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LexusRX 400h Hybrid Battery Failure

108 messages,  Last post on Dec 18, 2012 at 12:34 AM

You are in the Lexus RX 400h Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Electrical, SUV

Messages Page 5 of 11

#40 of 108 Lexus RX 400H Inverter by clivefcroft65

Feb 25, 2011 (10:08 am)

Like many others on this site, my inverter has just 'gone' and the vehicle warranty only covers it to 60k and I have 70k on the clock - on a 2006 model...... Quote for the job including VAT and labour £3700..... the last time I had a quote for an auto "part" this expensive, I could drive it away! Just waiting to see if Lexus will "chip-in"..... I will let you all know how I get on!

#41 of 108 2006 RX400h disabled, multiple times! by mrlexuslover

Feb 28, 2011 (4:56 pm)

I am having the same problems as all the above posters. My vehicle multiple times has had this scenario of randomly shutting down and displaying all dummy lights! with the OBD display reading "Check hybrid system", "Check AWD System", "Check Traction Control" with all warning lights on. The vehicle will have electrical power but motor will not crank or turn over. A few times I was able to disconnect negative battery terminal (to make it lose memory) and it worked. Recently it's happened several times in a short period with this past week several times in one week. The first time I brought it into lexus back in 2009 they said I simply "need a new battery". So I bought one and things were ok for about a year until it happened again. It happens when "seasons or temperature spikes suddenly". Very Odd. Lexus service is telling me to file an "insurance claim" just to begin the "diagnosis". They state they found 1/2" of water near the hybrid battery under rear seat with no source yet to be determined..I'm very unhappy! Will post as details unravel themselves!

#42 of 108 Re: Lexus RX 400H Inverter [clivefcroft65] by voiced

Mar 06, 2011 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: clivefcroft65 (Feb 25, 2011 10:08 am)
Youch!
 
Please let me know what Lexus agrees to do to fix this problem. It sounds like a design flaw.
 
My wife and I had decided on purchasing a low-mileage Lexus 400h but after hearing this we definitely will not purchase a 400h.
 
Wonder if the Prius has this same problem? If anyone knows, please advise as that will be our next choice.

#43 of 108 VSC Failures by skycaptain

Mar 06, 2011 (3:49 pm)

Friends, It appears that most of these Hybrid electrical and battery failures are occuring in 2006 RX400's. Later models may have had a fix. Nevertheless, Please report these failures to the NHTSA. Enough compaints and they will force a recall ....
 
Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) click the link
link title
 
  Luke

#44 of 108 Re: Lexus 400h Battery Invertor [kimcanada] by chris400h

Mar 08, 2011 (12:50 pm)

Replying to: kimcanada (Oct 20, 2010 10:21 pm)
My car died the other day...I rolled backwards in drive, down the hill..Had to be towed.. I have a 2006 lexus .Quoated $8,000.00 ..just read that the NHSTA is looking into the Highlander 2006 hybrid inverter failures.. I believe they use the same inverters!!!
http://www.autoobserver.com/2011/02/nhtsa-examines-highlander-hybrid-complaints.- html

#45 of 108 Re: VSC Failures [skycaptain] by chris400h

Mar 08, 2011 (12:51 pm)

Replying to: skycaptain (Mar 06, 2011 3:49 pm)
http://www.autoobserver.com/2011/02/nhtsa-examines-highlander-hybrid-complaints.- html
same inverter?

#46 of 108 Re: Hybrid Battery Failure [beware007] by chris400h

Mar 10, 2011 (3:33 pm)

Replying to: beware007 (Mar 02, 2010 3:17 pm)
What happened ..the rest of the story..

#47 of 108 Lexus 400h Battery Invertor by kimcanada

Mar 13, 2011 (9:56 pm)

Follow up on my replacement current invertor for my 2006 Lexus RX400h. New invertor was installed Sept 2010 at 64000 miles and I now have 71000 miles. Everything has been smooth and love the car. Would buy it again provide the invertor was updated . From what I can see this is a product defect on the 2006 Lexus RX400h and the Highlander hybrids. A plastic part that gets updated - changed to a metal one. The Prius uses a different part.
This is definately a NHTSA recall item if they can get it together and push enough paper to get it done.
So far no other issues with the car and I do drive lots . We will see when the hybrid battery get older if my faith is shaken or wallet stripped bare but hopefully not if they want to keep me loyal Lexus fan.

#48 of 108 Lexus RX400h -2006 by kimcanada

Mar 13, 2011 (10:00 pm)

I did have one issue ? maybe ? The highbeams did not work. I checked fuses ect and nothing. Took it to the dealer and believe it or not after they checked it found both bulbs burned out at the same time so no high beams. Strange I don't think it is a defect but weird they burn out at same time .

#49 of 108 Re: Lexus 400h Battery Invertor [kimcanada] by skycaptain

Mar 14, 2011 (6:16 am)

Replying to: kimcanada (Mar 13, 2011 9:56 pm)
Kim, Interesting side note. I have a 2007 RX400 and was having difficulty with the rear hatch motor stalling and not opening the hatch. I took it in twice for the same complaint. Turned out that my 2007 had the same motor on the rear hatch that had been recalled in the 2006 Hybrid for a defect(goes by part #) .
 
 My service tech said that some of the early build 2007's had the old motor design installed. hey replaced my door motor under warranty. Now , of course, since I realise my 2007 was an early build, I am concerned that I may have a 2006 design inverter. Basically an accident waiting to happen. Is there any way I can find out if this is so?
 
        Luke

Messages Page 5 of 11

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