Lexus ES turbo actuator issue

Alright Lexus fam, I'm pulling my hair out here! I've got a 2021 Lexus ES hybrid with 218822 km on the clock. Recently, the check engine light decided to throw a party on my dash. Now, I'm noticing reduced engine power, seriously sluggish response, and to top it off, this crazy whistling noise that turns into a LOUD hissing when I accelerate. Sometimes it even stalls at idle, which is super unnerving. Oh, and the fuel consumption? Forget about it, it's through the roof! I'm suspecting a boost pressure actuator fault. Could it be the electrical bypass valve? Anyone else run into this turbo system nightmare?

4 comment(s)

Sounds familiar. I had similar symptoms on my ES – though I can’t remember the exact mileage. Whistling, hissing, loss of power... Does the whistling sound change with engine speed? Have you checked for any obvious boost leaks around the turbo?

Yeah, the whistling definitely changes with engine speed, gets louder the harder I accelerate. I haven't gotten down and dirty looking for boost leaks yet, to be honest. Where exactly should I be focusing my search? You said you had similar symptoms... what was the culprit in your case?

Mine ended up being a defective turbo actuator valve. The whistling was the air escaping. I'd say get it checked professionally. Could be the actuator, could be a split hose, but messing with the turbo system yourself without knowing what you're doing can get expensive real fast.

Appreciate the insight! I think you're right, better safe than sorry. Dropped it off at the workshop today; turns out it WAS the turbo actuator, exactly as you suspected. 250€ later and she's purring like a kitten again. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

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