lexus rx400h Problems
lexus rx400h 2007 Complaints
AIR BAGS
repeated airbag defect in lexus 2007 rx 400h : 2007 lexus 400h (hybrid) has been having air bag safety problems. the car was purchased dec 16, 2006 from magnussen lexus in fremont, ca. it currently has about 7000 miles. the problem started soon after the purchase, in april 2007 the air bag light came on and stayed on. we took the car to the dealer to get it taken care of. the 1st visit to the car dealer (magnussen lexus of fremont, ca) involved them adjusting the pin connectors to fix what they thought was the right side squib malfunction. the problem reappeared on 20th april 2007. the dealer indicated that they thought the wiring was loose and tightened the wiring connector under the driver seat. the problem reappeared on may 02, 2007. the service technician found codes b0016 and b0017, found the left and right wiring harness bad, had it inspected by a lexus factory field engineer. the technician replaced left and right floor harness. the car stayed at the dealer for 3 weeks (picked up on may 22nd) where in the problem was identified in the right and left wiring harness. the entire wiring was changed. the problem reappeared again in a few days (may 25th, 2007) and the car has now been with the dealer since then, still attempting to find a comprehensive fix. lexus has begun discussions with us regarding repurchase of this vehicle, and officially communicated that via a letter dated june 25, 2007. the status of the request is still unknown despite repeated calls to lexus corporate to find out the nature and extent of the problem and the intended resolution. *jb
Reported in: LOS ALTOS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U072
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
tl*the contact owns a 2007 lexus rx400h. the contact stated that the map navigation system forced the vehicle to stop in order to view the map. the manufacture stated the system was designed that way. the current and failure mileage were 21,000. updated 10/23/07
Reported in: PENFIELD NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U072
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
tl*the contact owned a 2007 rx400 lexus hybrid. while driving 35 mph and engaging the brakes, the mat was between the accelerator and the brakes prevented the contact from braking. the contact crashed into a vehicle on the driver's side rear. the contact's vehicle was totaled. the other vehicle sustained damage to the driver's side bumper, the back window shattered, and the driver's rear wheel well was damaged. the contact sustained injuries to her chest and back when the driver's side air bag deployed. the driver's side foot air bag also deployed. pictures are available. the purchase date was 08/04/2007. a police report is available. the dealer information is not available. the current and failure mileages were 2,300.
Reported in: HOMESTEAD FL || Crash: Y || VIN #: JTJHW314572
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
tl*the contact owns a 2007 lexus rx400h. while driving 3 mph, the vehicle accelerated without warning to approximately 25 mph. the vehicle crashed into a wall and the driver sustained bruises to her chest and knees. as of november 1, 2007, the manufacturer had not inspected the vehicle. they stated that it could take 4-6 weeks before the vehicle could be inspected. the contact felt that the accelerator pedal caused the failure. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 1,500.
Reported in: SANTA MONICA CA || Crash: Y || VIN #:
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
i have a 2007 lexus 400h. i have owned the car since nov. 2006. on two occasions the low tire pressure notification warning has activated. on the first occasion i just added air to all four tires and the warning light turned off. however on the second occasion when i placed the correct air pressure in cold tires as specified by the manufacture and tried to reset the tire pressure monitoring and regulating system, the system would not allow me to do so. when i contacted the dealership, i was told that the car's tire monitoring system would not allow them to activate the system at the correct cold tire pressure which in this case is 30psi and they had to put 4 extra pounds of pressure in each tire to turn off the warning image on the instrument panel. i feel this is unsafe and the manufacture should correct this if this is in deed the problem. do you have any complainants of this nature and can you advise.
Reported in: MANASSAS VA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U572
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl*the contact owns a 2007 lexus rx400h. while driving approximately 20 mph on normal road conditions pressure was applied to the brake pedal, followed by an unintended acceleration. the driver continuously applied pressure to the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to slow down and crashed into the proceeding vehicle. there were no injuries. the police was not notified. the contacts vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repairs at the cost of $4,500. the failure mileage was 33,000.
Reported in: DEMAREST NY || Crash: Y || VIN #: JTJHW31U672
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
when braking and car encounters rough road or a pothole, car lurches forward and loses complete braking power. have to depress brakes all the way to bring to a stop. occurs consistently with above stated road conditions. dealer service refused to acknowledge problem and claimed to have never had similar complaints.
