I own a 2006 RX400h. Have had to replace the inverter (part of hybrid system) at 99,600 miles. Leaking coolant. Anyone else have a similar problem? Fortunately covered under warranty as it is a $10k part.
Bill in CT

 

what were the symptoms?

 

Yes. I have a post at

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...=inverter&st=0

regarding this complete with pics. Happened sometime last summer. Was leaking coolant but working fine. Replaced under warranty at 120000 KM or so. Luckily, because a new inverter is around $7000 CDN.

Someone else I know recently posted a complete failure of the inverter while driving on highway. Also replaced under warranty, but I hope this isn't something that begins to crop up as the RX ages.

 

What!!!!!! This is very very bad news for rx4 owners and me. I am about to close on a deal on a 06 06 rx4. It has about 97 k miles. Warranty its almost done. If this inverter is 7k. Dollars, then buying ot owning a rx4 is not a good idea. Is there a tech that can confirm this, or give us their personal opinion? I need to know these things before I take cash this Monday.

 

This is the first I've heard of this.

 

Sounds like the RX400 does share the same inverter as the Highlander Hybrid. I found this TSB for the 2006 Highlander where several people have posted dead inverters around the 100k mark.

http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/226413-post25.html

 

See post #22 onwards here

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...inverter&st=15

That's my post and the inverter was replaced in September 2009 at 125000km. In post #22 another owner has posted pics of a leak below the inverter. Believe it or not I checked my vehicle yesterday and I ALSO HAVE THIS NEW LEAK. The other guy took it to Lexus and they said leaking transaxle, not covered under hybrid warranty.

I had the hybrid technician at my Lexus dealer look at it quickly today and he needs it back on Dec. 27 to put it on the hoist and have a proper look at it. My argument is that it's leaking coolant from the inverter/motor generator cooling system (which does link to the transaxle, yes) but since it's the inverter coolant that's leaking, it SHOULD be covered under the hybrid warranty.

I'll know after the 27th.

 

That sucks.

Glad to see that there aren't too many reports of this...(yet?)

 

Was flipping through my owner's manual, looks like hybrid warranty only covers the inverter, battery and assorted computers that run the hybrid system. It's quite specific that the transaxle is covered under the powertrain warranty. Doesn't make sense to me since the electric motors are definitely something you would only find in a hybrid vehicle - shouldn't matter that they are in the transaxle.

 

Wow, just in time. 400 miles more and you'd be 10K out of pocket.

 

08 400h here. Only 20k on the clock and the it lost power, warning lights, VSS and PS lights on. Bad inverter. Didn't have time to check under the hood to see if any coolant was leaking. Under warranty thank god.

But I noted I was getting arou 25+mph when we first got the car and it was down to abougt 23 mph when the invertor died.

Anyone notice an improvment in power/mpg after the replacement?

 

Could be the colder weather now. Mileage (hybrid vehicle or not) usually drops with the colder weather, winter gas etc. Other than that, you might need to the ISC reset, however, the TSB I've seen for the ISC reset was for the 2006.

 

I have exactly the same problem. My car died on free away in Europe. I took it to Lexus dealer, they sad say “Generator Inverter Problems”. Cost $9000. Please let me know what kind of warranty would cover it. My RX400h 2006 with 97000miles on it. Would really appreciate your help!

Sincerely,

Val

 

As in an american Lexus driven in Europe or a european Lexus driven in Europe?

There are differences in what warranties are given in US and Europe.
Also it might depend on how you bought it like form a Lexus dealership or privately and also the kind insurance/policy you have taken out yourself.

Have you contacted your insurance company?


Our insurance covers pretty much everything within 8 years and 150000km related to engine, electronics and powertrain. So no matter what kind of stuff that needs service or replacement from heated seats, rear entertainment system and navigation system to transmission, hybrid package, ECUs and engine.

So when our 400h transmission needed replacement due to an oil leakage and corrosion problem the bill stated just below $7000...
I paid $200.

 

@ petterf - are you in Europe? Your insurance/warranty sounds pretty comprehensive!