2009 Lexus RX problems

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The crack initially developed on the passenger’s side near the air bag enclosure and progressively spread across the dashboard toward the driver’s side. The surface of the dashboard was also sticky. The ignition switch was sticky, leaving a residue on the contact's fingers. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: L-SB-0011-15; and the related Warranty Enhancement Program. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that there was no recall coverage available. The contact called another local dealer Westminster Lexus (13590 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683); and was informed that the repairs would be at the expense of the vehicle owner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11718862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine oil warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the oil cooler hose was leaking due to a hole. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil cooler hose was leaking due to a hole. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was contacted and informed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer made the contact aware of the Limited Service Campaign Number: LSC9LH. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA complaint #11716172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine oil warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the oil cooler hose was leaking due to a hole. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil cooler hose was leaking due to a hole. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was contacted and informed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer made the contact aware of the Limited Service Campaign Number: LSC9LH. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA complaint #11716172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 123,676, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 250,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to crack, causing the dashboard to become sticky. Over time, there was a glare coming from the dashboard which obstruct the contact’s vision while driving. The contact stated that there was condensation in the headlight housings. In addition, there was a puddle of oil was discovered leaking from the vehicle while parked in a parking garage. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the engine oil cooler pipe was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that each of the failures had been covered under warranty; however, the warranties had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine cooler hose had been replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11548068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to crack, causing the dashboard to become sticky. Over time, there was a glare coming from the dashboard which obstruct the contact’s vision while driving. The contact stated that there was condensation in the headlight housings. In addition, there was a puddle of oil was discovered leaking from the vehicle while parked in a parking garage. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the engine oil cooler pipe was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that each of the failures had been covered under warranty; however, the warranties had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine cooler hose had been replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11548068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil line ruptured spilling causing loss of most engine oil on road and potentially ruining engine. Vehicle currently is at Toyota dealership being rep[aired so is available for inspection. Oil on road of course a safety hazard. Oil line rupture was confirmed by Toyota service department. Vehicle had to be towed into repair shop. Rupture occurred spontaneously while drive at 45 MPH on road. No warning lamps on prior to episode and car was driving fine.

NHTSA complaint #11546358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

TIRES

I was advise by one of the mechanic to change tires immediately. Since my Grand daughter occasionally drive the card, due to safety, We bought 4 set of Brand New Good Year Assurant Outlast Tires immediately (235/55 R18) from Walmart at Farmingdale, NY on 6/12/2023 at 8:00 PM. Walmart stated that they could not put tire on my car for another week so I decided to take tires to my local mechanic who put ALL 4 tires next day in the morning. All tires were installed; however, after driving for about 15 miles, I saw my car pulling. I pulled in safe area and notice that the car was tire was flat. I towed car to the mechanic who installed it. He stated that tire is leaking from side and is NO Good! I went to Walmart to complain about the tire. They punted the problem to call Good Year. I called Good Year at [XXX] to file complain (No [XXX]). Apparently, Good Year tire technician looked in Hurry at the tire and stated that is Road side issue and punted problem again. They stated that they will provide 50% tire cost if we buy again. I believe there is defect in the tire which Good Year (and Walmart) are not owning up to and giving run around. I still have the tire and I want NHTSA to investigate further on root cause esp since I do have 3 other tires installed and my granddaughter is driving. If you have any questions or concerns please call at [XXX] (My Son [XXX]) or me at [XXX] [XXX]. Thank you. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11528317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard cracked badly this is so common with this generation of Lexus

NHTSA complaint #11524006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

There is a known issue with the Toyota/Lexus 2GR-FE (w/ towing package). The engine is present in many V6 model year SUVs 2007-2011. The defect is with the oil cooler return lines for this engine equipped with the towing package. The issue is that a manufacturing defect with these hoses can occur slowly over the life of the vehicle or suddenly without warning. The rubber hoses used are susceptible to extreme and numerous hot-cold cycles due to a hot nearby catalyst. Over time or suddenly, the hoses will begin to deteriorate due to the hot-cold cycles causing accelerated wear on the defective rubber lines. This may manifest as a small amount of oil seepage at first, or may have no warning signs. When total failure of the hoses does occur, it is typically catastrophic and nearly immediate. Once these hoses do fail, oil will pour out of a low point in the oil cooler, emptying the engine of oil within 2 minutes. If the vehicle is driving while the failure occurs, within minutes oil pressure is completely lost from the crankcase, and catastrophic engine wear/failure will occur, sometimes within just seconds. Often, the engine oil light will not illuminate until several minutes after the hose has failed, typically too late to stop the engine in time. If a moving vehicle experiences catastrophic engine failure due to No Oil, the likelihood of a major safety issue is increased, due to the likelihood of a fire, hot oil pouring onto the roadway, and a loss of power steering control due to loss of engine power. Toyota released a TSB to address this issue, dated 2011, in which they acknowledged the poor design can lead to leaking and failing hoses. In most cases, the service is performed at the full cost of the customer (over $600). It seems millions of these vehicles have not been addressed, and are still on the road, Toyota should be compelled to resolve this defect and hazard at no customer cost under an extended recall.

