One problem related to loud engine noise has been reported for the 2005 Lexus RX330. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My vehicle is a 2005 Lexus RX 330. I purchased it certified pre-owned in 2007. I was coming off the highway and stopped at a light. As I proceeded to take a left hand turn the car started making a loud noise. It was jumping and shifting from side to side. Luckily I was able to control it and pull into a nearby gas station. I couldn't drive it and had it towed to the nearest Lexus service center. I was then told that the transfer case on the front differential went. They opened up the case box and metal shavings fell out! I guess there was no transfer case fluid! shouldn't a maintenance required light pop on or a warning? if I had continued on the highway rather than get off the exit, it would have ended badly! the back end of the car completely locked on me. I don't understand why there was no warning light. How am I supposed to know that the transfer case is running out of fluid? the service department said this is not normal. They want to charge me $2700 for the part and $1500 for labor! I ended up having the car towed back to my house until I can figure out what to do. I have a serious issue with the fact that there was no warning and had I been traveling on the highway at a higher rate of speed, I could have flipped the car and ended up in the hospital or dead. I would really like for Lexus/Toyota to do something about this!.