I'm soon going to bring my '08 RX to the dealer for the IPM recall, but I read stories of folks suspecting that nothing was actually done to their cars!

How/what do you guys suggest to mark (engine covers, screws, connectors, whatever...) in advance, to check at least that they actually did something?

I guess the best way to check the replacement would be if the part to be replaced has some serial number, but I have no idea of where and what to look for....

 

Maybe put a small tape seal across the inverter cover, since they have to open it up for the recall inspection. Or mark stripes across the cover screws and cover.

Another tip, go to the dealer with a nearly empty gas tank, since they will fill up the gas tank and wash it for free as part of the recall. Make sure to ask about the fill-up if they don't automatically do it.

 

As a fellow who takes his car to the dealership for service once a decade, I was shocked at the level of service when I took my wife's 07 Rx400h into Lexus of Newport Beach. I made a left around a fountain/traffic circle onto cobblestone and approached a valet line with luggage carts (the ones you see at the bell desks of hotel resorts). They arranged a loaner car for me, but I had my bike in the trunk and opted to cycle my way 2.1 miles home.

I returned 5 hours later and they washed the car, filled up the fuel tank, and cleaned up the interior. The bill was close to $3,000 but of course it was all comped. As a moderate DIYer, I felt spoiled.

 

They will check the serial number of your inverter to determine if you need the new board. If you don't need the new board you don't get a new one. The new board has stronger solder joints. It is pretty simple.