

I spoke to a local Toyota dealer about this issue: they said it was not that uncommon and that they’d dealt with it in Avalons, Camrys, and others with the sunroof. Their fix was generally the gasket and if I ever had it on my ES they could handle it.

 

I got a phone call from the dealers. They were able to locate the rattle (so they say). They told me that they ordered a "foam kit" and they are going to keep the car for 4 to 5 days to test it. I really think it is not going to work. I will not be surprised if the headliner needs to come down in order to replace a bunch of stuff inside. They are being stubborn, but I am assuming they do not want to deal with the headliner. I guess we will see.

 

Any update on your sunroof?

 

As a matter of fact YES... I actually just got the car back TODAY. Over two weeks at the dealership. I admit that I was relentless when it came to this issue. I honestly can not stand rattles or sounds. Basically, the main tech guy found the rattle. It was coming from the actual track. My understanding is that depending on the temperature (Not sure about this), the track would start to hit the actual roof especially over rough roads. The rattle would always come and go. So you would hear it for 10 minutes and then it would go away only to come back again. He installed the foam or insulation between the track and the roof. Got the car back today and so far so good. I had over 5 loaners. Four of them were the RX350's and my last one was a nice and nimble NX300. Love them all! I can understand the infatuation with them.

 

On mine it does sound like something is actually hitting the glass itself. It sounds like a little hammer tapping the glass. Is there any way you can get a pic. of where the foam is placed? I know it might not be possible.

 

I will not be able to get a picture since I just got the car back. But it seemed to be on the back of the track. or above the back seat area which is sort of where I used to hear it. However, sometimes it is very hard to pin point sounds. The sense of hearing can be misleading. What happens when you drive with the sunroof open? Any sounds? How about with the cover open? At one point, I thought it was the reflector. When I first took the car to them, they honestly wanted nothing to do with the idea of removing the headliner. But, eventually, that is exactly what it took to get it done. But I just got the car back, so the jury is out on the rattle.

 

The rattles are the same open or closed.