Reported in: VENICE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U972
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
i just wanted to let you know that my wife and i have experienced the engine accelerating on the 2007 lexus 400h while coasting to stop signs. this occurrence started about 3-4 months after we got the car and does not occur all of the time. the gas pedal seems to override the engine acceleration problem, however, the issue seems to be similar to what others have seen in other cars. this issue has been reported to the dealership in the past before the recalls without any satisfaction. this model is not on the recall list, but i wanted to raise the concern as it seems to be a problem similar to what is happening in other vehicles and may help to indicate that the true issue may not be the floor mats or the gas pedal design. my wife is concerned since the engine is accelerating without the gas pedal depressed. since the brake is overriding the acceleration, it would indicate to me that the issue is not a sticking gas pedal.
Reported in: COLUMBIA CITY IN || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U072
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
i am the original owner of a 2007 lexus rx 400h which has not been involved in any accidents, and currently has approximately 30,000 miles on it. since i purchased the vehicle i have noticed an irregularity in my braking system under certain conditions, which is exactly what i heard described this evening on the news about pruis hybrid vehicles. it can simply be described as when braking, if a pothole or bump in the road is hit, or some other small irregularity in the road surface, the car seemingly jerks forward/accelerates for a split second. the feeling is of a momentary loss of control of the vehicle, and has happened while slowly approaching a stop sign or braking/decelerating in traffic, but not typically when slowing at higher rates of speed. i have had these experiences... where i have been slowly approaching a stop sign, braking, when i have hit a small bump, and was not able to stop the car before the stop sign, and in slow moving traffic where i lost momentary control over the car as the brakes "hiccupped" over a rough spot on the road and lurched at the car in front of me. i was just about to make an appointment with my local lexus dealer, lexus of austin (texas) regarding my concern when i saw this evening's news. it compelled me to notify you. it looks as though this problem may be more widespread with all toyota products. *jb
Reported in: AUSTIN TX || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJGW31U472
SUSPENSION
problems with car alignment. persistent problem despite getting it corrected. problem right from the time i bought the car. *jb
Reported in: ALBUQUERQUE NM || Crash: N || VIN #:
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
i recently purchased a used 2007 lexus rx 440h with 22,000 miles on the odometer. immediately (and several weeks prior to learning of potential toyota and lexus acceleration and braking issues) i noted that when braking from a low speed, say 20 mph at a stop sign, the brakes would initially take hold in a normal manner and then, for a very brief time, it felt as if the car was sliding, then the brakes would continue to take hold and bring the car to a normal stop. typically this has occurred on a snowy or icy surface, but i have not detected the abs kicking in at any time. the abs has operated normally under other circumstances. at first i attributed this to the hybrid technology and regenerative braking system on the car. however, it now sounds exactly like the experience those driving prius and lexus 250h automobiles have described that has been reported in the media. this braking anomaly occurs exactly the same way every time it occurs and it occurs frequently. so far i have owned the vehicle for less than one month.
Reported in: JACKSON WY || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U672
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
may 2008: purchased 2007 lexus 400h suv. car great except brakes. something was odd. june 2008: sent the car to the dealership to check brakes. they insisted everything was fine. my discomfort was due to my inexperience with the ¿regenerative¿ braking system. i tried to get used to it. it seemed to get worse over time. at around 10 mph, the braking momentum changes suddenly. the car floats briefly then surges a little. it was unclear if it happened all the time, or only with gradual braking, or only when stopping from a slow speed. july 22, 2009: accident. brakes suddenly stopped working as i turned the car into a parking space behind another car. i panicked when the car didn't stop at the expected point. i slammed on the brakes, my foot slipped and i hit the accelerator. i hit the car in front of me sending it toward three other cars. this would not have happened if the brakes worked properly. august 2009 -reported accident to the dealership. i was told to talk with lexus headquarters in california. they arranged for a field agent to go to the local dealership. september 30, 2009 - car at the dealership for everyone¿s review. afterwards, told by phone that no problems were identified and the car was safe. i wasn't comfortable with that decision. on november 27, 2009, i took the car in again, insisting there was a problem. i drove with the service manager. he admitted he felt the floating/slight surge. he claimed it was the moment between the end of the "regenerative" braking system and when the conventional braking system kicked in. not happy with the explanation. the floating/surge means you're not quite sure when you will stop. on january 6, 2010, i received a letter from lexus. their field technician inspected my car, found nothing wrong and the accident could not be related. i do not agree. now i hear about lexus hybrid brakes problems and i assume it¿s what i've complained about all along.
