Lexus reliability
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From: OR
Lexus reliability
These comments are to reinforce other postings about the inflated reputation of Lexus vehicles for reliability. We currently own a RX 330 and IS 350. The RX had a transmission seal fail at 70,000 miles and the water pump on the IS 350 failed after 34,000 miles. Both vehicles were out of warranty when these failures occurred, but given the low mileage I contacted Lexus Customer Service to request help covering the cost of repairs. They politely declined.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
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These comments are to reinforce other postings about the inflated reputation of Lexus vehicles for reliability. We currently own a RX 330 and IS 350. The RX had a transmission seal fail at 70,000 miles and the water pump on the IS 350 failed after 34,000 miles. Both vehicles were out of warranty when these failures occurred, but given the low mileage I contacted Lexus Customer Service to request help covering the cost of repairs. They politely declined.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
Record
Circumstance
Everyone I know loves the brand and will continue to purchase it.
OP, sorry that happen to you. But keep in mind RX330 is getting there in age (2003-2005).
I don't think the water pump on your IS 350 is going to cost a lot to replace either.
And if you think Lexus repairs are high, than stay far far away for Mercedes, BMW and Audi lol. (And yes I have owned luxury German cars so I know 1st hand.)
I don't think the water pump on your IS 350 is going to cost a lot to replace either.
And if you think Lexus repairs are high, than stay far far away for Mercedes, BMW and Audi lol. (And yes I have owned luxury German cars so I know 1st hand.)
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 1
From: Socal
These comments are to reinforce other postings about the inflated reputation of Lexus vehicles for reliability. We currently own a RX 330 and IS 350. The RX had a transmission seal fail at 70,000 miles and the water pump on the IS 350 failed after 34,000 miles. Both vehicles were out of warranty when these failures occurred, but given the low mileage I contacted Lexus Customer Service to request help covering the cost of repairs. They politely declined.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
Last edited by darkdream; Feb 19, 2014 at 09:57 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
Sorry to hear about the drama, but I assure you it would be worse with most other brands. Its been proven year after year after year by the most objective and reputable of sources. I just bought my third Lexus last Sunday and will be back without a doubt. I buy Lexus vehicles for their build quality, reliability, style, and most of all the customer service. I think you, like myself initially when I came to Lexus, are thinking that these cars never ever have issues. They will. They just have relatively less .
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I have to somewhat agree with the OP! Lexus cars are definitely not what they used to be. I know some of us a royal customers (borderline fan boys in some cases). I am also a big fan of Lexus but I am not blind to the issues a lot of us owners are experiencing. I used owned both the SC300 and SC400; had no issues for over 200k miles on each of those cars. Now, I have so many problems with my IS350. Plus the build quality isn't that good (this car squeaks and rattles more than my old MKV Gti).
Common, let's be honest and look at all the recalls and TSIB! Sure, Lexus is still on top of the list but not by much.
Common, let's be honest and look at all the recalls and TSIB! Sure, Lexus is still on top of the list but not by much.
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Sorry about your issues OP, but Lexus is a car company like any other. Because of stereotypes, folks expect some nameplates to be flawless. That's just not the case. Just because you buy a Honda doesn't mean it won't be a lemon, and just because you buy a BMW doesn't mean it will have issues.
Good luck with your new future brand
Good luck with your new future brand
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 97
From: Southeastern PA
These comments are to reinforce other postings about the inflated reputation of Lexus vehicles for reliability. We currently own a RX 330 and IS 350. The RX had a transmission seal fail at 70,000 miles and the water pump on the IS 350 failed after 34,000 miles. Both vehicles were out of warranty when these failures occurred, but given the low mileage I contacted Lexus Customer Service to request help covering the cost of repairs. They politely declined.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
I am writing this to warn any prospective luxury car buyers that the Lexus reputation for reliability is not justified. It is not worth paying Lexus premium prices in the expectation of better product quality.
I will not purchase another Lexus again.
And, your IS would normally be covered under the powertrain warranty--72 mos/70,000 miles. So looks like your individual circumstances may have brought you bad luck. My water pump went at 48,000 miles -- I was out of bumper to bumper, but the repair was covered under the powertrain warranty.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 14
From: Annapolis, Md
I also fell into that trap of thinking I wouldn’t have any problems with my Lexus.
But the simple fact is that it’s a car and things are going to break.
I do think Lexus cars or more reliable than their German counterparts in certain areas but I also don’t feel Lexus don’t push or place stress on their cars like the Germans.
I really wish people here would STOP saying Lexus service is cheaper than the Germans. Because it’s not true in the DC Metro area. My IS250 regular maintenance/service cost just as much my CL550.
On another note this is the reason I say it's crazy when people say don't purchase a warranty.
But the simple fact is that it’s a car and things are going to break.
I do think Lexus cars or more reliable than their German counterparts in certain areas but I also don’t feel Lexus don’t push or place stress on their cars like the Germans.
I really wish people here would STOP saying Lexus service is cheaper than the Germans. Because it’s not true in the DC Metro area. My IS250 regular maintenance/service cost just as much my CL550.
On another note this is the reason I say it's crazy when people say don't purchase a warranty.
Last edited by rogers2; Feb 20, 2014 at 05:12 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 11
From: The Woodlands, TX
Sorry about your issues OP, but Lexus is a car company like any other. Because of stereotypes, folks expect some nameplates to be flawless. That's just not the case. Just because you buy a Honda doesn't mean it won't be a lemon, and just because you buy a BMW doesn't mean it will have issues.
Good luck with your new future brand
Good luck with your new future brand
"This car reliability study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2011 model year) vehicles, includes 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100)".
Please read the OP post again! We are talking about issues after warranty period!