Some of you may be aware that I recently purchased and had installed Powered Running Boards on my 23 NX 450H+ Base.

Background: Wife was struggling getting in to the car due to her height. So I made the decision to put running boards on the car to help her since it was my need to have a higher vehicle due to a military related disability. But I didn't think a standard running board always sticking out would look good. So I began searching for powered running boards. I discovered Amp Research and Aries were the only American companies making powdered boards. I reached out to both companies by email and telephone calls and discovered they do not make powered boards for a Lexus and had no intentions of ever making them. They both mentioned they were pretty much sticking to trucks only with one or two exceptions. So I started searching on eBay and Amazon and discovered there were a few chinese sellers. I say a few, there are hundreds but they all have the same photos, instructions and everything. So I feel there are a few makers but many sellers of the same product. I found a company on eBay that had a product that met my needs and purchased the powered boards. They are very well made with shipping and everything done good except for install instructions. The powered running boards cost me close to $2,000 for the boards and installation. A few mods to the underneath side of the NX to get them installed is part of the reason for the high price.

Fast forward to Wednesday last week when I took my Lexus to the dealer for the 5,000 mile service. First off, there is no issues with the warranty so to speak. The problem is with the powered running boards installed, there is NO WAY to lift the vehicle on a conventional car lift. The jack points are completely covered by the running boards and the board mounts are in the same location as the jack points. There is a special lift that can be used but I'm unsure of the name for it. But it is a drive on type lift which was used locally by the board installer. But the problem with that type of lift is the vehicle is still has weight on wheels and there was no way to rotate tires. I also discovered with all of the steel and plastic shields protecting the underneath side, the use of bottle or floor type jacks may not work either. But I'll need to verify that.

By not being able to use the vehicles lift points, I'm unable to get the car in the air to change the oil and filter, rotate tires or do work under the vehicle unless they have a drive on type lift. The dealer did not want to try to lift the vehicle with a door cracked to allow the boards to be deployed to see if it could be lifted. They had the special lift and was able to get under the vehicle for inspection but didn't rotate the tires. But I was okay with that as I replaced all of the tires at 2,800 miles. So rotating them at 5,000 miles wasn't a big deal to me.

I am NOT SURE if this problem exists for standard running boards as the mount points for that type of board may be located in a place that does not cover up the jack points. But if you are considering any type of running boards to accommodate a short stature individual, PLEASE verify and check BEFORE spending the money to purchase and install them. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!

I'll update as I learn more about this situation. I plan to deploy the boards to see if I can get the scissor jack to lift the vehicle should I have a flat while out. I also plan to discuss this with my non-Lexus mechanic who will be doing my oil changes and tire rotations and other simple stuff as there are no Lexus Dealers in close proximity to my location.

I hope this helps you should you be considering adding this mod.

 

Would have been nice if a warning came with the board set.
Sorry to hear about the problem.

 

My wife has the same height challenge. I have a RX 350 now with a Lexus running board installed by Lexus and it looks good and works for her. I now have a NX350H ordered expecting delivery in Oct. Before I ordered I checked the Lexus web site on their accessory page and found where runny boards are still available to be ordered for the RX and also the NX box was checked as well. So, I carried through with ordering the SUV. That was months ago. Recently at an oil change visit I spoke with the part manager to see what they would cost. After checking and making a call to some Lexus parts depot, he said they are not available for the current NX models. The fact it's still on the web site is for those owning models up through 2021 but not for the current series of NX. Like you, I started looking on Amazon and ebay with the plan to buy one but your post struck me relative to lift points. It's hard to assess now whether or not the running boards will conflict with the lift points. I still plan on proceeding and deal with consequences later if they arise. As for as looks, it's hard to tell which would be best to order from just looking at pictures. Kind of wish I'd gone with a new RX but the price was too high.

 

@af17609174 I discovered early that Lexus discontinued the boards for the new model NX's. But no one could tell me why. I guess I know now. Expensive lesson. As for looks, I love the powered board look as it tucks up nicely and you never see it until it deploys.



Tucked

Deployed

 

You're right, completely out of sight, love the color of your car. I'll move forward with fixed running boards and see how they look for now. My search never showed up any links to powered type, link handy I might bookmark just in case?