Table 1 shows three common suspension related problems of the 2003 Lexus SC430.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension problems | |
| Automatic Stability Control (asc) problems | |
| Clunking Noise problems |
I am formally filing a complaint against a veh 2003 Lexus Sc430. I have reason to believe that this veh has caused an accident dated April 3, 2010 at about 2am. After the collision, I noticed that the left tire was out at the left bottom area of the car. I was turning on a parking lot (180 degs) traveling about 25-30 mph, the wheel locked and the brakes were not functioning. It accelerated into parked vehicles in front and the airbags deployed. After the accident, I took pics of the vehicle at an impound and I noticed that the left wheel steering arm and lower suspension was cut off from its stem. The knuckle steering was pulled off from the tie rod. The lf wheel was still attached to the wheel shroud and brakes and the lug nuts were intact but it was out under the vehicle. Impact was at the right ft and right fender but the left wheel was cut off at the stem of the suspension arm and steering arm. I looked at the scene of the accident, I noticed excavated markings before the impact proving that metal was scraping on the asphalt road before the impact. There were signs of brake fluid leakage about 15-20 feet before impact. I have pic and video to prove such claim (such as no signs of dent inside the inner housing of the lft wheel, brackets were intact, suspension were intact, brake shroud were intact, lower suspension and steering arm was cut off at the stem). I called your office on April 9 no verbally report this complaint, but your office referred me to Lexus. Lexus has been informed at 1-800-255-3987 (option 4 complaint # peter reonisto) and they have agreed to bring the car from the impound into their van nuys dealer office. They have promised to do so on April 14, 2010 but have not yet acted on this complained. I referred this incident with safety research and strategies together with pic and they have advised that NHTSA should be primary in the investigation. I feel that there is valid investigation done [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
When driving on uneven pavement steering wheel jerks hard to the left and right when braking, occasionally changing to another lane. The dealer was contacted.
The car failed to start six times in the first five months. It seems they have found the cause of that problem. However, the car continues to make clunking noise whenever it goes over a bump. Lexus tells me that is normal. I say it sounds like a 1973 Dodge I owned 30 years ago. The car also pulls to the right at low speeds. Again I'm told this is normal and is a result of the run flat tires. If so, they should use other tires. Parking brake light continues to come on intermittently. I have requested that this car be replaced repeatedly. Lexus has refused.