NHTSA complaint #11514608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Oil leaked substantially while driving on the Highway. As we were slowing down on WB I-94 due to construction, our red oil light was on, and then flashing. The car was driven for about 1.5 miles from the initial lit to a safe location (local Honda dealership) where it was determined that the vehicle was no longer drivable. Engine light and all other warning lights were also on as we arrived in the Honda service garage. Upon inspection, 4 quarts of oil were lost and Lexus service center later confirmed that the rubber oil cooler tubes were broken and had to be replaced by the metal ones. Both Lexus Service & Lexus Corp had confirmed that the defective parts for Lexus RX350 year models 2007 - 2011 were installed. They later issued a campaign to have them replaced with the metal tubes. The incident was quite a safety hazard to us (my wife and I) because had we maintained our normal highway speed, there could have been a catastrophic engine failure due to low or no oil. If this happened at night, we would have been stranded on the highway and in the worst case scenario, the engine would have blown up and could have caused fire. After filing a complaint with Lexus Corp and seeking reimbursement for the repairs, Lexus refused to accept the claim, saying that my car was out of warranty. They claimed that notices were sent out, but we never received such notices. The initial representative said the notice was sent out September 2014, but the case manager later said it was October 2015 (very inconsistent here). Meanwhile, I had another recall service done on April 4, 2016, which overlapped with their extended warranty campaign period (01.31.16 to 03.02.19) for these defective tubes, but we were never notified about this. The fact that Lexus did not issue a recall campaign for this is erroneous. Sudden catastrophic engine failures or potential failures is definitely a safety concern. This issue has been documented widely online and is prevalent within the Lexus community.

NHTSA complaint #11488109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil leaked substantially while driving on the Highway. As we were slowing down on WB I-94 due to construction, our red oil light was on, and then flashing. The car was driven for about 1.5 miles from the initial lit to a safe location (local Honda dealership) where it was determined that the vehicle was no longer drivable. Engine light and all other warning lights were also on as we arrived in the Honda service garage. Upon inspection, 4 quarts of oil were lost and Lexus service center later confirmed that the rubber oil cooler tubes were broken and had to be replaced by the metal ones. Both Lexus Service & Lexus Corp had confirmed that the defective parts for Lexus RX350 year models 2007 - 2011 were installed. They later issued a campaign to have them replaced with the metal tubes. The incident was quite a safety hazard to us (my wife and I) because had we maintained our normal highway speed, there could have been a catastrophic engine failure due to low or no oil. If this happened at night, we would have been stranded on the highway and in the worst case scenario, the engine would have blown up and could have caused fire. After filing a complaint with Lexus Corp and seeking reimbursement for the repairs, Lexus refused to accept the claim, saying that my car was out of warranty. They claimed that notices were sent out, but we never received such notices. The initial representative said the notice was sent out September 2014, but the case manager later said it was October 2015 (very inconsistent here). Meanwhile, I had another recall service done on April 4, 2016, which overlapped with their extended warranty campaign period (01.31.16 to 03.02.19) for these defective tubes, but we were never notified about this. The fact that Lexus did not issue a recall campaign for this is erroneous. Sudden catastrophic engine failures or potential failures is definitely a safety concern. This issue has been documented widely online and is prevalent within the Lexus community.

NHTSA complaint #11488109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The dashboard in my car has been sticky and cracked for years. This became a safety issue and liability by posing a real risk in relation to airbags. One area of concern is the cracks will interfere with the deployment of the airbag. Either by triggering the airbag warning light or snagging the airbag on its way out. That puts my safety and safety of others at risk. This problem - cracked and sticky dashboards, has been confirmed by a dealer and warranty replacement program was available for short time back in 2018. The company had to notify it's customers but I did not get any letters, emails or calls. Therefore I did not know about that warranty repair and missed it. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic and safety concerns were raised. The airbags warning lights first started to appear on and off about 2 years ago. I have contacted the dealer several times about dashboard warranty replacement program explaining that I wasn't notified but they did not offer any solutions or repair reimbursement.

