Frozen door handle
Racer
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 906
From: TX
Until then I will continue using my fancy "Lexus stick" to open the drives door. Its actually just a piece of wood that I now leave in the passengers side so I can reach the inside door handle without having to lay across the car. Its quite the luxury accessory for my new Lexus. lol
2nd gear
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Door handle
My 2023 RX350h is experiencing the problem of the driver’s door not opening when the temperature goes below zero. The rubber cover will not depress even though the car is unlocked. I park in a garage so it is not likely an issue of ice freezing the door shut. I have to go in the passenger door and open the driver’s door from the inside. I spoke to the dealer today and was told that they have over 100 similar complaints on the 2023 RX and have let Lexus know of the issue. The dealer suggested rubbing the rubber portion of the handle for 15 seconds or more to “unfreeze it”. That and using two hands to depress the rubber switch worked when I left the dealer’s lot. NOT IMPRESSED! For a vehicle built in Canada, where freezing temperatures are normal for months at a time, the replacement of a tried and true lever action door handle with a faulty electronic one is a poor engineering move.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 202
Likes: 156
From: Alaska
I am having access issues as well with my 2023 RX350. Complained to dealer and was told there is a recall notice but parts are back ordered. Knowing how quickly they didn't get the second keys out we should all get are doors open in July. Until then I will continue using my fancy "Lexus stick" to open the drives door. Its actually just a piece of wood that I now leave in the passengers side so I can reach the inside door handle without having to lay across the car. Its quite the luxury accessory for my new Lexus. lol
Racer
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 906
From: TX
I actually like the push to get out from the interior but they should have kept using a conventional mechanical system to open the door from the outside. It still would have met their stated goal of safety leaving the vehicle with a more robust and reliable system.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 6
From: Ontario
if the inside door handle works, the outside handle works too? Not in the case of our 350 2223,
if you can get into the vehicle through one of the other doors, the drivers door handle works just fine(from the inside). On the other doors you can easily feel the switch cover pushing in under your finger. Not on the drivers side, when frozen.
It's sad that Lexus has known about this problem since last winter. Still no solution.
if you can get into the vehicle through one of the other doors, the drivers door handle works just fine(from the inside). On the other doors you can easily feel the switch cover pushing in under your finger. Not on the drivers side, when frozen.
It's sad that Lexus has known about this problem since last winter. Still no solution.
2nd gear
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 6
From: ma
Door handle
Im a Lexus service tech, There are updated exterior door handles for this problem, there’s new part numbers the parts dept can order.
My 2023 RX350h is experiencing the problem of the driver’s door not opening when the temperature goes below zero. The rubber cover will not depress even though the car is unlocked. I park in a garage so it is not likely an issue of ice freezing the door shut. I have to go in the passenger door and open the driver’s door from the inside. I spoke to the dealer today and was told that they have over 100 similar complaints on the 2023 RX and have let Lexus know of the issue. The dealer suggested rubbing the rubber portion of the handle for 15 seconds or more to “unfreeze it”. That and using two hands to depress the rubber switch worked when I left the dealer’s lot. NOT IMPRESSED! For a vehicle built in Canada, where freezing temperatures are normal for months at a time, the replacement of a tried and true lever action door handle with a faulty electronic one is a poor engineering move.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 419
Likes: 55
From: PA
2nd gear
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 6
From: ma
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 124
Likes: 66
From: Seattle
I did notice one thing last week, not sure if applicable in your situation. It was about -3c and engine was off.
-Sat in my car, locked the door.
-Exited the car, drivers side. Decided to open front passenger door, handle did not work.
-Had to lock the car and unlock it with remote. Then handle worked.
-Sat in my car, locked the door.
-Exited the car, drivers side. Decided to open front passenger door, handle did not work.
-Had to lock the car and unlock it with remote. Then handle worked.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 6
From: Ontario
Have the same problem with you and agree with you. The way my dealer handled the problem was infuriating. First they say it has been happening. Then before I signed the with order they said to me I would have to pay $20 for inspection if they found out there were other reasons. My car is a 2023 RX350 bought in May 2023.
Heating the handle does not solve problem, at least not with hand warmers etc.