Reported in: LAVEROCK PA || Crash: Y || VIN #: JTJHW31U572
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
i have a 2007 lexus 400h hybrid. i was coming up behind a car coming off the interstate. the car ahead of me slammed on their brakes. i slammed on my brakes. the brakes worked at first then they let up and then kicked in again, but that delay in between caused a lunge into the car ahead of me causing an accident. i have been complaining to lexus about this issue for a year. they say my brakes are fine, but now that i see all of these recalls i realize they may be trying to cover up the issues with their hybrid brakes. i think that all of their hybrid brake systems need to be examined for this delay between the two brake systems. *tw
Reported in: HAMILTON OH || Crash: Y || VIN #: JTJHW31U172
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
there is a coating inside the condenser that flakes off and blows into the cabin of the vehicle. it is like sand. i am told it is aluminum hydroxide. my wife and i were told it was safe and we could take our trip. during the trip we breathed in this stuff flying in the car. we ended up with sinus infections. it is troubling that it was blown off as no big deal. the part was replaced, but i worry that other people might end up with the same problem. *cn
Reported in: HAMILTON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U172
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
i have a 2007 lexus rx400h that i purchased new in december 2006. ever since first taking ownership, i have noticed at speeds less than about 25 mph that the regenerative braking sometimes releases the brakes without warning and the hydraulic brakes do not immediately engage to take up the desired braking function. the resulting feeling is one of lost brake control and a slight surge forward by the vehicle. i first reported this to the dealer at the 10,000 mile service check (09-18-2007) and was told that the braking system was performing normally. "cannot verify customer concern." i have several times since asked the lexus dealer about this problem that i continue to experience, and each time have been told that my brake system is operating normally. the dealer has said that it must be that i'm not used to the regenerative braking system action, despite the fact that i've now driven the car over 55,000 miles. i've also been told by the dealer that they've had no other complaints of this type with my model vehicle. i've known all along that i wasn't imaging this problem and after all the publicity regarding the prius brake and accelerator problems i realize that toyota / lexus has been ignoring this issue.
Reported in: LANSDALE PA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U972
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
i was approaching a stop sign at about 10 miles per hour and stepped on the brake pedal to stop. the car braked normally at first, then the car either free-wheeled or lurched forward for about half a second, but as i continued to press on the brake the car came to a stop but a little further than i wanted. i have noticed this about 10 times in the last 6 months but have not had any accidents. i finally contacted my dealer about the problem and he said that this was normal operation of the brakes on this model. he said that what i was sensing was the interval when the car switches between regenerative brakes and hydraulic brakes. he said that there is an order to fix the hs 2010 models so that the interval is minimized or eliminated but none for my model car.
Reported in: ALBANY NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U672
STEERING
tl*the contact owns a 2007 lexus rx400h. while driving 10 mph on a snow covered road he lost control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail. he attempted to drive the vehicle and noticed that the power steering malfunctioned. the vehicle was towed to an auto body shop and the damage to the bumper was repaired. the power steering was not repaired. lexus was contacted and advised the contact to file a report so that they could diagnose the failure which would take 4 to 6 weeks. the failure and current mileages were 50,000. updated 04/01/10 *bf the consumer was told a power converter failed in the power steering. updated 05/05/10.
Reported in: WOODSTOCK NY || Crash: Y || VIN #: JTJHW31U672
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl*the contact owns a 2007 lexus rx400h. whenever the contact pressed the brake pedal she noticed that the vehicle would slightly surge forward for a short period. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who stated that the vehicle was performing normally. there were no prior warnings and the current and failure mileages were 17000. updated 4/13/10 *cn updated 05/10/10*jb
Reported in: INDIANAPOLIS IN || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U072
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
this relates to possible problems with lexus cars. i don't know if this information is useful or not. i took possession september 2008 of a brand new 2007 lexus 400h. i drove the suv approximately 5 miles when all of the dashboard warning lights came on and the engine stopped. i coasted to the bern. i was able to restart the engine but the hybrid system failure alert was on. the dealer had the car tested by their hybrid specialist. the diagnostic computer apparently registered nothing wrong. the hybrid technician took the car for a test drive with the diagnostic computer on board. the same problem occurred. the diagnostic computer did not register any malfunction. the general manager of metro lexus in cleveland spoke with lexus usa. the took the suv back and exchanged it for a new 2008 rx 400h. there were no problems with that car.
Reported in: SHAKER HEIGHTS OH || Crash: N || VIN #:
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
brake fade during slow and steady application on lexus 400h 2007 dealer has not responded well to this complaint this is an ongoing problem.