NHTSA complaint #11459166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard in my car has been sticky and cracked for years. This became a safety issue and liability by posing a real risk in relation to airbags. One area of concern is the cracks will interfere with the deployment of the airbag. Either by triggering the airbag warning light or snagging the airbag on its way out. That puts my safety and safety of others at risk. This problem - cracked and sticky dashboards, has been confirmed by a dealer and warranty replacement program was available for short time back in 2018. The company had to notify it's customers but I did not get any letters, emails or calls. Therefore I did not know about that warranty repair and missed it. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic and safety concerns were raised. The airbags warning lights first started to appear on and off about 2 years ago. I have contacted the dealer several times about dashboard warranty replacement program explaining that I wasn't notified but they did not offer any solutions or repair reimbursement.

NHTSA complaint #11459166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The dashboard in my car has been sticky and cracked for years. This became a safety issue and liability by posing a real risk in relation to airbags. One area of concern is the cracks will interfere with the deployment of the airbag. Either by triggering the airbag warning light or snagging the airbag on its way out. That puts my safety and safety of others at risk. This problem - cracked and sticky dashboards, has been confirmed by a dealer and warranty replacement program was available for short time back in 2018. The company had to notify it's customers but I did not get any letters, emails or calls. Therefore I did not know about that warranty repair and missed it. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic and safety concerns were raised. The airbags warning lights first started to appear on and off about 2 years ago. I have contacted the dealer several times about dashboard warranty replacement program explaining that I wasn't notified but they did not offer any solutions or repair reimbursement.

NHTSA complaint #11459166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

TIRES

I AM WRITING TO ADDRESS FAULTY COOPER EVOLUTION TOUR 100V TIRES - TREAD SEPARATION IN 3 YEARS AND 5,102 MILES. ATTACHED ARE 2 DOCUMENTS THAT WILL INDICATE THE FOLLOWING: 12/05/2018 4 COOPER EVOLUTION TOUR 100V TIRES PURCHASED AT TIRE KINGDOM POMPANO BEACH FLORIDA $ 501.89 @ 81,140 MILES. 11/26/2021 4 MICHELIN PRIMACY MXM4 TIRES PURCHASED AT J M LEXUS MARGATE FLORIDA $1,035.92 @ 86,242 MILES. WE TRAVELED TO VENICE, FLORIDA ON 11/15/2021 AND RETURNED 11/19/2021. ON OUR RETURN TRIP THE CAR (2009 LEXUS RX350) BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE VIOLENTLY! WE WERE SCARED AND CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY ! WE IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT OUR CAR TO J M LEXUS TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION! THEY INDICATED TIRE TREAD SEPARATION HAD OCCURED, AND ALL 4 TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. INCIDENTALLY, I OWN 2 OTHER LEXUS RX350'S IN CONNECTICUT, AND I HAVE COOPER TIRES ON BOTH. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE 8 CONNECTICUT COOPER TIRES. IN SEARCHING YOUR WEB-SITE I NOTICE NHTSA RECALL No. – 19T-024 FOR COOPER EVOLUTION TIRES. THIS MAY BE APPLICABLE AND PROVIDE NHTSA SUPPORT FOR MY CLAIM OF FAULTY TIRES. IN RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE NHTSA GENERAL GUIDELINE BULLET POINT QUESTIONS: THE TIRES FAILED AND HAVE BEEN DISPOSED OF BY JM LEXUS. WE THOUGHT THE CAR WAS GOING TO CRASH IT WAS SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY! JM LEXUS DEALER DETERMINED THE CAUSE AS FAULTY TIRES. ONLY JM LEXUS EXAMINED THESE TIRES. NO WARNING LAMPS OR ALARMS. THIS PROBLEM FIRST APPEARED ON 11/19/2021 ON OUR RETURN TRIP (210 MILES) FROM VENICE FLORIDA TO POMPANO BEACH FLORIDA. TIRE SIZE 235 /55 R18 100V COOPER EVOLUTION TOUR. P.S. FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY THAT I BOUGHT THESE TIRES 12/05/18 I WAS SUSPECT OF THEM BECAUSE ALL 4 HAD AN EXCESS OF MATERIAL ON THE EDGE OF THE TIRES THAT WAS NEVER TRIMMED OFF PROPERLY ! I THESE MADE ME WONDER IF THEY WERE DEFECTIVE IN SOME MANNER ?

