A nightmare in the making - 2025 Land Cruiser sort of update

[imann777]

So... I don't know how much more of this I can take. My car is with Toyota for a full diagnostic, but there's no timeline on when we'll get the car back or if they'll even be able to diagnose my issue. The car has been making this high pitched ringing noise for a couple of weeks and I don't know what to do. It's been to multiple service appointments and they all have said "it's normal hybrid noise." (yeah, it's not. My hybrid corolla rental doesn't make such a noise.) If they "can't find" the issue then there is nothing to declare in need of fixing. I am only able to be in my car with noise cancelling headphones, otherwise the noise is extremely distressing, distracting, and causes pain. Does that sound safe to you? It certainly doesn't seem so to me. Every single technician and mechanic from Toyota has blown me off and told me to deal with it. They said don't get your hopes up for anything out of this full diag. Now, I am paying $45/day for a rental and there's no update on when we get the car back. I even looked into legal routes and it doesn't even qualify as a lemon if other LC's are making the same noises. We'd literally have to sue under consumer protection laws and that could be months. And obviously that's an extreme route.

What would y'all do at this point? I've called corporate once and that is what got me scheduled for a full diagnostic. Should I call again? I just don't think this is right. If anyone wants a sound clip of the ringing I can post it and compare to a sound clip of the corolla hybrid without the ringing noise.

I would take a test drv a brand new truck with a decibel meter and record with the video and then drive your compartively to have difference. Any above abnormal take it up with Service Advisor.

 

[crow_enjoyer]

@melvincat Do you have any new info or update on what you're doing with your LC in regards to the whine?

 

[melvincat]

Thanks for the reminder, I totally got caught up in the whole thing and forgot to post. I had the audio guy pull apart the center console and it turns out that is where the dc/dc converter is. It's what's causing the high pitched whine. It's a design flaw. He said usually in hybrids they put that kind of stuff under the hood. In the end, the only way out of it was to break the lease, sell the car, and get into a new gas vehicle. It was pretty horrible. Toyota offered nothing else as a solution. I genuinely did everything I could. Yes, I got inside other LC's of the same model and everything. They ALL make this noise. It's louder depending on leather vs. cloth seats. I even asked if soundproofing the center console was an option and it's not, because the materials may overheat the center console area and we didn't want to risk it. I'm lucky I got what I got when I sold it. It is a shame because I really loved the car. I got compliments on it the day I had to get rid of it. But, now I drive and it's silent. The car was a downgrade but I'd rather have that then live with that noise. My tinnitus is no longer aggravated. If anyone else in this thread has this same issue, I urge you to call and try to get them to make a TSB for it. This is a design flaw that should not be continued in Toyota's manufacturing. I have no idea why they decided to put such high frequency power conversion within the cabin, and within earshot at that. Thanks for sticking around, y'all

 

[RideWithYanu]

I wish I had your hearing. I suppose my tinnitus and hearing loss helps me enjoy the vehicle!

 

[LcAz]

Genuine question.... So you are hearing a very unnerving high pitched sound that you can hear in every LC you drive? I too need my hearing checked. This car definitely makes alot of weird noises compared to my other vehicles, but nothing to that level. Best of luck getting it sorted.

 

[melvincat]

Genuine question.... So you are hearing a very unnerving high pitched sound that you can hear in every LC you drive? I too need my hearing checked. This car definitely makes alot of weird noises compared to my other vehicles, but nothing to that level. Best of luck getting it sorted.

Yeah, the newly designed LC is one of the only Toyota models (to my knowledge) where they decided to put that electronic converter inside the cabin. I have been in plenty of Toyota hybrids and I have never heard this noise before. Perhaps it’s a normal car noise but it’s not a normal placement

 

[RideWithYanu]

Yeah, the newly designed LC is one of the only Toyota models (to my knowledge) where they decided to put that electronic converter inside the cabin. I have been in plenty of Toyota hybrids and I have never heard this noise before. Perhaps it’s a normal car noise but it’s not a normal placement

Most adults have fairly poor hearing at high frequencies. I wonder if yours is better than most. Sucks, I wish you could have enjoyed the truck! What did you switch to?

 

[Miki]

Hey @melvincat I totally get what you're saying—I can hear the sound you're describing, and it's really an annoying, high-pitched noise. I'm planning to go to the dealer for a check-up soon, but reading your reply makes it feel like Toyota might not have a solution. I'm pretty frustrated right now.

 

[cruisercruising]

Hey all,

I believe I was the first to notice this noise (or at least post about it) when I first got my LC July 2024. I agree Melvin, the noise is borderline unbearable. I have somewhat gotten used to it, but the fact that Toyota will not do anything about this is disgusting. No car should make a noise like this. I love the car but I don't know how long I can live with this sound.

 

[Ed1]

If anyone has dealt with this by adding sound deadening material inside the console panels, they should post the details.

 

[crow_enjoyer]

Everyone with this issue should be contacting Toyota after talking to their dealers service center and they say there’s nothing that can be done. With enough complaints they are much more likely to do something about it.

 

[lcat63]

I remember as a kid my grandfather bought an ultrasonic mosquito repellent device that ran off a 9V battery. He kept it in his shirt pocket, and I couldn’t stand to be anywhere around him when this thing was operating. I feel for what you’re going through.