My 2021 nx300 premium has an electrically operated tailgate.
would anyone know:
1) are the motors inside the strut itself?
2) are changing them simple or difficult.
3) do you plug the new electric connector in to the same plug as the old one came out of?
thank you!

 

[not sure but this sounds like it could be a recall issue soon, other models are having the same issue, they make a rumbling/sputtering sound when opened or close. It’s happening to my son’s 450 suv. Check google I believe there’s info and instructions on you tube!! Mines a 2021 300nx, no issues so far.

QUOTE=johngee;11836173]My 2021 nx300 premium has an electrically operated tailgate.
would anyone know:
1) are the motors inside the strut itself?
2) are changing them simple or difficult.
3) do you plug the new electric connector in to the same plug as the old one came out of?
thank you![/QUOTE]

 

I had this issue and the Stealership quoted a repair cost of about $1200. I found the replacement struts from a Lexus dealer in Plano, TX and was able to purchase for under $400 total for both left/right sides.

Installation was a little tricky but most of my time was spent trying to reach the plug behind the paneling on the driver's side. You'll need something to prop the tailgate while you work and probably should get some blue thread lock.

I was able to do it and save $800 so I'm happy

 

@johngee
1.Yes, motor is build into the strut as a stand alone piece.
2.Watch a vid by "the car care nut" on YT. Vehicle he worked on was a RAV4 which was very similar to the NX. Installation was simple, imho. Difficulty a 2 with 10 being a PITA.
3. Yes, OEM replacement plugs into existing wiring harness.
I believe majority of Lexus/Toyota owners who have these electrically extending struts in their vehicles will experience failures as there is no way to maintain them i.e. lub the mechanism. My '16 NXt ( w/62k miles ) struts are still operating good for now, fingers crossed. My only problem with them was they will sometimes not start the descend , either with FOB or button on gate ( set @ 4 to avoid hitting garage door if set @ 5, its max opening ). I had to manually pull rear gate down till it was near to close than it will lock itself. Spraying lubricant aka. WD40 periodically on shaft seems helpful but I am not convinced enough lub ( internal seals will be the hurdles ) got onto mechanism to do an adequate job. Perhaps an owner will post infor ( like a cut-out of one showing its internals ) of one after a replacement. DIYers can then mcgyver a way to lub its mechanism. Personally, I think these elect. struts are a questionable design ( I get it. It has to be compact and not take up more space than the gas charged strut its replacing ) and I hope after-market gas charged units will be available replacements very soon.

 

Should have surf the net earlier and would have found replacement gas struts for replacing the elect ones. So, they are available as a complete kit ( gas struts and the required brackets ).

Has any NX owners done this switch yet ?. If so,some questions.
1. Are they drop-in units, as in same mounting holes for the new brackets. P/N's would be great if you have them.
2. Lock and unlock functions as before for operation of rear gate.
3. Any electrical anomalis after the switch out i.e. from the factory wiring harness/rear gate's ECU. And is the factory wiring harness left in place and unplug.
4. Happy with switch-out operationally speaking. Tips for the install.
Thanks in advance.