Reported in: HUNTINGTON NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U872
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
i have a 2007 lexus 400h. periodically, in the last few years, i have experienced my car surging forward while i have been stopped at a traffic signal with my brake on or after i have placed the car in park, it surges forward a few feet.
Reported in: HUNTINGTON BEACH CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJGW31U072
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
while driving at low to moderate speeds in my lexus rx400h, there is a hesitation in the brakes. it seems to occur in the change over between hybrid regenerative braking and normal hydraulic braking. i rear-ended a car in stop and go traffic due to this issue. i reported this to my local lexus dealer on two occasions, but they found no problems.
Reported in: OAKTON VA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U172
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes when going over a bump in the road. this scares the heck out of me.
Reported in: BUFFALO NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U972
STEERING
i have 2007 lexus 400h and the vehicle drifts when it catches either a road crack when changing lanes or on certain roads where there is a small crown. the steering get tight on correcting it drifts to the other side. steering also gives a tug or a wobble to when hitting certain cracks or bumps. the drift and tugs generally are to the right. dealer says everything looks good and blames in on tires. my michelin tires with treadwear 450 are almost worn at 25,000 miles. i fear during snow this will be dangerous.
Reported in: OMAHA NE || Crash: N || VIN #:
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2007 lexus rx400h. consumer states unintended acceleration which caused a collision *tgw the consumer stated he applied the brake, but the vehicle continued to accelerate and to avoid injuring other people and property, he decided to crash crashed into a tree. after striking the tree, he hit a parked vehicle that was occupied and it in turn struck a parked vehicle in front of it. the collision caused the consumers vehicle to flip onto its side. the consumer was injured. *jb
Reported in: GLENDALE CA || Crash: Y || VIN #: JTJGW31U272
TIRES
i bought two brand new tires for my 2007 lexus 400h, and both blew out within a month of each other, after driving less than 2000k on them. this has to be a defect with the tire. i have never had tires blow out like this. the top layer peels off from the under layers. i called the company i purchased them from to let them know there is a real safety issue with these tires and they did not care to listen. the first incident happened on 9/05/2011 and the second incident happened 10/15/2011.
Reported in: FORT WORTH TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tl* the contact owns a 2007 lexus rx400 hybrid. the contact stated that the vehicle would stall after engine start up. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised the contact that the failure could possibly have been caused by a battery failure. the battery was replaced but the failure recurred a few weeks later. the vehicle was towed to the dealer a second time where the battery was replaced again. the manufacturer was contacted the contact inquired about nhtsa campaign id number: 11v342000 (electrical system) but was advised that because the dealer advised that the battery was the cause of the failure, they would not repair the vehicle under the recall. the failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Reported in: WASHINGTON DC || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U872
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
rear hatch handle/opener has completely melted. it started a few months ago, it was just a little sticky at first, then the black rubber started coming off on my fingers when i opened the hatch manually. the dealer told me that there is a service advisory out about this and that it is only happening in florida. this is an electrical and a safety issue.
Reported in: ALPHARETTA GA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJGW31U572
STRUCTURE
rear hatch handle/opener has completely melted. it started a few months ago, it was just a little sticky at first, then the black rubber started coming off on my fingers when i opened the hatch manually. the dealer told me that there is a service advisory out about this and that it is only happening in florida. this is an electrical and a safety issue.
Reported in: ALPHARETTA GA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJGW31U572
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i have been trying to have lexus woodland hills fix my 2007 rx 400h regarding an issue with my alarm. my alarm goes off randomly. i happened to find out about it when a class i was attending announced over the loud speaker that a gold lexus suv had its alarm going off. i went out, reset it, and went back to class. when they got me out a second time about a half an hour later, i just left the car unlocked since i was in a safe, secured lot. since i am not usually around my car at the store, mall, etc, i have no idea how many other times it went off until i was at a funeral in simi valley. while we were leaving, someone notified me that the alarm was going on & off for an hour! i took it to woodland hills lexus where they supposedly corrected the issue. in june 2011, it went off yet againwhile i walked with a friend in a gated, secure community on a cul-du-sac with no traffic. my friend told me later that her neighbor came over to complain about the car alarm going off again and again. took it to wh lexus for service again. last time was when i was at a friends house and parked in her driveway. after about 30 minutes or so, i hear the alarm go off. i turned it off but not before her distraught neighbor came over and screamed at me asking me to move my car. wh lexus has had my car since july. can't figure out what the problem is and they are having trouble getting the warranty coverage (sold by lexus) to kick in. it is a safety issue because they want to disconnect my alarm - which is absolutely not an acceptable answer.
