Geoff88

Hello @rangebyte, can I ask if the trim noise on your RX450h has not returned since the fix by Lexus Liverpool in 2021? I recently experienced a rattle noise behind the steering wheel. The dealership is currently investigating and told me that it seemed the trim surrounding the dash insert causing the noise. Thanks, Geoff

My Lexus RX450h F-Sport (7500milage) recently developed rattle noises when driving over roads with uneven or rough surface, and it feels coming from the steering wheel. I also feel a tiny vibration of the steering wheel when the rattle noise occurs. I checked tyre pressures and they are all at 2.3 Bar. The noise has become more frequent and noticeable in the last couple of weeks. It has become annoying. Does any RX450h owner or other Lexus car owner has experienced the same issue? Can anyone advise what could be the causes for this rattle noise? Many thanks.

Hi @rayaans, please see the below table summarising my own investigation as to the prevalence of similar creases on the driver seat leather in Lexus RX450H F-Sport vehicles registered over the last three years (2018-2021). I looked at pre-owned Lexus cars on sale on Lexus UK’s own website. 0 – 3000 miles 3000 – 6000 miles > 6000 miles Total number of Lexus RX450H F-Sport identified 6 7 26 Number of cars with creases on driver seats 0 3 18 Number of cars without creases on driver seats 6 4 8 % of RX450H F-Sport without creases 100% 57% 31% The above result clearly shows that a young Lexus RX450H with F-Sport leather seat like mine shouldn’t be getting those creases under 3000 miles. I understand that any leather products would eventually develop wrinkles and creases with age and usage. I can see from my own investigation that with time Lexus RX450H F-Sport seat leather can develop creases. However, with proper use, care and maintenance some RX450H F-Sport have remained crease free within the first three years since registration. My previous Honda CR-V had no creases on the driver seat leather after 10 years ownership. Therefore, I believe that I have been denied a chance to have/maintain a crease-free seat from the outset due to either the inferior quality leather used in my Lexus’ driver seat or an issue with the underlayment foam being inadequate or a combination of both. Would you be happy with your Lexus seat leather developing creases at 2000 mileage?

Hi everyone, just an update: I have taken the seat leather crease issue up with the dealership. They took photos and and told me that they had to submit to Lexus UK for warranty claim for a new seat cover. Yesterday, the dealership told me that Lexus UK rejected the warranty claim citing the reason for those creases is because movement on the seat rather than a manufacturing fault. I am very disappointed with Lexus UK's decision on this. I also find their reject reason laughable, as I don’t move my whole left leg on the seat while driving, including on the mid-left area where the creases formed. This is because my Lexus is an automatic car, and I only need to use/move my right leg/foot for the break and accelerator pedals. Over the last weekend, I have undertaken my own investigation as to the prevalence of similar creases on the driver seat leather in Lexus RX450H F-Sport vehicles registered over the last three years (2018-2021). I looked at pre-owned Lexus cars on sale on Lexus UK’s own website. Of the 6 Lexus RX450H F-Sport vehicles identified (from 100 to 3000 mileage), none of them have creases on their driver's seat leathers. In my case, I started to observe the development of those creases around the end of 3rd month of ownership and less than 2000 mileage. Can anyone advise what else I could do to make my complaint heard? Many thanks.

@NemesisUK Hi Peter, many thanks for your kind reply and advice. I think that my RX would have the Tahara vinyl (fake leather), as stated by Lexus in the following link: https://mag.lexus.co.uk/18-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-lexus-rx/

I have my RX450H F Sport 2021 for 4.5 months. Around 3rd month, I noticed a sudden development of two straight and sharp inward folds formed on the mid-left area of the driver’s seat leather. It seems another 3 shallower creases are in the development nearby. I don’t use my Lexus often (less than 2500 miles) and most journeys are short ones. I am a slim person with 69kg weight. I haven’t used the heat/ventilation functions on the seat. I never had any sharp objects in my pockets while driving. Therefore, I can’t think of any possible reasons to justify these as normal wear and tear. I read from Lexus website that RX F Sport has a front seat constructed using an integrated foaming method. This is where liquid foam is injected into the upholstery and allowed to set - the benefit is to improved support and comfort, as well as an increase in the leather’s resistance to wear by cracking. Lexus states that Tahara leather is used in their F Sport models as an alternative to leather. I just wonder if any other new Lexus owners here, who have F Sport seats, got similar issues with the leather as mine? Or if you are an expert with Lexus, can you advise what to do with this issue?

@ColinBarber many thanks for your advice. Just an update - I have visited the dealership this Wednesday. They have tested an RX450h demonstrator and also an RX450h with a 18-reg plate: both did not emit the clunk sound when switching between outside air and recirculation buttons when driving, and also did not emit noticeable clunk sound when directly pressing outside air and recirculation buttons when stationary. So this proves that the clunk noise I have with these buttons is abnormal. Currently, I am waiting to hear from them about if Lexus warranty would accept this under warranty repair. Fingers crossed.

My RX450H 2021 (bought in July) has the same issue of front wipers (driver side) making a loud slapping sound at the end of its upstroke. The dealership changed the wipers in August, but the issue remains, which is very annoying.

@steve2006 Hi Steve, many thanks for merging the two posts. No, I have not replaced AC filter since I bought my RX in July. I noticed the soft clunk sound more often when another Auto button (next to the fan button) was also selected and when approaching traffic lights breaking to a stop. If I only use the auto button between recirculation/outside air buttons, then less often.

Hello, I am a new member and I have a 4-month old RX450h, which has three buttons: recirculation, auto, and outside air in a row together on the climate panel. I always selected the auto. In the last week, I often heard a soft yet noticeable clunk sound when the green light switching between outside air and recirculation buttons; this was also the case when I press the recirculation button directly. I can't recall that I have heard this clunk sound during the 4-month period. Can anyone advise if this sound is normal or some issues emerging? Many thanks.

Hi Don, thanks for the advice. It was a typo in my text - it should be RX as you pointed. I am a new member, so thanks for pointing out that I posted in the wrong group.

Hi All, I have a 4-month old LX450h, which has three buttons: recirculation, auto, and outside air in a row together on the climate panel. I always selected the auto. In the last week, I often heard a soft yet noticeable clunk sound when the green light switching between outside air and recirculation buttons; this was also the case when I press the recirculation button directly. I can't recall that I have heard this clunk sound during the 4-month period. Can anyone advise if this sound is normal or some issues emerging? Many thanks.