Hi all,

New to the forum. Just purchased an ES300h less than a week ago and right from the get go I noticed a faint whirring sound every now then - maybe every 10 seconds or so. It sounds like a window rolling up or the seat adjusting but quieter. I hear it even when I'm in park.

This is my first hybrid car and I'm not sure if it's the kind of noise all hybrid cars make, or if i got a lemon.

Has anyone heard this noise on their hybrid Lexus?

 

Do you know that hybrid cars actually make a whirring noise when the car is on, but the gas engine is not on? The noise is supposed to warn pedestrians that there is a vehicle nearby, otherwise the electric drive is too quiet. There is a little speaker under the front of the car. Some folks have been known to disconnect in order to return to stealth mode.

Enjoy your 300H. My 2016 is the best car I have ever owned.

 

We grew up driving cars that made all kinds of noise all the time. Pumps whining,
belts slapping, alternators whirring, exhaust pulsing...all the time. Now we enjoy a
nearly silent experience, electric Power Steering (no pump or pulleys), no alternator
or starter motor at all. The faint whirring sounds are apparently pressure relief systems
and emission control devices, lean into your garage 4 hours after parking and you will
hear weird but normal purring sounds.

As Capt. Ramius said on the Red October "Engage the Silent Drive!"