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Hi, I just went to get an oil change for my 2012 RX350 with 70k miles on it at the Lexus dealer, after the oil change was completed the service tech came saying that the FRONT TIMING COVER LEAKING BAD! and they need to RESEAL FRONT TIMING COVER for $ 3296.10 . I have not seen any leak under the car in the garage. So I am really shocked that Lexus would have such an issue that early. Anyone had this issue? Should I contact Lexus customer service?
This is a problem where the cure is worse than the disease. This is because they have to pull the engine to replace the leaking timing cover gasket!
You should contact Lexus corporate ( customer service ) but do not get your hopes up. I trust you have actually read this whole thread so that you could learn that the timing cover leak is very minor, never leads to engine damage or failure and is very difficult to find. Thus, I would not be in a hurry to squander that much money on a minor repair that will not affect your oil consumption or ability to drive. I would also get a second opinion from an independent Toyota specialist or dealer if no other option is available. Also ask them to show you the leak.
If it were my vehicle I would ignore it until I was ready to sell, then get the vehicle detailed, including an engine cleaning to clean up the evidence before I traded it in. I have better things to do with $3,200.00, like make a down payment on my next car....
This is a problem where the cure is worse than the disease.
I agree with this. "Leaking bad" is a very subjective term, a little bit of oil seepage over time can look a lot worse than it really is.
Armed with this diagnosis, and not having to deal with any noticeable drippage, I would simply make an effort to monitor the oil level regularly (often at first) to determine the REAL rate of loss, not just an expression of cosmetic displeasure. There are really 3 issues you might face if the leak is actually "bad", damage to driveways caused by oil drippage, engine damage from lack of oil, potential engine fire from a BIG buildup of oil on outside of engine. If you monitor oil levels and find the amount of loss is minor, save your $3200. If you're opening a new bottle of oil every week or two, that's concerning where its ending up.
I was informed it was necessary to have to pull the engine to either access the timing cover or the transmission leak.
I thought it was to gain access for the repairs. I found it kind of odd..
I have to look at the printout if they replaced head gaskets or not.
They spent one day getting the service manager to contact the factory to authorize the repairs.
I had a 2017 loaner and was out of town for several days during the work.
Something is fishy with this timing cover leak, I think they are trying to avoid a recall possibly. Speculating...
T
I, like many others had this issue at 35k miles. Repair cost would have been $3,500 but it was under warranty. Now at 74k miles another oil leak that requires the engine to be pulled for a cost of $3,900. Why is this such a widespread issue on what should be a high quality car? I had 2 4Runners & 2 Tahoes that all went over 150K miles without issues like this.
I have liked the car but won't be getting another Lexus because of these issues. I feel I had paid enough for the vehicle without having to spend another $7000 on repairs or the cost of extended warranty coverage.
I agree with this. "Leaking bad" is a very subjective term, a little bit of oil seepage over time can look a lot worse than it really is.
Armed with this diagnosis, and not having to deal with any noticeable drippage, I would simply make an effort to monitor the oil level regularly (often at first) to determine the REAL rate of loss, not just an expression of cosmetic displeasure. There are really 3 issues you might face if the leak is actually "bad", damage to driveways caused by oil drippage, engine damage from lack of oil, potential engine fire from a BIG buildup of oil on outside of engine. If you monitor oil levels and find the amount of loss is minor, save your $3200. If you're opening a new bottle of oil every week or two, that's concerning where its ending up.
Does any of these "Engine Oil Stop leak" detergents work on this issue? I called Lexus and they did not care that the car has this issue at 70k miles, they told that I will have to fix on my own expense. I think I will get ride of the car soon and go back to Honda or Toyota.
I, like many others had this issue at 35k miles. Repair cost would have been $3,500 but it was under warranty. Now at 74k miles another oil leak that requires the engine to be pulled for a cost of $3,900. Why is this such a widespread issue on what should be a high quality car? I had 2 4Runners & 2 Tahoes that all went over 150K miles without issues like this.