Reported in: CALABASAS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJGW31U372
SUSPENSION
in aug 2013 i noticed every time i passed over a small bump that a loud clunk would emit from the rear suspension. it happened whenever i pass over a bump or a chuck hole. it doesn't seem speed related. it sounds to me as if the rear suspension is bottoming out or loose. i just saw that toyota had some suv suspension recalls last week and i am now afraid that since my suv shares common parts with the toyota suvs that i may have the same or similar suspension defect.
Reported in: FORT MILL SC || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U072
STRUCTURE
rubber handle part to open the hatch back, became gooey like tar, and made a big mess. difficult to clean off of things and hands. progressively worsened. temporary repetitive solutions was to cut to fit black duct tape and totally cover the mess, but could still press the mechanism if necessary. mostly use remote now or the button in the driver's seat. last duct tape application is wearing off, and i need to go in to lexus for a recall service, so i decided to ask them about it, and how much it would cost. amazingly, the service man knew off the top of his head that they had the part in stock, and recalled how much the part and labor would cost! sounds like they've had a lot of these replacements!!! of course i'm not under warranty right now.
Reported in: AUSTIN TX || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U172
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
there was a condensation that formed inside the driver-side headlight. it caused the headlight to short-circuit and blow out. one simply needs to google 'lexus rx headlight' and they will find this to be a common occurrence among 2004-2009 models of lexus rx. unfortunately, it appears lexus/toyota will not issue a recall for a what is clearly a manufacturer defect, and demanding us to repair the headlight at our own expense, which is substantial. could the nhtsa investigate these defects?
Reported in: COLUMBIA MD || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
car just stopped on freeway. toyota stated was inverter. called lexus states no recall or warranty. paid $10,000. later in mail got recall letter from lexus. called lexus back who initially stated is covered. sent in repair paperwork. lexus then called back and said it was not covered but no longer required to have the recall repaired since this repair complete. repaired: elk grove toyota 916-405-8000 part # g92ao-48080 inverter assembly. recall part by lexus: inverter assembly. i have all receipts from toyota as well as recall letter from lexus. toyota repair states it is same replacement.
Reported in: ELK GROVE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U672
STEERING
i hit the curb on the passengers right front side not that hard at a very low speed turning in from the center turning lane into a bank and the power steering light came on and then i could not steer the car...
Reported in: COSTA MESA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U772
STEERING
tl* the contact owns a 2007 lexus rx400h. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the contact tapped a curb and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was restarted and functioned normally. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 87,000.
Reported in: COSTA MESA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U772
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
vsc system warning light came on. parked the car as it shut off. car won't start. warning light says check hybrid system. when trying to start car will say put car on park before starting. same problem as seen in recalls for 2006 lexus hybrids.
Reported in: STRATFORD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U972
ENGINE
vsc system warning light came on. parked the car as it shut off. car won't start. warning light says check hybrid system. when trying to start car will say put car on park before starting. same problem as seen in recalls for 2006 lexus hybrids.
Reported in: STRATFORD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U972
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
vsc system warning light came on. parked the car as it shut off. car won't start. warning light says check hybrid system. when trying to start car will say put car on park before starting. same problem as seen in recalls for 2006 lexus hybrids.
Reported in: STRATFORD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U972
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
vsc system warning light came on. parked the car as it shut off. car won't start. warning light says check hybrid system. when trying to start car will say put car on park before starting. same problem as seen in recalls for 2006 lexus hybrids.
Reported in: STRATFORD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U972
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the black molding on part# 84840g 8484021010 - switch assembly back door opener is extremely soft and sticky. every time we put our hands on it to manually open the rear lift, black sticky substances get on the fingers, which are used to open it. that part is shielded somewhat by the body. it was sticky even during cold months here in kansas and is sticky as well during this spring and beginning of summer. my concern is something is getting hot from that electrical piece that may cause further damage and hopefully not, but possible fire. thanking in advance
Reported in: DOUGLASS KS || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U472
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my dashboard developed verticle cracks in the driver's side dashboard. because this dashboard has the airbag inside on the passenger side i wouldn't feel safe in a car that had a cracked dash, anything that would make an airbag go off too soon or go off too late can or would be very serious.
Reported in: CORAL SPRNGS FL || Crash: N || VIN #: JTJHW31U372