not impressed

And I'm out…the catalytic converter was cut out last week and I had already decided to get it appraised. that took the appraised value from $4k to $2k. Looking at an $800 valve cover gasket replacement and tires plus a new cat? No thanks. As for the issues,the hybrid system doesn't work reliably (or Lexus's own info screen is dodgy), the battery never gets fully charged, the gas mileage is not what it should be. The dealer wanted to throw parts/money at it…I replaced the ECU and the hybrid relay. There is a hybrid battery control unit I didn't see on the diagnostic and that they didn't call out at first. That was probably where to start. The ODB scanner software might be an issue but it seems like it shouldn't brick the car. there is definitely something up with the comms between components but it's no longer my problem. I suspect it was tampered with when the radar detector was hard wired in or something else over the years. The ODB port fuse was blown when I got it so that tells me something was done somewhere. So the poisoned chalice can pass to someone else.

Just dropped in to say that I am no longer a Lexus owner as a result of this happening to me. Mine was cut off last week and I had already planned to sell it. Between arranging an appraisal at the dealer and going to it, the cat was removed and the appraised value dropped from USD4000 to USD2000. After USD3000 in repairs that didn't resolve the issues, I decided to walk away.

I think that's the course I am on. Disappointing for sure. It drives well and now that I have replaced the aux battery, it starts reliably…unless I do an ODB scan. The fact a simple dis/reconnect of the battery should be a clue as to where the problem is. I keep hoping there is something that's been overlooked, some component that will resolve all this. But without a motivated dealer, there's not much I can do. They charged me USD1600 to dry it out and do their weak diagnosis so I won't be seeing them again. Toyota dealers won't touch it though it's essentially a Highlander underneath. Time to take some pictures and clean it up, I guess.

I have 2006 RX400h that was my father's car. So far, it's been a real disappointment. There is something wrong with the wiring/data connections that doesn't allow the hybrid system to work properly. The battery in the info display is only green some of the time, purple the rest, and the aux battery status is gray. Scanning it with a ODB scanner will brick the car. The VSC/AWD/Hybrid system will all flash errors and the power steering will also be inoperable. Dis/reconnecting the aux battery will restore it. The local dealer recommended replacing the ECU and hybrid relay under the rear seat and those were done by my independent shop (no way I was paying dealer rates). No change so their diagnostic was useless. They were only willing to throw parts (and money) at it vs looking at any diags from their better scanner. I assume their scanner would allow them to see why my simple ODB scanner would brick the car. There was water intrusion from blocked sunroof vents, that has now been cleared and the interior dried out. My mechanic didn't see water during his work. The only mod I know of is a radar detector that seems to be wired in behind the dash: the wire is routed behind an interior trim panel but I have no idea where it was cut into the harness or fuse panel. The ODB fuse was blown when I got the car which tells me how much previous mechanics used that diagnostic tool. I think I am giving up on this thing. For a "free" car it is turning out be the most expensive and least reliable I have owned in my life. Anyone else seen any of this?

Has no one filed a complaint with regulators on this? In the USA it would be the NHTSA. I just filed one myself. I took over a 2006 RX400h from my late father and it is presenting all of these error. The CSR at the dealer told me what the problem likely was so it seems like Toyota should have done something about it. Owners shouldn't be on the hook for a multi-1000 dollar/pound repair for poor welds and inadequately protected electronics.