I have liked the car but won't be getting another Lexus because of these issues. I feel I had paid enough for the vehicle without having to spend another $7000 on repairs or the cost of extended warranty coverage.
The engine oil stop leak will not help. This is a very minor leak that hardly anyone can see and you have to know where to look. It is not a reason to get rid of a car and if you got a Toyota with the V6 it will have the same issue! You could never fix this problem and drive the car for 15 years. Just check your oil every other time or so that you get gas. If you see some on the engine, wipe it up. And monitor for drips on your garage floor or driveway.
I, like many others had this issue at 35k miles. Repair cost would have been $3,500 but it was under warranty. Now at 74k miles another oil leak that requires the engine to be pulled for a cost of $3,900. Why is this such a widespread issue on what should be a high quality car? I had 2 4Runners & 2 Tahoes that all went over 150K miles without issues like this.
I have liked the car but won't be getting another Lexus because of these issues. I feel I had paid enough for the vehicle without having to spend another $7000 on repairs or the cost of extended warranty coverage.
Same here. My 2012 has been in the shop several times including replacing the cover gasket just last year (all under warranty). I've lived with oil spots under the car since I bought it. Sure, nothing serious enough to cause a breakdown but annoying for sure. Have a Ford F150 about the same age siting next to it and still not a single drip. This may be my last Lexus just because I expected more from a high end vehicle. .
Here is an explanation of the timing cover oil leak problem from an independent Toyota/Lexus shop in Minnesota. They claim the leak issue has been around since 2007 and was largely resolved by 2010. Surprised to see it in a 2015, but there are always a few with issues when they are making hundreds of thousands of these engines.
"2007-2009 Toyota and Lexus models sold with the 2GR-FE V6" Nope, obviously the 2010-2015 engines as well. "designed to withstand the heat and vibration of a modern engine" while still under warranty and now that these vehicles are mostly out of warranty the problem continues.
Bought a 2012 RX450h with 83K miles & aftermarket warranty (4yr/48K mi from purchase date) in April 2019 from a Subaru dealership. 1 owner who did mostly Lexus dealer service on schedule. Took to Toyota dealer for my first oil change at 88K mi (even though it's every 10K for synthetic, wanted to be safe). Was told there was a small oil leak from VVTI banjo gasket. Took to Lexus dealership and was told they noticed leak, but it wasn't bad enough to fix yet. Took back to Lexus dealer at 93K miles for 90K service and asked them to check leak. Was told it was an oil leak from timing cover area ("normal wear & tear") that needed to be fixed. Took 3 days and cost about $3,000 ("remove & reseal timing cover") but luckily I only had to pay the $100 deductible.
2014 RX350 with 56k
just bought it from an acura dealer, back in december and had my first oil change. the multi point inspection was all green. only deficiency was low wiper fluid. no leaks. i did opt for the 3 yr / 36,000 mile MPP platinum warranty. after reading this thread, i will be glad that i did, if i ever get that leak. i traded my mini cooper for this and that was a money pit. i hope to avoid that with the lexus for the first 3 years at least.
2014 RX350 with 56k
just bought it from an acura dealer, back in december and had my first oil change. the multi point inspection was all green. only deficiency was low wiper fluid. no leaks. i did opt for the 3 yr / 36,000 mile MPP platinum warranty. after reading this thread, i will be glad that i did, if i ever get that leak. i traded my mini cooper for this and that was a money pit. i hope to avoid that with the lexus for the first 3 years at least.
Totally 2 different vehicles as you found.....The Mini is like a go-kart & the rrx doesn't like to be hustled around corners.....I myself knew that going in also.....
There are 4 bolts on the timing cover. I got under the car and checked each bolt by tightening them and 3 were immovable. But one I could tighten about a half turn.
It might be worth getting under there and checking. Then, spray it with some Simple Green, hose it off after it sits for a bit, and its shiny clean. I'm hoping I don't see anymore seeping oil.
08-22-18, 09:06 PM
2012 RX350 FRONT TIMING COVER LEAK at 70k miles
Shouldn't Be A Common Issue But IS
Lexus high end leaker
