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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 8 of 11

#71 of 108 Re: Lexus RX 400H Inverter Replaced Free... [jjjbmadden] by mfranzoia

Jun 17, 2011 (7:22 pm)

Replying to: jjjbmadden (Jun 17, 2011 11:57 am)
It' a great feeling isn't it? I can't find all my links that I posted, so I may repost them for others here. I wonder if the moderator pulled them off?
 
Again; for anyone else with this problem Google: Lexus RX 400h inverter, and Toyota Highlander inverter. Armed with that info, call Lexus USA corporate- customer satisfaction. Complain and let them know that there is a class action suit with the Highlander inverter. Read some quotes from the articles, and stick to your guns. Your Mantra, "People need to know about this. This is a huge safety issue." I had 175,000K on my 2006, and they replaced it for free. Everyone should be able to get the same replacement.
 
Good Luck!

#72 of 108 Lexus RX 400h Inverter failure- Lexus will replace it! by mfranzoia

Jun 17, 2011 (7:29 pm)

Lexus replaced the inverter on my 2006 400h, with 175,000 miles on it, for free. (A $10,000 repair) Remember talk only with Lexus corporate (Lexus USA), dealerships can do nothing for you!
 
Lexus 400h inverter failure, First course of action let them know:
 
1) I could have been killed in this vehicle, I bought Lexus for itÕs safety and reliability, I was on the freeway with no warning, and almost got hit by a truck trying to get off the freeway in rush hour, with no power.
2) My 50k car is a 50k paperweight.
3) This is a huge safety issue, and people need to know that, ÒLexus has to let people know this car will fail at anytime, with no warning.Ó ÒWE need to let people know thisÓ (this was my mantra).
4) Keep hammering the safety and reliability issue, and ask if the NTSB knows about this Òsafety issue.Ó Lexus/Toyota does not want another recall on an $8,500 part; this is why they will fix it. This vehicle has had two recalls already.
5) Arm yourself with the information below, goggle ÒHybrid RX400h inverter, or Highlander inverterÓ
6) Each time you talk with Lexus corporate, let them know that they have a problem. Read a few quotes from those articles. ÒYou know they have a lawsuit because of a defective ÒHighlander inverterÓ. You know that the 400h has the same inverter. (ThatÕs a fact)
7) When consumer reports emailed me, like they do each year, to participate on their survey. Now what do I tell them? That I had a 10k repair.
8) I use my vehicle in the outback, Death Valley- Utah-New Mexico; IÕm usually 40 miles or more from civilization. This could be a life-threatening situation in this car. From now on do I travel with a sleeping bag and a weeks worth of water and food at all times?
9) Remind them, this flaw needs to get out there, so people can make an informed decision when they buy this Lexus. ÒPeople need to know this.Ó And of course Lexus knows there are many ways to do this: Set up a web site, a Blog, twitter, you tube, a Face book page, all dedicated to getting the word out. You get the idea. Stay calm, and stay on point. And by the way, Òmost of my friends and family have a Lexus too.Ó
 
Recall Study Finds Flaws at Toyota
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/business/global/24toyota.html
 
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Class Action Lawsuit
http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1074-toyota-high- lander-hybrid-class-action-lawsuit-
Even though Toyota knew it had installed defective inverter assemblies in the Highlander HVÕs first generation of vehicles, it did not recall or otherwise replace or repair the defective assemblies. Instead, the class action lawsuit says, Toyota issued a secret Technical Service Bulletin that advised those servicing the vehicles about the existence of the defective inverter assembly and recommended that they be replaced with an updated assembly Ð but only in response to a ÒcustomerÕs specific complaint.Ó
California Class-Action Claims Toyota Knowingly Sold Defective Highlander Hybrids
http://www.aogllp.com/_blog/Class_Action_Blog/post/California_Class-Action_Claim- s_Toyota_Knowingly_Sold_Defective_Highlander_Hybrids/
A class-action lawsuit that has been filed in California claims that Toyota Motor Corp. sold several models of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicle; even though the company was aware that the vehicles came with defective inverter assemblies that caused the vehicle to suddenly lose all motor power. However, the company failed to recall the vehicles or replace or repair any of the defective assemblies. All that the company did was issue a Technical Service Bulletin that advised technicians about the defective inverter assemblies, and recommended that the electrical inverter assembly be replaced with an updated assembly, but only if the customer complained.
Interestingly to California product liability attorneys, the inverter assemblies that have been used in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid mentioned in the lawsuit are the same ones that were used in the Toyota 2006 Lexus Rx400H hybrid sports utility vehicle.
 
