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This is the letter I received from Toyota. http://users.forthnet.gr/ath/pgp1/Scan1La.bmp http://users.forthnet.gr/ath/pgp1/Scan1L0004b.bmp Unfortunately the noise is produced also under different conditions as I described in my first post. Lexus seem to find it normal since it was heard on a number of new cars they tried (is it heard on yours?) and say that I have to live with it. Well, I am sorry but no car is producing knocking noises in the suspension at such low speeds! Where is Lexus’s class-leading levels of refinement and reliability, together with customer service that is second to none in the industry?

Thank you for your replies. Any other owners that could give me information about this noise on their cars would be greatly appreciated. I had tried 3 RX 400h myself; all 2006 models. Two of them had the noise. I will post the translated official letter I received from Toyota Hellas (after the inspection from the mechanic from Toyota Europe). I am still waiting for a resolution to the problem.

Lexus Europe found that this knocking sound is coming from the inner oil valve of the shock absorbers and claim it is normal. I have my own reservations for a car of this quality and value. It will be interesting to know if other owners have experiensed the noise. Any feedback please?

Last July I bought a Lexus RX 400h in trying to experience “the pursuit of perfection”. I noticed immediately that the suspension of my car was making an unusual sound (knocking noise), when the car was driven over small humps or small potholes at low speed. The dealer for nearly three months was trying to discover what the cause of such a noise is. They changed many parts including shock absorbers, top mounts and bushes. They tried hard to find the problem and had to call a mechanic from Lexus Europe who came to inspect the car. After thorough testing they came into the conclusion that the noise is coming from the inner valve of the shock absorbers and they said it is not dangerous. They gave this in writing. They also tested many new cars and some were making this noise while others were not. Is your car making such a noise when driven at low speed (>25 mph) over small humps? I would greatly appreciate your answers. Thank you.

B)--> QUOTE(T7RY B @ Oct 31 2006, 01:23 AM) ← Definitely top mount. I had to have one of mine changed. They thought it was the drop link at first. Should still be under warranty shouldn't it? Not a long job 2 hours max. Thank you very much for your replies. Yes, the car is new and we get 6 years warranty in Greece. The noise is as if something is hitting somewhere, not very loud, only once per direction of suspension move. It appears to be during compressing rather than uncopressing. Could it be something else touching somewhere? Given the reliability of Lexus it is hard to start taking the car to the dealer for trial and error solutions on a new car. I am dissapointed.

I bought a new RX 400h model '06 last summer and it is making a knocking noise (only once) when driving over large speed bumps with about 25 mph. The noise started from day one, it comes from the front and it does it only when the suspension is compressed after leaving the bump (not when first hitting it). The dealer changed the front shock absorbers and bushes of the anti roll bar but the problem is not solved. Could it be something else making this noise? Has anyone else experienced something similar?

Any news as to when the RX 400h will receive minor (or major) changes? When does the new model year production start?