Zudoterra

Hi everyone, I bought an r500h in last June and barely gets to drive it because it keeps having problems. The first time the car has to go into repair shop because the display panel is not working. Next the hybrid battery died while the car is in the repair shop and so I had to wait for more than a month for them to get the battery to replace. Then now it's the transmission problem and the car has been in the repair shop for 30 days as they are still waiting for the parts for transmission assembly, I strongly feels unsafe to drive in this car and question the quality of Lexus, who knows what will be the next problem to send into the repair shop again!
Given that this car is under 2500 milage, I have not been able to use with these 3 major problems causing it no safe to drive, is this car consider a lemon or defective car? Can someone advice what to do?

Striker223

Lemon time would be my vote

mmarshall

Welcome to CL as a new poster.

I think you made a typo...did you mean an RX500H?

Sorry you had to go through this with a brand new vehicle. Lemon-Laws vary by state, but, in general, if it is in the shop three times for the same significant problem, and it cannot be repaired, the manufacturer may be required to buy it back from you.

tex2670

Don't get legal advice on an owner's forum. Find a local attorney in your area specializing in lemon law cases--they will most likely schedule an initial consultation without any fee.

Zudoterra

Thank you all, for the prompt responses.
Correct, it's RX500H.
I am wondering if I have a lemon car given the 3 repairs are not the same issues but they all are significant problem that takes more than 30 days to repair. I will find a local attorney for help but wonder if I complaint to Lexus and they will give me a non-defective car.

swajames

100% state specific. In California, for example, a car is automatically a presumptive lemon if it's out of your hands for 30 cumulative days (there are some related conditions) so if you were here you'd probably already have a case. You'll need to understand the specific rules in your state, and the best way to get advice is to talk to a lemon law specialist attorney.

1111GS

Before you go down that legal path, it's worth checking with the dealership's GM. There's a high chance they will trade it with a newer one for you.

jwong77

This is prudent advice. Hiring a lawyer will cost something, talking to the GM is free.

tex2670

Getting an initial consultation with a lemon law lawyer probably costs $0; and then going to the GM after having gotten some professional advice can only strengthen your position in those discussions.

https://www.lemonlaw.com/

swajames

If your car is properly lemoned, the manufacturer is generally on the hook for reasonable attorney fees related to the claim.

California lemon law attorneys generally work on contingency. If they take your claim, they are reasonably confident of a favorable outcome.

Fizzboy7

I would not talk to the GM at the dealership. It will always be his objective to make money for himself and the dealer, not you. That means he'll likely try to find a way to get you into a new car, but turn it into a sale that brings in some sore of profit and not a lemon law procedure. You are better off with an attorney or Lexus Corporate. Leave the dealership's discretion out.

Zudoterra

I've reached out to the Lexus Corporate as well as an attorney and waiting for them to get back. Will let everyone know the outcome if you are curious. Btw, the car falls under the Oregon lemon law.

jwong77

Great job, hope everything works out well for you.

Zudoterra

Yesterday, the service shop called and said the car is not going to be ready until June because they are still manufacturing the transmission!
I then received the call from Lexus corporate brand engagement who said she will submit the case to request for buy back or replacement but i have to wait 45 days for the decision (even though i specifically say I want a replacement). Submit request sounds unfavorable to me cause they could come back to me denying the request or buy back. It is really frustrating on this "wait and see", and she didn't seem to care about how these problems affects my life schedule and offer solutions as I am supposed to move to another state this month and now i am stuck.

1111GS

Yeah she just does her job and of course doesn't care. But the one will do the review does care for Lexus image overall so I think they will have an outcome in your favor. GM cares more because it's his dealership. Why didn't you reach out to him/her? Business owner always want to please their customers especially when customers have solid reasons. Attorneys are good for certain things but the processes usually drag. If you don't like how she treats you, legal path won't be any faster/better. You just help someone else make money.