Table 1 shows three common power train related problems of the 2010 Lexus RX.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Transfer Case problems | |
| Driveshaft problems | |
| Power Train problems |
The Rx450h is downright dangerous. The 4 wheel drive does not switch "on demand" as the advertising says. I live in snowy massachusetts and do not need permanent 4 wheel drive, but it is essential when the roads are full of snow or ice. I was puzzled at first that the 4 wheel drive only actuated under 25 mph. I tested it on sharp corners in the snow: the back slid out; and on faster, gradual corners: the car side slipped. Never did the 4 wheel drive switch on and correct the slide. I looked in the manual for the method to manually activate 4 wheel drive but couldn't find it. I contacted Lexus. They said that I should use the snow switch. This is a menu item which annoyingly must be switched on every time you drive. It didn't work as it only changes the gear and acceleration characteristics like any other winter/summer switch. They also said that it should work at high speeds when more power is needed. I tried that and found that at 60 mph if I absolutely floored the accelerator on a steep hill the 4 wheel drive would switch on briefly. That's hybrid technology being used to reduce consumption?! I went back to my dealer: what was I doing wrong? after two months of phone tag with the dealer and Lexus, the dealer promised to pick up the car and test it. After a week of telephone calls they said there was no point in testing the car as it was working "as designed". However it wasn't working as advertised which is that the 4 wheel drive will come on "as needed". I'd say that a broad skid in snow is "as needed". Lexus does not intend to do anything about this complaint. They put me onto a "business development" specialist who tried to upsell me on a non-hybrid 4x4 which he said had "a non slip differential" and would therefore have better handling. I consider it very dangerous that a driver thinks they will have control because of Lexus advertising and salesman claims but will likely loose control in snow or ice and cause a serious accident.
Roaring noise appeared in 2020 upon acceleration of the vehicle from the rear differential that became louder overtime which would not be mentioned in the multiple inspection reports even when pointed to the service representatives ;instead one of them verbally demanded $750 for the diagnostics and $5000 for the repairs! the other gave an invoice estimate of $2000 for the part and $800 for the labor on 04feb2021 as attached. Toyota has issues a technical bulletin t-sb-0080-13 rev 1 dated June 14, 2013 titled "rear differential coupling growl noise" available online, indicating the company is aware of the problem in the powertrain's electro magnetic coupling (that connects to the drive shaft and sits in front of rear differential) Lexus part # 41303-48010 which is also used in 2006-09 rav 4 a with different Toyota part number. While this electro magnet coupling is listed in their bulletin as used in rav4 2006-12 4wd, it did cause an identical growling noise in my 2010 Lexus Rx 350 awd which was notified to Lexus corporate hq via an online complaint on 08feb21, whose corporate representative called same day to resolve it without resolution to date despite a firm promise of call back with resolution plan on 12feb21! Lexus parts department in both local dealerships, when specifically asked to pin point parts required to repair the coupling, declined to provide any information!when asked to sell parts # 90363-95003 & 90363-65004 they declined and said "coupling" & its "parts/bearings" are 'out of stock' in the united states and recommended me instead to sell my functional and maintained vehicle as soon as possible! bearing failure during driving may potentially result in fatal accidents and put life and safety of vehicle occupants and o! manufacturers should alert customers about any such defects in the design of such parts and propose resolution in a timely fashion.
The hybrid transmission failed at 146k and the light went on. When we took it to the dealership, they said that there was metal bits. The owner of the vehicle when into the dealership asking the dealership to set tire pressures and inspect floor mats for proper installation, they performed an inspection and inflated the tires. The owner went in and stated that the check hybrid system warning light is on. Oil pump range/performance. Note: no road test performed. Possible additional work needed. Transmission oil pump inoperable due to metal in fluid shorting the pump. The dealership took a fluid sample. They had found lots of metal particles present in the fluid. They recommend replacing the transmission, oil pump, cooler, cooler hoses, and clamps, flush the metal lines.