ES uneven engine running

I'm experiencing an unsettling issue with my 2019 Lexus ES hybrid (96419 km). The engine is running unevenly, and it's causing me considerable anxiety. The check engine light is on, and the error memory has stored a fault. The car jerks noticeably when accelerating. I've been trying to diagnose it myself, considering possibilities like a faulty ignition coil, problematic fuel injectors, or even a crankshaft sensor malfunction. Could it also involve the oxygen sensor or something related to the timing belt? I am at my wits' end!

4 comment(s)

I also own an ES, and your symptoms sound eerily familiar to a problem I encountered some time ago. Have you checked for any potential leaks in the exhaust system? That was the culprit in my case. The uneven running and jerking were quite prominent, and the check engine light was also active.

Thank you for your response! An exhaust leak, you say? Could you provide more detail on how the exhaust leak manifested itself? Was it easily detectable, or did it require specialized equipment to locate? I'm keen to understand how you pinpointed the exhaust system as the source of the problem. Also, did the error code point you to the exhaust system?

The leak wasn't immediately obvious, but I noticed a slight hissing sound near the manifold when the engine was cold. The error code was fairly generic, not explicitly pointing to the exhaust. Given the symptoms, I took it to my local workshop for a smoke test, which confirmed the leak. I suggest you do the same.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and recommending the smoke test! It turned out you were right. I took my ES to the shop, and they found a small crack in the exhaust manifold. The repair cost 265€, and the car is now running smoothly again. I deeply appreciate your help!

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