Hello,

I have a 2008 LS600hl with approximately 130,000 miles. It was a certified pre owned vehicle that purchased in 2011. Despite, doing ever maintenance requirement at the Lexus dealer over the years ($$$), I recently suffered a faulty transfer case failure which will be a $4600 repair. I'm surprised and disappointed and the dealer seems shocked as well.

I'd appreciate any advice or input. I've been a loyal Lexus customer but this is troubling and I'm having a hard time justifying the expense.

Thanks!

 

Just curious if that would fall under a powertrain warranty which is sometimes 10 yrs? Your mileage might be too high though.

 

Thanks. I will ask.

 

Have you done the transfer case oil exchange TSB? if so, when?

I would call Lexus and try to get them to contribute to this repair since this was CPO till recent. One reasonable compromise is Lexus providing the part and you paying the labor. Don't just pay the $4600

 

His response regarding warranty.....
"And just to give you heads up lexus Warranty is 6 years 70,000 miles whichever comes first"

 

If it was me, I'd get this and find an Indie shop to install it. :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/09-14-LS600-...NWREwW&vxp=mtr

That'll save you a couple grand.

 

Thanks Chris!!!!!

 

Jerold, please check your inbox. There are a few units with low miles in your area ($500-$1000).

Part No. 36100-50011
Retail $2438

 

Unfortunately this is one of those things. These are very reliable cars, but your particular car is 8 years old with 130,000 miles...component failure at that age, while unusual for a Lexus is not unheard of. Even with the best maintenance protocols, nothing lasts forever.

At that age I would find an independent shop that is familiar with these vehicles and find used parts, etc.

 

Jerold, I would escalate this a little further up the chain at Lexus. Don't accept what an initial service advisor tells you. He/she has limited flexibility. Ask to speak their boss.

In my opinion this is the kind of thing that Lexus can be very accommodating on. At the very least they can supply the parts while you pay the labor.

 

I have received excellent advice here in a short period of time. THANK YOU. I didn't hear back from my service advisor after lunch today but I will certainly elevate the conversation. In addition, I have a back up plan to purchase the part and have it installed outside of Lexus.

Part of my frustration is that I absolutely love my car. Ideally, I'd trade it for a 2013 model or better, but that comes at a price.

I will update you on my progress. Stay tuned. Again thank you.

 

Great feedback on this post. Best of luck to OP.

 

Think about it this way, yeah it's old but if you love it, it's worth making the repairs it needs. It'll be cheaper than a newer one.

 

Any chance you can tell us what were the symptoms of transfer case failure?

 

8yrs/130k in 1980's is old/ in obd2 era cars it's just about breaking in. A catastrophic failure of a transfer case in light duty (i.e. not a Land Cruiser or FJ) is rather unexpected. It lasted 8yrs so the build was likely good, which leaves the lubricant or a leak.