Low Speed Whirring Noise ‘23 Hybrid Limited

Edit - Video added.

Love my truck, but I have a question about a noise while driving low at low speeds. This is my first turbo/hybrid vehicle, so it could just be the normal sound. The other day I wanted to hear the engine while driving with the windows down and AC off. What I heard was a sort of long, semi-high pitched whirring/humming/howling sound while in speeds around 25-35 mph. It’s happening without braking, just at low speeds. Driving in my parking garage I listened again just now and it’s present. What I want to confirm is if this is normal with this engine setup, or if I should take it to get looked at. I’ll try to take video later today.

 

Mine does the same. This is either a normal part of the electric motor operation or an intentionally added sound from Toyota to prevent the vehicle from driving silently to enhance pedestrian safety. I know the “silent” movement was an issue with some vehicles leading to manufacturers adding artificial sound.

 

This makes me feel a bit better. I’ll have them check the wheel bearings as a precaution, but your theory makes sense. It isn’t obnoxiously loud, but it’s enough catch my attention.

 

Had my son film me coming home. It’s worse than I thought. This doesn’t sound normal. Called the dealership and going to have them look.

 

It’s normal. All Toyota hybrids and pretty much all ev do this. It’s so pedestrians can hear you coming.

 

There is a speaker on the front near the horn. Federal Law requires the noise makers for pedestrians. Unplugging it will throw codes FYI. Some unplug it and install a resistor to trick the ECU.

 

There needs to be a delete module!

 

All the better for hunting those pesky pedestrians?

 

More for the cyclists in the middle of my lane!

 

The story I was told relates to the hybrid Prius years ago blind people were getting run over due to the vehicle was so quiet. as for the tundra the dynamos can be heard if you listen closely and are real noticeable on the hybrid highlander . Have a wonderful weekend! smileytn1

 

You should hear what my wife's Chevy Bolt EUV sounds like at low speed. It sounds like the car from the Jetson's when she's driving at low speed.

As others have pointed out, the volume of the artificial noise is directly tied to the speed of the car. It's loudest below 15(ish) mph. Much above that and it's gone. But, if she's creeping along at super low speeds, like when she's pulling up driveway, it's very noticeable.

I would love a module that would allow us to load our own "low speed warning sound." I would have too much fun with that.

 

I've never noticed this while driving off battery and I drive chill enough that it comes on quite often. Pay attention to your motor, I think a detail that is missing from this post is - is the gas motor on while you are hearing this sound or is it purely when it is off? If it is when it's off, then chalk it up to the hybrid battery operation.

Be glad this shit doesn't scream like a RAV4 in reverse.