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2018 ES 350 Excessive Oil Consumption - Is This Normal?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:30 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Lexus ES 350 Luxury

Hello Lexus community, I'm a bit concerned about my 2018 Lexus ES 350. I've noticed that I'm adding about a quart of oil every 3,000-4,000 miles. It has about 70,000 miles on it now, and I bought it used a year ago. There are no visible leaks, and I don't see any blue smoke from the exhaust.

Is this level of oil consumption normal for the 3.5L V6 engine (2GR-FKS) in these cars, or should I be worried? I'm used to other cars that barely use any oil between changes. I'm worried this might be a sign of a bigger problem down the road. What should I be looking for, or what steps should I take to diagnose this?

Any advice from other ES 350 owners would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:30 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption can be a concern for any vehicle owner, and while some engines naturally consume a small amount of oil, a quart every 3,000-4,000 miles in a 2018 Lexus ES 350 is on the higher side of what's generally considered acceptable for a modern engine. Here’s what could be causing it and what steps to take:

  1. Common Causes of Oil Consumption:

    • Worn Piston Rings: As engines age, piston rings can wear, allowing oil to bypass into the combustion chamber and burn off.
    • Worn Valve Stem Seals: These seals prevent oil from leaking past the valve stems into the combustion chamber. If they harden or crack, oil can seep through.
    • PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System Issues: A clogged or faulty PCV valve can lead to excessive crankcase pressure, forcing oil past seals and rings.
    • Turbocharger Issues (if applicable): While your ES 350 is naturally aspirated, for other Lexus models, a failing turbocharger can burn oil.

  2. Diagnostic Steps:

    • Oil Consumption Test: The most common diagnostic step is an official oil consumption test performed by a dealership or trusted mechanic. This involves topping off the oil, sealing the dipstick/filler cap, and having you return after a set mileage (e.g., 1,000 miles) to measure the actual consumption.
    • Compression/Leak-Down Test: These tests can help determine the health of your piston rings and valves.
    • PCV Valve Inspection/Replacement: This is a relatively inexpensive part and often a good starting point for diagnosis.

  3. Potential OBD-II Codes:

    • While excessive oil consumption doesn't always trigger a direct OBD-II code, if it leads to catalytic converter damage from burning oil, you might see codes like P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) or P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2).
    • If oil fouling causes misfires, you might also see P030x codes (e.g., P0301 for Cylinder 1 Misfire).

When to See a Shop:

It's highly recommended to have your Lexus inspected by a professional. Given the mileage, starting with an oil consumption test is crucial. This will establish a baseline and help determine if further, more invasive diagnostics are needed. Addressing this early can prevent more costly repairs down the line, especially concerning catalytic converter damage.

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