2016 LEXUS RX Complaints

Upon parking after 20-mile drive, severe leak of transmission oil from transmission oil cooler area, no warning messages/lights or fault codes present. No evidence of leak at starting point for drive, was sudden failure internal to transmission cooler with no evidence of impact/vibration damage or corrosion; failure was perhaps at welds of fins to tubing. Leaking oil creates fire and slip hazard, lack of any kind of warning to driver would have allowed continued driving until transmission failed except for luck that this was short trip. Vehicle has never been damaged in a crash, has been carefully inspected and maintained since purchase new. This is not a wear item and should never fail without external damage or corrosion, certainly not at 45,000 miles. Difficult to believe that this anything other than a manufacturing defect on this early production (VIN ending 002034) vehicle. Repaired by Lexus dealer with Lexus covering half of cost as “goodwill” (cost to me at ~$1,050 incl. towing), although dealer attempted to return vehicle without having reinstalled air duct and lower shroud.

The hood latch and cable malfunctioned three times in one year. Once in January 2024 (I replaced the latch); once in July 2024 (the dealer recommended to eventually replace the cable, but was able to fix it); and most recently on [XXX] (the dealer identified the cable was faulty and needed to be replaced). The hood would close but not all the way and the hood release had no tension. There was prior warning or symptoms prior to the hood lock failure. All the records for this is with the service department of Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly, VA. I attached the most recent service visit. I took it to the Lexus dealer service center each time. I am getting it fixed this weekend by another service shop (because Lexus charges too much). This was extremely dangerous because if the hood is not secure, it could open at any time while driving and cause an accident, especially at high speeds. There is the potential that if the hood does not lock when closed after it opens, that it could possibly fly open while the car is in motion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Good Afternoon, This is in relation to Customer Support Program (20LE02) - Rear Inside Door Handle May Become Inoperative. The Rear right inside door handle of my Lexus 350 became inoperative recently, but I never received a notice regarding 20LE02.

Timing chain cover oil leak is a wellknown issue for Lexus/Toyota V6 engine for more than a decade. The company is still reluctant to provide a long term solution. This 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport was first discovered Timing Cover oil leak at 49166 miles and was resealed on [XXX] 2021. One year later, on [XXX] 2022, valve cover gasket oil leak was found at 57608 miles. Two months later, on [XXX], 2022, Timing Cover oil leak was discovered again at 58821 miles. Then two months later, on [XXX] 2022, oil leak was discovered again at 59864 miles. [All above was repaired by Thompson Lexus in Doylestown, PA under Lexus Powertrain Warranty.] Now, two years and 15000 miles later, the car is currently developing the same oil leak again at 76500 miles. The car is out of warranty, the repair will cost $7000. Toyota/Lexus should provide a longterm sustainable solution for this problem instead of advising repair shop to merely reseal the cover, which will eventually leak again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Lexus RX350 has Timing Cover Gasket issue. My car is manufactured in 2016 and had only 59,757 miles on it but late last year the dealership discovered the leak after an oil change. The cost for repair is estimated $6500+ I am an engineer and researched the issue. I noticed that many people reported on Timing Cover Gasket issue in RX350 cars. I even learned that the next design flaw in RX350 is the water pump. I contacted the Lexus company and reported on the issue. They offered me $2000 discount. This means they are aware of the issue. I believe Lexus shall fix this issue since it can turn into a safety hazard. If customers don't notice the leak, or leave engine oil leaks unchecked, the engine could seize up, or even catch on fire. Please make Lexus to recall Lexus RX350 Timing Cover Gasket, (and water pump). Thanks and be safe, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Loss of power brake assist. The Lexus dealer diagnosed a failed vacuum pump. This is common with the 2016/2017 RX 350's. Lexus has admitted a manufacturing problem with the pumps and has a service bulletin (L-SB-0010-18) and a safety recall on the 2017's (JLD J2D). The recall should be extended to the 2016's. There are tons of people posting on the internet about failed vacuum pumps and resultant safety issues.

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the moon roof independently fractured. The contact stated no object had struck the moon roof to cause the fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the moon roof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

There is oil leak from timing belt casing. Only have 71000 miles on the vehicle.

The vehicle sustained water damage due to Hurricane Ida in September 2021 and was repaired at the dealership. In February 2023, the battery needed replacing for a third time since then and I was told that the front and rear carpeting was soaking wet, again, and it was due to the moonroof rails being clogged. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being assessed and repairs should be borne by the dealer/manufacturer; NOT THE CONSUMER. If this is specific to my vehicle only, then I have a lemon. If it has happened to others, then it should be recalled.

Auto transmission frequently jerks and seems to search for a gear when starting from a stop. This problem is noted in other vehicles manufactured by Toyota. Dealerships tell me it is a reported problem but there is no remedy. Problem exists from date of purchase May 2016.