Transmission Issues
It's fair to say that certain Lexus models have a transmission problem. Both the RX and GX are no strangers to shuddering acceleration or hesitation while changing gears. It's frustrating — and that's putting it mildly! Worn components and fluid degradation are a couple of the potential causes. Software glitches can't be discounted, either. Whatever the answer, though, it needs to be checked over.
Dashboard Issues
For such expensive cars, you'd hope that Lexus' dashboards were built to last. But the evidence suggests otherwise! Yep, dashboard deterioration is a real problem here. The material's known to get sticky and melt in warmer temperatures. Meanwhile, other reports note that it's prone to cracking as well. Oh boy. Makes for painful reading, wouldn't you agree? And the same can be said of our next entry, too.
Oil Leaks
We won't beat around the bush here — older Lexus models are known to suffer with oil leaks, especially those rocking a V6 engine. It usually happens near the valve cover gasket, and it'll get worse if you leave it. So should any oil spots appear under the car, don't delay in taking it to a repair shop. You won't regret it.
Premature Suspension Wear
Are Lexus' suspension systems comfortable? Without a doubt. But do they last? That's up for debate! Some models, such as the RX 350, suffer from premature wear, making drives a lot less stable. The bushings and control arms are two of the big problem areas here. If it isn't fixed, the car can get severly damaged before long. Yikes.
The Check Engine Light
If you've just bought a Lexus, you might become very familiar with the check engine light pretty soon. How come? Well, some owners have noted that the light frequently flashes on during their journeys. Now, this thing can indicate a whole host of problems, ranging from the small to the serious. Ignoring it is an extremely bad idea, regardless of its frequency.
The Brakes
It'd be wrong to say that Lexus cars have bad brakes. But they're not perfect, folks. Both the pads and the rotors are known to suffer from premature wear in certain models, due to stop-start driving. That isn't ideal if you live in an area with heavy traffic! It's also pretty pricey to replace those components on a regular basis.
Malfunctioning Touchscreens
Touchscreen displays can really add to a car's interior nowadays. They're awesome when they work. But if they don't? Oh man. Plenty of Lexus owners have found themselves in that position, reporting issues with their touchscreen setup. The problems usually include frozen screens, annoying glitches, and outright failure. To make matters worse, this tech isn't cheap to replace, either. Ouch.
Air Conditioning Problems
If you own an older Lexus model, take note. This issue could affect you soon enough! Yep, some motorists have reported that their car's air conditioning systems are prone to problems. We're talking weird sounds, weak airflow — stuff like that. Now in most cases, the trouble can be put down to faulty compressors, clogged air filters, or refrigerant leaks. But it'll cost you.
Water Leaks
How's this for a shocking problem? One of the more frequent complaints that Lexus owners have about their vehicles centers on the sunroof. Due to unexpected wear and tear, it can start to leak in bad weather, with water seeping into the cabin. Holy cow! If the issue isn't addressed, it could lead to even bigger headaches down the line. Interior mold? No thanks.
The Power Steering System
On the performance front, Lexus' power steering system is far from flawed. But it can cause issues before long. Plenty of owners have flagged up damaging leaks within their systems. So how does that happen? Well, when components get worn down and begin to loosen, it can create cracks in the hoses. Good luck fixing that without breaking the bank.
Sensor Problems
Are sensor problems a frequent occurance in Lexus vehicles? It seems that way! A lot of owners have complained about this, folks. To give you an example, the O2 sensors in the IS 250 model constantly fail. And that's bad news for the engine. It can't run efficiently without them. And the smell it generates isn't too pleasant, either. Rotten eggs anyone?
Battery Issues
Are Lexus cars immune to battery problems over time? Nope! They can easily go wrong if you're not careful. The terminals need to be cleaned and tightened on a regular basis. That isn't always enough, though. When a battery starts to fail, the vehicle's lights and engine will tell you as much. You can't really ignore it.
Fuel Pump Failure
Do we have any fans of the Lexus LX in the house? We thought so. It's a very nice vehicle! Mind you, owning one can be a challenge. Fuel pump failure is one of its most common problems. Yikes. When that happens, the engine's in danger of suddenly stalling on the road. And the issues don't end there...
Malfunctioning Seats
Who doesn't love heated seats? They're perfect during the colder months. Yet for owners of the Lexus LX, this feature doesn't always work. Certain cars are stuck with faulty seat controllers. To get it running again, the troublesome components usually need to be swapped out at a repair shop. It's an annoying process, but it's worth it!
The Starter
Malfunctioning starters are no joke, guys. If you can't start the engine, you're not going anywhere! Unfortunately for Lexus, this is a big issue with some of its models. Owners are either met with no response at all when the key enters the ignition or they're greeted by a horrible grinding noise. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
The Power Window Motor
Here's another worrying issue that Lexus owners sometimes face. Yep, it's surprisingly common for certain models to experience power window motor failure. As you can probably glean, it stops the windows from opening or closing. How do you fix that, then? Well, you can go down the DIY route and lubricate the window tracks at home. If that doesn't work, though, you might need a new motor.
The Wiring
While the RX 350 might tick a lot of boxes, it's not without its problems. One of the more notable issues is the car's wiring. To say that it leaves a lot to be desired feels like an understatement! The headlights, airbags, radio, and other features often suffer as a result. What a bummer.
Rust
When it comes to build quality, few brands can touch Lexus. But could things improve even more? We'd say so. Owners of certain models have reported that the rust-proofing isn't that strong, which is a major concern during winter. Once the roads start to get salted, the cars are at real risk of corrosion.
The Alloy Wheels
Are the alloy wheels a highlight of the Lexus IS model? Probably not — they're closer to a lowlight! The wheels are susceptible to cracks on rougher roads, leading to even more problems. Air leaks? A loss of tire pressure? Uncomfortable vibrations? Ugh. It's beyond frustrating.