NHTSA complaint #11443150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have had my 2009 RX350 serviced regularly at Lexus of Maplewood. When I had it routinely serviced earlier this week, the service representative told me that I need to replace the oil cooler hoses with updated pipes and gaskets to prevent an oil hose failure that could cause major engine damage. The cost of this repair will be $595.90. In researching this problem online, it appears that this risk was identified early in the life of this generation of vehicle and the hose was replaced with another rubber hose. Now, the service rep is recommending replacement of the hose again, this time with a metal pipe. There are multiple reports online of 2009 RX350 owners who have experienced the leaks and loss of oil, oftentimes resulting in major engine repair. My vehicle only has 111,000 miles on it. I reported the problem to Lexus, but they claim the vehicle is beyond any extended warranty. A major spontaneous oil leak and subsequent engine freeze up while driving on the freeway could be catastrophic.

NHTSA complaint #11432607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard of our 2009 Lexus RX350 has developed multiple severe cracks horizontally and vertically. The dashboard has also become very hard. The cracks are deep and appear to extend the full depth of the dash down to the underlayment. We are concerned that, in the event of an accident, the dashboard will shatter, and shards will effectively become missiles, cutting through whatever or whoever they contact. In 2015 we received a Warranty Enhancement Notification from Lexus concerning a 'cosmetic' problem involving 'cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboards'. Lexus offered to replace the dashboard free of charge, but only through May 31, 2017. We did not experience our problem until late 2020 when we started parking the Lexus outdoors. Lexus now says that this is still a cosmetic problem and has offered to cover half of the dashboard replacement. We do not understand why Lexus was willing to pay the full cost of replacing a 'cosmetic' problem but now offers only 50% for a safety problem.

NHTSA complaint #11421058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

MECHANIC/CAR INSPECTOR FOUND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING AND RACK AND PINION FAULTY, NEEDING REPLACEMENT RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WHEN I TOOK CAR FOR MARYLAND INSPECTION. IT FAILED. CAR PURCHASED AT DULLES MOTORCARS/ KIA SUBARU IN LEESBURG, VIRGINIA WITH 56,000 MILES. COST OF REPAIR IS $1800.00. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, HOWEVER FAILED INSPECTION. CAR WAS BOUGHT ON $/1/2021 AND INSPECTION ON 4/2/2021.

NHTSA complaint #11406335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MECHANIC/CAR INSPECTOR FOUND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING AND RACK AND PINION FAULTY, NEEDING REPLACEMENT RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WHEN I TOOK CAR FOR MARYLAND INSPECTION. IT FAILED. CAR PURCHASED AT DULLES MOTORCARS/ KIA SUBARU IN LEESBURG, VIRGINIA WITH 56,000 MILES. COST OF REPAIR IS $1800.00. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, HOWEVER FAILED INSPECTION. CAR WAS BOUGHT ON $/1/2021 AND INSPECTION ON 4/2/2021.

NHTSA complaint #11406335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY DASH IS CRACKED AND FALLING APART. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEM BUT I NEVER RECEIVED IT. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT, THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS PAST THE ALLOTTED TIME FRAME TO GET IT FIXED OR REPLACED. I PARK IN THE GARAGE AT HOME AND AT WORK.

NHTSA complaint #11374337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE DRIVING, MY DASH LIGHTS WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON. ABS, BRAKE, VSC OFF, TIRE PRESSURE AND THE CAR STABILITY. WHEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL OREALLY STORE, NO CODES WERE DETECTED. ONCE I TURNED OFF THE CAR AT HOME AND RESTARTED, THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11360738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

THE DASH ABOVE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG STARTED CRACKING AND A THICK, STICKY SUBSTANCE CONTINUES TO SEEP OUT. THE VEHICLE IS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND THE ONLY PLACE THE DASH IS CRACKING IS DIRECTLY ABOVE THE AIRBAG.

NHTSA complaint #11354833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

RUBBER OIL COOLER LINE DEVELOPED A LEAK CAUSING LOSS OF MOST ENGINE OIL WITHIN A DAY. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT TO LEXUS WHO REPLACES THIS PART WITH A METAL PART. HOWEVER, LEXUS HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH A LIMITED TIME EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL ALL VEHICLES AND FIX THIS KNOWN DEFECT. TO FURTHER HARM THE CONSUMER, THEIR REPAIR BOOK TIME IS FIVE HOURS WHEN THE ACTUAL REPAIR TIME IS CLOSER TO ONE HOUR FOR ONE MECHANIC! MY REPAIR COSTS WERE CLOSE TO $1,000!!! LEXUS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PART AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.

NHTSA complaint #11302845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

THE OIL COOLER LINE IS MADE FROM RUBBER AND FAILED. THIS FAILURE LED TO THE LOSS OF ALL ENGINE OIL AND CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA complaint #11291067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.