Used my spare key and the key wouldn't turn so I thought I had the wrong key Retrieved my orig. key, placed it in the ignition and proceeded to turn the key but it wouldn't turn. Thought the steering wheel was lock so I rotated it left and than right and now the steering wheel locked Called Lexus and they told me to remotely lock the car and wait for about 5 minutes than remotely unlock the vehicle so I did that....same thing the key won't turn clockwise. Lexus recommended I tow the vehicle to them so I did. I now find out that I need a new ignition lock @ $691(parts, labor, locksmith so I won't have to carry 2 set of keys ( 1 for the ignition, 1 for the door). I find out thru the grapevine there have been 4 other vehicles (2003 ) that have the same problem....somethings not right.

 

I had a similar issue with my RX300 and the solution was to tap the ignition lock cylindar with a screwdriver to loosen up the lock pins. This happened twice on the car and it worked each time.

 

This should be lexis responsibility.

 

On a somewhat related note....
The key fob on my '04 came apart at the seams a couple of times.
I tried tightening the screw, but it still came apart.

 

I see a face in the bottom fob and it looks like it's in pain.

 

Absolutely if the car is under warranty!!

 

Even if it isn't under warranty, I know 4 other owners having the same exact problem for this same year vehicle. What does it take to become TSB?

 

Have you tried to put some graphite into the lock? It usually works...

 

Take snhrph's idea, It worked for me last week.