Dholmq

Hi everybody I purchased my 2016 Lexus RX 350 F sport in October and lately especially I have noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine when it is idling either in park or drive. This only happens when the vehicle is not moving.

I have taken it to the dealer with this concern twice and they say the vehicles operate normally. I don't think it is. Other than this I really love my vehicle.

Watch my video and tell me what you think. I really appreciate everyone's help.

Htony

When cold those sound can emit idling but as engine warms up it should go away. That new ncar wouldn't need valve adjustment either So to have peace in mind
let them put it in wiriting on the service paper for future reference in case.

Dholmq

Clarification: The engine was warm when I filmed the video. This is not a cold start issue.

toyotaman7

This car has direct injection and the pinging sound is inherent to direct injection. It's almost like diesel, but much milder.

You should listen to a Mercedes GLE 350 diesel. That is also a premium luxury SUV.

Dholmq

Thanks for the replies. I've never heard a direct injection gas engine ping this loud. For those that have watched the video, does your 2016 or 2017 RX sound the same?

95bat

Our 2016 RX350 sounds similar. My old 2013 GS350 sounded just like that too. My 2016 Corvette is louder than the Lexus, and my brother's 2015 Silverado (same engine as the Corvette) is louder than all of them! All related to direct injection... sounds terrible, but much better performance/fuel economy with them than without. Worth the trade.

AMNss

It normal since it is direct injection, my 3is does the same.

integroid

Normal. Every Direct Injected car I have owned has pinged.....My Acura MDX was way worse than the RX.

s4iscool

I have the same sound as well, and always thought it was the HVAC/AC noice issue that many others have posted about.

AL13NV8D3R

By design any Direct Injected engine will have this sound. I have a 2014 Lexus GS 350 with direct Injected V6 and i have this sound but it is much quieter inside my car than yours. I can only hear it outside my car. I dont think lexus put enough sound deadening material in the 2016 RX 350's engine bay.

gadgetman1

I really couldn't tell much from the video. I think it sounds like direct fuel injection. My advice is to pull a used engine oil sample and send it to a lab such as Blackstone or other & let them begin a baseline analysis. Each time you change your oil, send a sample of the your used oil for evaluation and see if any levels are changing. The labs have the engine minimum and maximum particle numbers and will send you a detailed analysis of exactly each level of every material in your engine oil. If something is grinding or wearing away, it will show.

In that same question you have, ever listened to a BMW 2.0 or 2.5 gasoline engine? It's LOUD! It's all direct fuel injection noise. Listen in the attached video:

Dholmq

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful. Question: should the sounds be intermittent? Today for example I was at a stoplight and the sound was present and very obvious. I drive 2 more blocks, stop at the night and poof just a smooth sounding engine and the ticking as 100% gone. So strange. Help please.

ggebhardt

I do not think there is any thing wrong. I have heard similar sounds from both my RX and LX when at idle.

computerwi

The ticking sound is the fuel injectors. The 4th gen RX has both port and direct injection and the engine also varies between the Otto and Atkinson cycles. Thus, the timing of the valves and injectors change under different engine load conditions.

DMPesso

2017 RX F sport. 42k miles. Just started hearing a chirping sound like crickets when the car is parked during idle. I’m going to try and get a video tomorrow. You hear it when driving too.