I just got my '07 is250 AWD (105k miles) back from the dealership. I had them replace the dash, oil change, rotate the tires, replace battery, and do the annual Texas auto inspection (it passed) to register the car here.
When I got home after a 35 minute drive or so, I noticed outside the car (not inside at all) a gas smell that seemed to be venting from under the rear wheel well on the drivers side. I guess it could have been coming from the gas cap, but is sure seemed to be from near the wheel - and it was strong. It really is the first time I have driven it in the Texas heat - over 100F, and I am sure hotter in the sun. Any thoughts? Is this normal in the heat? Could they have damaged a line or the tank rotating the tires? Seems doubtful.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

Was your car filled up by the dealer? Maybe they spilt some gasoline?

 

No, I don't think so.

 

The only things that come to mind is the filler neck seal area. The seal on the gas tank for the fuel pump. Possible issues with the evap system.

 

Thanks! You think that is something the dealer should have seen/detected when doing the auto inspection, or is it not obvious and requires extensive diagnostics? Trying to see if I should even bother going back to them, or just go to someone else.

 

By reading what you are describing. The car being on the rack for inspection any tech would've smelled fuel. So I can't say for sure what it could be. Are you over topping the fuel when filling up at the pump? Usually the pump will auto shut off. Anything over that is overfilling this could lead to a failure in the evap canister.

 

No, I don't overfill. The car was mostly sitting in the garage for the past few months. I would just turn it on to run for a bit each week (except for the 2.5 weeks when I forgot, and killed the battery - hence needing a new one). So it has been a few months since I put gas in the car.

 

I would then setup an appointment either at the dealership, or your local Indy shop that specializes on Toyota/Lexus.

Fuel leaks is something you don't want to gamble on.

 

Did you figure out the problem? I'm having the same problem. Thank you