Engine Noise Problems of Lexus RX

On June 3rd, 2020 I got my 2008 Lexus Rx 350 serviced for 115,000 mile service at johnson Lexus of raleigh. I have had my car serviced religiously at the same dealer since I bought it brand new in 2008. It cost about $250, on June 13th I noticed large amount of engine oil under the car. The car had not been driven more than 50 miles after service. The engine had a strange sound. I checked the oil level in the engine and there was no oil at all. There were no warning lights on the dash. I had the car towed to the dealer at my own expense. The service advisor at the Lexus dealer informed me that the "engine oil cooler pipe" had burst and it would cost around $500 for repairs. He emphasized that the defect was not related to the service. On further research on the internet, I found the "sb-10056509-3341" service bulletin which acknowledged the defect in the part and provided enhanced warranty. Unfortunately it did not apply to me since the car had been purchased more than 10 years ago even though it was well within the 150,000 mile limit. If the oil had leaked on the highway, the vehicle would have stalled on the highway risking a serious accident.

See all problems of the 2008 Lexus RX 🔎.

Following a routine oil change at my Lexus dealer, the car exhibited an oil leakage while driving on the highway. The car's engine began smoking, a burning smell was noticeable, and the rear windshield was covered in oil. The view through the rearview windshield was not visible. The car engine made some strange noises and it was difficult to drive the vehicle. Residual engine damage is possible, and an accident was luckily avoided. The dealer claimed that there was a recall on the vehicle for this problem, and that they would extend the warranty of the vehicle and replace the oil cooler. Some research online yielded some conflicting information. Many different customers have experience this problem, but no recall was ever issued. T. S. B. Pol-14-02 (NHTSA number 10056509) was issued in July 2014 to fix this dangerous defect that puts drivers at risk, when a recall may have been warranted. We were never notified by Lexus or the dealer that this was a potential issue. Thousands of Toyota and Lexus owners may have faced or will face a similar risk in the near future.