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Class Action Lawsuit Complaint Filed Over Inverter Assembly
http://classactionlawsuitsinthenews.com/class-action-lawsuit-complaints/2006-toy- ota-highlander-hybrid-class-action-lawsuit-complaint-filed-over-inverter-assembl- y/
(A link to the actual suit is at the bottom of the story)
 
This car has no alternator, the inverter takes the place of an alternator! If this part goes, your car will not move until the inverter is replaced.

#73 of 108 Re: Lexus RX 400H Inverter Replaced Free... [jennk1] by mfranzoia

Jun 17, 2011 (8:09 pm)

Replying to: jennk1 (Jun 17, 2011 11:15 am)
I took mine to Putnum Lexus in Redwood City CA, talk to Brian the service manager, they replaced my inverter. He knows the routine. I wonder if Brian will admit he has had experience with this before? Someone from corporate will come out and inspect your car, you have to call corporate first. The dealership can do nothing unless Lexus USA tells them to replace the inverter for free. I live in the Bay area too... Good luck...(I live in San Carlos)... Read my previous posts on how to handle this....Reply to this post if you need more help...You should be fine in the end..

#74 of 108 Re: Lexus RX 400H Inverter Replaced Free... [mfranzoia] by mfranzoia

Jun 17, 2011 (8:41 pm)

Replying to: mfranzoia (Jun 17, 2011 7:22 pm)
My post was pulled:
 
While I understand that you are trying to share information, the Edmunds forums cannot be used to organize legal actions. that includes posting links to sites to connect people to attorneys for class action lawsuits.
 
PF Flyer
Host - Hybrid Vehicles Forums
 
My links are only made for reference to a specific problem that others have had. There is no lawsuit on this vehicle, and that is not my intention. I never mentioned legal action. I have only posted links as a point of reference to a very specific problem that renders an expensive vehicle useless. The manufacturer has a problem with a very expensive part, and they will repair it for free, only if people request it. Edmunds is a good source for people sharing common problems and resolutions. The information on Edmunds has helped me and other's get a $8,500 part replaced by the manufacturer for free. Thank you Edmunds, you helped me Save 10,000 dollars! I am not an Attorney, nor do I recommend legal action. Lexus has stepped up, and I am happy they did.

#75 of 108 Re: Lexus RX 400H Inverter Replaced Free... [richb39] by mfranzoia

Jun 17, 2011 (8:58 pm)

Replying to: richb39 (Jun 12, 2011 2:03 pm)
Read my post,
 
They pulled the info before. Just in case, here's a dumbed down version I hope they won't pull. (there are no links here)
 
Lexus 400h inverter failure, First course of action let them know:
 
