Like my wife's 2012 RC we purchased in May (our 2nd Lexus). We had the Viper remote start in our old ES b/c there wasn't a factory option available. However, the RX did have a factory option, so the dealer installed it for $600.

After 3 months, the remote start SUCKS. The range is pitiful, and the dance you have to do with the remote to get the car to start, you're at the car-a total waste.

I want Lexus to either refund my $600 or have the Viper system installed (at the time we purchased the ES, they recommended to a high-end car stereo installer-and they did a great job).

Any advice how to proceed? Do I start at the dealer level with the GM? Or contact a district manager? Any idea how I can find out the DM in the Philadelphia area?

 

Good luck with this. No matter what avenue you pursue, please get back to us. This system has never been advertised as a "long" distance remote start system. Many of us have opted for a third-party solution either the Viper or the Drone or some other. However I believe Lexus is installing the cell phone type of remote start currently (and not shipping yet) or will be in the near future and perhaps that can be retrofit onto your car.

I'd start with my local service advisor and start working up from there. Become acquainted with the phrase, "it's working up to spec", you may hear that. They may very well refund your money.

 

The maximum range of the OEM remote start is 30 feet per the manual and the advertising small print. I would call corporate first and start a case with them that way when you get to the dealer you have corporate on your side.

 

i had a viper on my previous car and it stopped working as soon as warranty ran out
I suggest having lexus change this remote start and give you one with better range and fewer issues because i doubt they will issue any refund but keep us posted

 

My own inclination, as a retired newspaper reporter well accustomed to dealing with big organizations, would be to head for the very top in voicing my complaint. If your dealer won't do the right thing, get in touch with Lexus customer service at the national level. They are usually very good at making customers happy. Fact is, if you tell your local dealer you intend to contact Lexus, they may well become more helpful in an effort to head that off. Lexus dealers hate to get black marks from customers. An added piece of advice is to avoid losing your temper. Just be calm, focused and persistent. Threats are almost always counterproductive. If your complaint is valid and you are reasonable in presenting it, I'd bet that either Lexus or your Lexus dealer will solve your problem. I just bought my third Lexus and both the company and my dealer are first rate. Good luck.

 

Check out some of the other similar posts on this forum. Several folks have said they got a complete refund from Lexus when they called CS. Others got the dealer to remove the RES for a refund (it's a PIO - port-installed option). Good luck!

BTW, I also have RES on my 2013 Rx450h and was completely surprised to find out that the engine shut off when the door was unlocked. I havn't complained...yet. But I concur that it's pretty useless as is.

Remote start option

2013 Remote Engine Starter