GX470 with about 65,000 miles without any indications stalled. Got the suv towed to the local dealership. the dealers claims that the car got overheated and the radiator and head gasket needs to be changed. although lexus has the 7/70000 warranty they will not cover because of non original hose clamps used. I authorized the change of radiator & head gasket after 14 days the dealer calls back saying that the engine is damaged and i need to replace the engine.I even authorized replacing engine job and now the dealer calls again after another 14 days saying i need to replace more parts. The total cost for all the repair stands at over $13,000 with parts and labor. I don't undersatnd why the dealer is coming every 14 days asking for more work to be done? is this kind of damage rotuine for a car like lexus? The car is still at the dealership. What are my options? Please help

 

did not play a part in the failure. If they did, i.e. if they were a direct cause they can disclaim. But, and as I strongly suspect, the clamps were not involved then you are being bent over and asked to grab your ankles. While still wearing your pants and underwear and without any lube.

If you can ger independent proof that the failure was in no way related to what you did, then argue strongly, but politely, that warranty law does not allow such an exclusion for unrelated issues. If they balk, then you may need to consult an attorney.

One more thing-make sure you can document maintenance and do not have a history of unresolved related problems.

Good luck----

 

Thanks for your reply.

How can I get independent proof that the failure was in no way related to what I did? The car is stil at the dealership. I am suppose to be picking up the same tomorrow.

I have argued strongly, and politely, intially they had refused to pay anything now they have agreed to pay 50%, as if they are doing me a favor.

 

Did the vehicle overheat due to loss of coolant like leaking clamps or? Were the clamps ever changed? There are alot of questions to be answered. They shouldn't just blame the clamps, I would ask for a Lexus warranty rep. to come look at you vehicle.

 

How did you end up with so much damage? Did you keep driving after the temperature warning light came on? Usually these V8 engine can withstand a bit of over heating, it takes alot of heat to do that kind of damage. Ask them to show you the host clamp.