1) I could have been killed in this vehicle, I bought Lexus for itÕs safety and reliability, I was on the freeway with no warning, and almost got hit by a truck trying to get off the freeway in rush hour, with no power.
2) My 50k car is a 50k paperweight.
3) This is a huge safety issue, and people need to know that, ÒLexus has to let people know this car will fail at anytime, with no warning.Ó ÒWE need to let people know thisÓ (this was my mantra).
4) Keep hammering the safety and reliability issue, and ask if the NTSB knows about this Òsafety issue.Ó Lexus/Toyota does not want another recall on an $8,500 part; this is why they will fix it. This vehicle has had two recalls already.
5) Arm yourself with the information below, go0gle ÒHybrid RX400h inverter, and Highlander inverterÓ My links to these references have been pulled in the past, you can find them on google try: (ÒRecall Study Finds Flaws at ToyotaÓ; ÒToyota Highlander Hybrid Class Action LawsuitÓ; ÒCalifornia Class-Action Claims Toyota Knowingly Sold Defective Highlander HybridsÓ. (These are not links moderator, only information the others are having the same problems)
6) Each time you talk with Lexus corporate, let them know that they have a problem. Read a few quotes from those articles. ÒYou know they have a lawsuit because of a defective ÒHighlander inverterÓ. You know that the 400h has the same inverter. (ThatÕs a fact)
7) When consumer reports emails me, like they do each year, to participate on their survey. Ask them what do I say, That I had a 10k repair?
8) I use my vehicle in the outback, Death Valley- Utah-New Mexico; IÕm usually 40 miles or more from civilization. This could be a life-threatening situation in this car. From now on do I travel with a sleeping bag and a weeks worth of water and food at all times?
9) Remind them, this flaw needs to get out there, so people can make an informed decision when they buy this Lexus. ÒPeople need to know this.Ó And of course Lexus knows there are many ways to do this: Set up a web site, a Blog, twitter, you tube, a Face book page, all dedicated to getting the word out. You get the idea. Stay calm, and stay on point. And by the way, Òmost of my friends and family have a Lexus too.Ó

#76 of 108 jennk1 by jennk1

Jun 24, 2011 (12:00 pm)

I just picked up my 2006 400h last night from the dealer. They did fix it for free, but would not have done it without my request through corporate Lexus. Although I appreciate not having to pay for this fix, the point is that it should never have happened in the first place. Lexus needs to step up to the plate and initiate a recall before someone gets killed, if that hasn't happened already and they didn't live to tell about it. Fill out the paperwork for the NTSB to save others from this immense inconvenience. A recall is necessary and Toyota needs to "suck it up" and possibly save a life!

#77 of 108 rx 400h inverter problem by voiced

Jun 24, 2011 (7:46 pm)

Glad that Lexus Corporate is taking the right action by replacing an obviously defective $8k part.
 
While this is good news, I'm not sure I want to own a 400h where the cost of replacing the inverter is left up to the whim of Lexus.

#78 of 108 Re: '06 Highlander and Lexus Inverter Problems [maryland_john] by flacamperlady

Jun 29, 2011 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: maryland_john (Jul 13, 2010 6:04 am)
Thanks to your VIN # information I was able to pin point what was wrong with my car while on vacation last month (2006 RX 400-51,000 miles) when the inverter failed. We had the car towed 150 miles to the nearest Lexus dealership (Winter Park Fl) and the dealership covered the entire repair at no charge. They also gave me a loaner car to return home for a couple of days (another 80 miles). Appreciate the info...

#79 of 108 Lexus RX 400h Inverter failure - Did they charge labor for the replacement? by fredhung

Jul 11, 2011 (8:09 am)

My inverter also failed on my 2006 Lexus RX 400h about a year ago. I was not aware of this forum at the time but was lucky enough that I thought to call Lexus Corporate to complain about my $50K paper weight. Lexus Corporate call back within 48 hours and said they would take cover the part but NOT the labor. At the time I was happy that I wouldn’t have to fork over $2K for the repair rather than $12K.
 
I was curious if the rest of you had to pay for labor as well??? Given the recent recall I have every intention to go back to my dealership for a full refund.

#80 of 108 Re: Lexus RX 400h Inverter failure - Did they charge labor for the replacement? [fredhung] by mfranzoia

Jul 11, 2011 (4:09 pm)

Replying to: fredhung (Jul 11, 2011 8:09 am)
I paid zero, no parts or Labor. However, I would have been happy to pay $2K considering the alternative. That was my experience. You can ask corporate if the dealership was supposed to charge for labor when replacing the part. Maybe the dealership was double dipping? It's possible. In the end, 2k is a lot better than 12k.

Messages Page 8 of 11

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