Weird clinking sound coming from under the vehicle once turned off

[subsector2239]

Hello all.

I have a Hybrid 2025 4Runner ORP and I am noticing a weird clinking sound coming from under the vehicle when I turn it off. The sound appears to be under the full vehicle, I walked around and listened at each tire - it's audible wherever I listen, not direct in the front or rear specifically. At first I thought it was maybe the AC because it was expanding/cooling, but I didn't run the AC today and it's still doing it.

It happens with a full tank of gas and partial empty, just filled up and still hear it when I park. It must be something cooling down? It's not hot out today, 22C where I am.

Seems like the HEV motor does a similar thing with the clinking, must also be cooling down. I opened the hood after running the car for a few min and its similar.

Does anyone have any idea what this sound could be? Is something cooling down and causing this noise? Should I bring this to the attention of Toyota to get it serviced since it's under active warranty?

Thanks in advance.

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[Ed786]

I get this clinking sound sound as well in my 2025 sr5. I thought it was the turbo cooling

 

[TRD_Alex]

That is the sound of metal cooling off and contracting. It's your exhaust.

 

[Ed786]

Is that something to worry about?

 

[TRD_Alex]

Is that something to worry about?

Completely normal on every car. Happens more if you park after spirited driving.

 

[Ed786]

Thanks Alex! Also i’ve noticed that when driving downhill the rpm would suddenly go up and with increased acceleration. Is that engine breaking or is it stuck transmission?

 

[TRD_Alex]

Thanks Alex! Also i’ve noticed that when driving downhill the rpm would suddenly go up and with increased acceleration. Is that engine breaking or is it stuck transmission?

If you're braking and going downhill, then a downshift for engine braking is normal. If you're just coasting and it downshifts that would be concerning. Odds are If the transmission had an issue it'd throw a code.

 

[Ed786]

It happens after i hit the brake but than i let off the brake and it remains like that (i mean raised rpm)

 

[TRD_Alex]

It happens after i hit the brake but than i let off the brake and it remains like that (i mean raised rpm)

It depends what drive mode you're in. If you're in Sport it'll hold the RPM longer compared to being in Normal or Eco. If you're in Tow mode it'll hold it longer for engine braking purposes to save your brakes from getting too hot.

I drive in sport mode 99% of the time, and noticed it likes to hang out around 1800-2200 RPM all the time unless you're coasting or sitting at highway speed.

 

[Ed786]

I mostly drive in eco mode and it holds the rpm around 1800-2200

 

[subsector2239]

I haven't received a response back from a Toyota master technician - but doing some googling most are saying that it's components and exhaust heat shield expanding/contracting to cool down after use. It happens when idling at the side of the road when in EV mode (no engine running).

The first occurrence and others afterwards, I was not driving with a heavy foot either, and only started noticing this happening the past week or so. When I first got the vehicle I never heard it, so it's something new, which is why it's concerning to me.

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