Transfer Case Problems of Lexus RX

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.

See all problems of the 2010 Lexus RX 🔎.

Parked the car at a parking lot for 5 minutes, came back and the car won't go in reverse, checked fluid level, it was fine. . Car would go forward, but not backwards. . Tried pushing the car while in neutral so I can drive home, all 4 wheels were locked, I thought I don't have enough strength to push so I had 2 more people push with me, but the car won't budge. Even tried pushing the car while running and in neutral as well as not running and in neutral and all other gear selections, but to no avail. Even the tow truck guy had to use soapy water to slide the car up the flat bed. Vehicle has only 68000 miles approximately.

See all problems of the 2001 Lexus RX 🔎.

Even though having all major service performed by the Lexus dealer, plus having the transmission fluid and filter changed twice, the transmission failed and needs replacing at a high cost. I am aware of hundreds of others who have had similar problems with the Rx300 there is only 69,930 miles on this Lexus and has been very well maintained this is my first and last Lexus/Toyota as Lexus/Toyota don't take care of there customers they no of this very big problem and they do nothing I don't see why there is not a class action lawsuit like the motor sludge / oil gel class action settlement I will stick to american made cars not only does it cost less to repair them they last longer then 69,000 miles like this Lexus piece of !@#$% I now have to pay $6200. 00 to fix and the extended warranty I bought at the time if sale of the Lexus don't cover crap.

See all problems of the 1999 Lexus RX 🔎.