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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the 2016 up RX450h model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the RX450h. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other fourth generation RX models.
Many thanks golferjack,
I will pay close attention to the change of this noise and driving carefully. Indeed, the noise was detected two months ago, and it was loud at first. the car was sent to the dealer of Lexus for inspection. They tald me that the noise comes from the Actuator and recommend rme eplace it. Also they suggest me: “You could try and perform a brake fluid flush that is considerably less and could/would help lessen the sound (please note it is not a permanent fix) ". I didn't do any maintenance or replace it. Now the noise is gradually abating. I hope it heals like your car. Do you think it's a good idea to try brake fluid flush?
Thank you again for your time and advice.
Others have noted that the flush does not solve the issue.
It is strange to me that Lexus does not just use the RAV or Highlander systems, since I have never seen the issue on those vehicles.
I can’t play your video, but it sounds like the issue I had with my 2018 Lexus 450h. The sounds was like a ‘squawk’ a seal squeak sound with a clunk … I took it to the dealer early on, and they told me they cannot hear it. I took it again before the warranty was up and again they said they could not replicate the sound. Unfortunately, the sound progressively got worse and started to make me just crazy after 100k miles. So I took it back to the dealer last year and they told me it was a $4000+ fix. I used some of the threads in this group and went back to the dealer with the fix that was sent to them awhile back. They told me my car was no longer under warranty. I was persistent, and fortunately found on one of our receipts from an early tuneup where we had complained about the noise early on. They ended up in good will fixing it for us, replacing the actuator, and we haven’t had the problem since then. Be persistent it is not normal and eventually, after 100,000 miles, it will get worse.
I took it again before the warranty was up and again they said they could not replicate the sound
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the dealer knows about the issue and was well communicated by corporate. It was just a delay tactic until you’re out of warranty. The truth is that the billable hours and rate is fixed and the dealer often don’t make money on it (ie no mark up on parts and no extra hours if the tech can’t repair in time) when carrying out a TSB or recall under warranty.
I had the same issue on my 2019 RX450h. The dealer told me not to worry till the warranty expired, then tell me pay >> $2000 to get it fixed, what a tactic and this is Lexus quality now.
I have a 2020 450h with same issue: squeak/squawk/clunk when braking. It's barely out of warranty and am working with "brand engagement" to see if they'll do anything financially. The question I have, is this a safety issue or not? One of the service writers says it will be-down the road if not repaired(of course they said this). Everything I'm reading on this thread seems to indicate it's only an annoying sound. Any thoughts? Thanks
I have a 2020 450h with same issue: squeak/squawk/clunk when braking. It's barely out of warranty and am working with "brand engagement" to see if they'll do anything financially. The question I have, is this a safety issue or not? One of the service writers says it will be-down the road if not repaired(of course they said this). Everything I'm reading on this thread seems to indicate it's only an annoying sound. Any thoughts? Thanks
Is this the first time you have encountered this or is there record of this being addressed before with Lexus? I have run the entire course regarding this—several times—and have kept current with where Lexus is with said issue. Supposedly, Lexus now has this figured out with parts and brake bleeding procedure. Parts and procedures have been revised. The sound alone will drive you nuts after a while and if you are not the regular driver, then the person mainly driving the vehicle will drive you nuts complaining about it. I recommend getting it fixed primarily for the life/safety aspect and secondly for the noise. Passengers will constantly ask you what the noise is too. Since this is a well known issue, I would directly contact Lexus Corporate and see what they can do for you.
Note: This is an expensive fix after warranty has expired, but again contact Lexus Corporate and see what they can do for you.
Thanks SoCalRX! Yes, it is an expensive fix (about $2,000). Did not start hearing it until a couple weeks ago at around 52,000 miles (just out of warranty). I am currently waiting for Lexus "Brand Engagement" to let me know if they will pay for the fix. There is a service bulletin on the issue currently but they said my vin number wasn't part of it. Seems likely that it should be. The noise is not that annoying right now but could see where it might be down the road. I'll be very disappointed if they don't do something. This is the first luxury vehicle I've purchased and knew going in that oil changes and other services would not be cheap. That I was expecting. A $2,000 repair on a car that's barely out of warranty was not expected. I love the car and chose Lexus because of their reputation of reliability. We'll see if they put their money where their reputation is. Thanks again for the insight.
Thanks SoCalRX! Yes, it is an expensive fix (about $2,000). Did not start hearing it until a couple weeks ago at around 52,000 miles (just out of warranty). I am currently waiting for Lexus "Brand Engagement" to let me know if they will pay for the fix. There is a service bulletin on the issue currently but they said my vin number wasn't part of it. Seems likely that it should be. The noise is not that annoying right now but could see where it might be down the road. I'll be very disappointed if they don't do something. This is the first luxury vehicle I've purchased and knew going in that oil changes and other services would not be cheap. That I was expecting. A $2,000 repair on a car that's barely out of warranty was not expected. I love the car and chose Lexus because of their reputation of reliability. We'll see if they put their money where their reputation is. Thanks again for the insight.
My original quote, and my wife has a 2017 450h, was closer to $3800 (I have the original paperwork somewhere). As I stated, Lexus supposedly has worked matters out and I’m glad to hear it’s now around the $2000 mark. We are on our fourth replacement—all being under warranty. I also have an unsubstantiated feeling that some of the replacements were attributed to the service-side and not just Lexus—meaning that maybe we should have been on just our second or third replacement at most. The fourth time appears to have resolved the issue, at least up to the present time, which is good since my wife relegated the 450h to a kick-about vehicle. If it happens again, rest assured my wife will toss me the keys and it will be gone as she’ll never drive it again. And, yes, that’s what she does when she’s done with any vehicle and the verdict is final.
It's actually my wife's daily driver so she also has the final say. I don't blame your wife if she brooms it out the door. Enough is enough! I will keep you posted on my outcome.
I have posted many times on the brake issue, but I have to say that it just stopped making any noise about a year ago. No reason for the noise to stop, since no one has worked the issue. For me it seemed that it had to do with altitude and air pressure.
Anyway the issue is gone and it has 82,000 miles without a brake job. The brakes will easily go 100,000 miles. This is the first car I have owned that has gone past 35,000 miles, as we live in the Colorado mountains and we are hard on brakes, due to the mountain driving.