Lexus Hybrid Batteries – How Long Do They Last and How Much Do They Cost to Replace?
Lexus hybrid batteries can be pricey to replace, but according to this master technician, they’re incredibly reliable and are covered by an excellent warranty.
In recent years, much ado has been made about the replacement cost of all-electric vehicle batteries, and for good reason – they can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 in most cases, which is a significant sum of money. The good news is, from what we’ve seen thus far, those same batteries tend to have a pretty significant lifespan and tend to retain most of their original capacity over time as well. What we don’t often hear much about is this same information pertaining to hybrids, which are also equipped with battery packs, but for those that own a Lexus hybrid model, there are several details worth knowing.
In this recent video from Fred Anderson Toyota, we get some great information about Lexus hybrid batteries from a master technician with over 30 years of experience – and more than 20 working on Toyota and Lexus hybrid models, to boot. He gives us a rundown on the different types of Lexus hybrid batteries and the various ways they can go bad, as well as how techs test those units to determine the next steps – either repair or replace it. In the case of repairs, that process typically just consists of swapping out failed modules, which makes it more of an unideal fix given the fact that other modules can fail later on, making for return trips to the shop.
One can also get a refurbished battery, but it won’t come with the same sort of warranty, which is precisely why a brand new OEM replacement is more of an attractive – albeit more expensive – fix. In this case, our tech uses a 2009 Toyota Prius as an example, and replacing the hybrid battery in that model with a brand new one costs around $2,000 plus five hours of labor, which is around $1,000, making for a total cost of $3,000 with core charges factored in. However, it is worth noting that these costs can vary greatly depending on the vehicle – some cost upwards of $8,000 to replace, given factors including the size of the unit and how easy it is to access.
The good news is, Lexus hybrid batteries are covered by a pretty stout warranty as well – most offer coverage of 120 months or 150,000 miles, and the hybrid system itself is also typically covered for 96 months or 100,000 miles, which provides us with some peace of mind. As our mechanic points out in this video, Toyota also makes supremely reliable hybrid vehicles, which can easily add another 200k trouble free miles with a battery replacement and an owner that’s diligent in terms of completing routine maintenance, as he’s seen on more than one occasion.
Photos: Lexus
Join the Club Lexus forums now!
