Recently on a trip from Montréal to Toronto, my car's A/C was shutting down unexpected
of cause it was on the weekend and Lexus services department were all closed
Comeback on a earlier Monday to avoid the heat, got an appointment with local Lexus service department.
They have diagnosed that :

• The Condenser was damaged by the road debris and WON'T be covered under normal Lexus warranty and the cost of repair will be $2.1K CAD
• Not only that, since I've changed my tired my self and have done it 4 times now, the 3 wheels hub (1 front and 2 backs) were damaged and will cost $800 / each to replace.
• The car cannot leave the dealer, since this is a security issue and the wheel hubs were backorder

I've wrote a complaint letter to Lexus Canada and the answer was, they ere following what the dealership recommendation and instructed me to spoke with the Service manager of my local dealership!
It's NOT what I've expected from a Lexus with many recommendation from reviews and friends
I'm a Honda / Acura guy and this might be my 1st and last Lexus I'm buying ....

 

What's the complaint here? Damage from road debris isn't covered under warranty. This isn't unusual for any manufacturer. As for the wheels, if you damaged three of the four while changing tires, I'm not sure how that's the dealership's fault.

If the complaint is that you want to take it elsewhere for a second opinion but they won't let you, I can understand your frustration. Them not allowing you to drive it away because of safety concerns with the wheels is one thing, but what would be their concern with having it transported elsewhere on a flatbed?

 

Did they provide a loaner?

 

A bad design of the front grill which allow debris to easily flying and cracked the Condenser (google for yourself), never have that issue with others vehicles!
Wheel hub damaged? again, bad design and reliability of the material they used, how can a nuts can damaged the wheel hub? should not be the inverse?
Yes! I do see from time to time, the nuts cracked and broken, but never seen a damaged wheel hub!

Yes! I'm frustrated, because the things were never happened in my 40+ years of cars owned and serviced by myself!

Oh! my local garage quote me $700 for the A/C fix and $350 / each for the wheel hub, but I cannot toke my car out !
Of cause I've declined the A/C fix, but no choice for the wheel hubs fix

 

As all other maintenance, they do provide a loaner and I've also bought a extended maintenance warranty, which will cover the wheels (mags) damaged by road, but not the things mentioned above

 

It's unfortunate, but I've owned many spindle grille Lexus vehicles and not one have had such issue with debris entering in. You aren't the first having this issue and won't be the last. This is definitely pure luck. You could try to claim insurance if you have such coverage. Warranties cover manufacturer defects and not usage issues causing the car to break down. I would suggest you that you won't be driving it away but get it towed to your mechanic to get it fixed. I don't think they can use the safety concern with that.

Too bad that you have to go through this, but maybe go buy a lotto max and that might help.

 

Did you ask if they'd let you have it taken away on a flatbed?

 

I've not asked about that option, but I will cost the same the end of the day, because I'm sure my Lexus dealership will charge me for the estimation fees. Thank you for your suggestion

 

Good Idea, I will call my insurance to see if they will cover some of the costs. Thank you

 

This would be really frustrating to me. I'll handle it being taken away safely, just release my damned car to me. But, like you said, the cost of having it transported, plus the money you are already in for the diagnostics, is it worth having it taken elsewhere at this point?

I'm glad they've given you a loaner, at least.

 

Wow, sorry about all your troubles! It does appear that your dealer is in the right, but both the A/C and hubs are crappy designs. That said, I wonder what the hubs expected life is with dealer rotations and them just hitting the bolts with an ugga dugga. Can't be really any better? Might be interesting to see if you can convert the hubs to screw in studs and lug nuts (corresponding to the wheel seat of course). I did always think this was a stupid idea even from a long term wear aspect. I'd rather the studs wear and be replaced than the whole hub. And I keep my cars thru 250-300K miles. And Costco brake cleans the antiseize off the bolts, idiots.

 

Please know: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

There have been several threads regarding the "faulty" Grill Design and suggested mods to help prevent road debris from entering your grill -- maybe this could help you in the future, but Lexus really should DO BETTER in the placement of the AC Condenser.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...nd-leaves.html


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ll-design.html

See Post #6 and Post #7 with other thread links.

 

Thanks, I've looked up on the net and many other Lexus owners have the same issue and they have to paid for the repair as well, seem like a pure back luck from a bad design

 

Did you ask your insurance if it can be covered under Comprehensive and you just pay your deductible, like a rock chip or crack in windshield, hit and run, etc.?

AI Overview

Yes, comprehensive car insurance typically covers damage caused by road debris entering through your grill and causing damage to your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision events like theft, vandalism, and damage from falling objects or debris.

 

Yes, I have, still waiting for them to comeback with the answer ... thanks for your suggestion