2003 SC 430, 42k miles. Trunk won't open at times. "Repaired" once. Now won't open again. I can hear a clicking sound at the lock in the trunk. Neither key will make it open. Nor does inside switch open it. Usually after a while it will open but not tonight. I hate to say it, but with probs I have had with this car, Lexus is piece of sh.t. I have had the car in for service of non maintenance items about 20 times. From trunk not opening, battery totally drained twice (car towed) rattling noises, top not going up down, etc.

So any comments on trunk issue appreciated.

tim in Houston

 

I'm just curious, does the car have a previous owner?

 

Tim, do you have another Lexus dealer around you? You might want to go somewhere else to see if you can get better service. This doesn't sound anything like the typical Lexus service others have experienced.

 

I concur, the trunk/top area is not known to be an issue unless the car has been in a serious accident. Original owner? What did they fix the first time in the trunk?

 

Original owner from day one. Was hit in rear once but only dinged bumper. But that was after my first instance of trunk not opening. Am on my second dealer now. I have also had noise coming from the roof hinge near the drivers ear, I am tall so the seat is all the way back. I guesstimate it was in the shop over six times before it was fixed. Often times things don't manifest themselves to someone that doesn't drive the car every day, but trust, of the 42k almost 41 are mine.

 

thats crazy man, i've never seen anyone with so many problems with their car. i bought mine used and its flawless, except for me popping the speakers every other month. what dealership are you using in houston, sterling mccall or northside, or westside?

 

I wanted to wait till the others have chimed in.
Now, here's my thoughts.

They replaced the trunk, but did they also replace the trunk struts?
My '03 trunk didn't open fully due to the failed struts. I got them replaced under warrantly. Issue fixed.

I also sometimes here those sounds from the driver's side roof hinge as well.
Very minor. I think it's probably due to the wear and tear of the convertible going up and down constantly and latching itself back down again to become a full hard top. It's sounds on my car a squeek here and there from the hinges and I sometimes hear it on my left ear and turn my side to find out exactly where the hell it is. But never knew where it was so I got used to it and kind of ignored it. I think it's stopped momentarily somehow.

Anyway, I hope you get your issues resolved soon. good luck. teeman3

 

I bought from Sterling McCall and then took it to Northside after SM could not fix my problems. They claim there was a short and it finally was noticed on a manufacturer bulletin. I will be out of warranty in about 8k miles and 4 months. This car is too expensive to keep maintenance like that on it.

 

Since you're having so many problems with your particular car, and your warranty is almost expired, I would look into the extended warranty. I was able to negotiate Sterling McCall down to $1700 for the 7year 100K mile option. They also threw in DVD update disc and an extra valet key. I've had 2 popped speakers totaling $500 in work so far. SM has always done my work, but I have yet to have any major problems. Keep us posted!