Lexus RX 350 Driving Experiences and Problems

wwest

Personally I wouldn't deflat the tire until I discovered the necessaty. Provided all 4 tires are deflated equally I suspect that only the TPMS would fault. But keep in mind why the Ford Exploder is called that.

juschecking

Many thanks once again. We're rethinking things ....off to look at true SUV's with 4WD.

wwest

"...true SUV's with 4WD..."

I wouldn't NOT consider the RDX, FWD based but closer, a LOT closer, to 4WD functionality than ANY other FWD based SUV. The RXh might be second on that list.

juschecking

Not sure if you will want to respond to this, but we would value your input on those 4WD SUV's that would be worthy of consideration..

wwest

The Jeep is probably on top of some, most, lists, but my choice would be the 4runner. Put the 4runner drive train in teh Venza, keeping the Venza's I4 and that's where i would go.

I owned 2 Jeeps, an '85 and a '92, and for seriously adverse roadbed conitions they could not be beat. If you wanted to test drive the '92 in the back country that could be arranged. MT Missouri breaks area, ~Everson MT.

Once Chrysler acquired Jeep I became disinterested. My '01 F/awd RX300 is not up to par with the Jeep, not nearly so. But I am fully aware of what it is, and what it is NOT.

Should the transaxle in my RX fail within the next 20,000 miles or so, as is apparently highly likely, I will do the rebuild and at the same time convert it to "base" RWD with a '99 or '00 VC, Viscous Clutch to drive the front wheels.

The 4runner is just simply too much vehicle for my taste/needs and the last I checked you had to buy the V8 version in order to get the R/awd option.

juschecking

Thanks for the input! We will check out both Jeep and 4Runner, with a prejudice for the latter. Having rented both for ski vacations, we found that both did the job with the 4Runner quite a bit more comfortable.

We don't want or need a V8. "...you had to buy the V8 version in order to get the R/awd option."

We fly to ski vacations and thus need to rent for snow driving. The only other off-roading we do is in on desolate beaches that can only be accessed by 4WD vehicles. I.e., driving on loose sand with some fairly sizeable ruts caused by other 4WD vehicles. Is a F/awd SUV, like 4Runner, a problem??

wwest

The 4runner is a R/awd vehicle, RWD only mode, AWD, 4WD, and immho a virtually needless 4X4(low gear range) mode. Those 4X4 granny grunt modes were sometimes ideal back on the farm in AR and TN, but absent any need for boulder climbing off-road, needless.

The primary thing that keeps me from even looking at, considering the Porsche Cayenne....TOO HEAVY.

patlaw

Does your deal have a fix yet?

I have the same problem and as of this week, my dealer does not have a fix, nor any idea of when a fix will become available.

solstice4

I just put a down payment on a AWD 350 and have been reading as many consumer reviews as possible. I have seen some posts regarding the front seats being uncomfortable. After my second test drive, I thought I did find them a bit hard. I have an '05 RX and the seats are extremely comfortable. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. have until Friday to back out of the deal. thanks in advance

bv2000

I owned an 07 RX and the seats were great. I find in the 2010 RX that my back tends to get fatigued on long drives. There is something different with the seats and I can't pinpoint it. I sometimes avoid driving the RX and take my wife's car instead. If i had to do it over again, i would not have leased a new RX. The 2007 was a much more comfortable car

solstice4

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately makes my decision on whether to back out even harder, as I do love the car and have a great price on the car and the trade--but won't be worth it if I am not delighted with the new RX!

billdav

I put 16,000 km (10,000 miles) on mine between April & Oct - extended driving vacation and found the seats very comfortable, in most circumstances. I had just moved from GS300 so the seat cooling on the GS actually blew cool air. On the RX it is only circulating air so that took getting used to. Also, I am short legged so did not use the front seat extender, a taller person should enjoy that feature. The thing that did take a while was how close the headrest came to the back of my head - very little space, the angle of the seat back would affect this. If you sat upright it would be close and having it tilted back could give you more room. The hair on the back of your head (if you still have some) would brush the headrest (static electricity) and I would end up reaching behind my head to separate the hair from the headrest. The other difference from the GS is the placement of the armrest on the door - my arm no longer slides off as it did in the GS - much more comfortable.

solstice4

Thank you billdav. Overall are you happy with the car? Would you purchase again now that you have had it for a while?

rparis

What octane gas do you use-ever tried 87?

meditch

Hello All - I did a lot of internet research before purchasing my 2010 Lexus RX350 ln late June, 2009. Only real mileage of 3700 miles wa primarily annual trip to Florida for the winter. Early research indicated quality problems particularly with front bumper assembly and XM Radio. Sure enough, front bumper assembly appears to be slightly separating at junction of bumper and headlight complex. XM Radio has a mind of its own - completely off for a period, then resumes service. XM people shrug it off and say, "see your dealer."
Any thoughts on these issues from anyone?

jp301

My Lexus salesman said that I could use 87 octane in my new 2010 RX350 on a regular basis, and just give it a tank of premium if it every pings. I may just use 89...

notlikingmycar

I have the RX350 and have the same problem. I reset it and then it give me the correct MPG, but the minute I stop the car, it goes back the 35MPG. It's a problem.

notlikingmycar

Is anyone experiencing wind noise in the 2010 RX? I took mine in to have it checked and was told that the seals met all specifications. They didn't even drive the car. I was also told that unless other owners complained of the noise, Lexus would not do anything about it and I would have to live with it. Not the great customer experience I've heard about.

wwest

Roof racks can be a big source of wind noise, mind have been stored in the garage from the beginning, '01 F/awd Rx300. Soaking the door and window seals twice a year with silicon spray can also be a big help. Evenly discharging a full can of rubberized undercoating onto each fender liner also helps to quiet road noise.

Also, my '01 F/awd RX300 runs on nice and quiet, comfortably riding summer use only Bridgestone Turanzas all year around. Tire chains on board in times of need.

jtla

I just bought the 2010 RX350. One thing I am troubled by was the fact that Lexus put the 12V outlet, as well as the iPod/USB connector in the very deep end of the center console. You have to remove two trays in order to access them. In fact, you wouldn't know they were there unless you read the owner's manual. To make matter worse, the armrest cover does not open wide, only to about 60 degree. You cannot even see the outlets (I think there are two). I have to use my hand to "feel" them. What were Lexus designers thinking? :confuse:

My RX350 does not equip with the in-dash navigation. So, the biggest problem, for me at least, is to use a portable GPS on a long trip where connection to a 12V outlet is necessary. When placing the GPS on top of the dash board, the power cord is not long enough to reach the 12V outlet deep down in the center console. Another problem would be for kids in the rear seats to connect their portable DVD players to the power outlets.

I guess this is how Lexus punishes those who cannot, or not willing to, afford the on-board Navigation and/or Entertainment systems. Anyone has a suggestion to this problem?

billdav

Very happy with the car. My wife liked the idea of sitting higher up compared to the GS. Yes, I would get another.

billdav

Did not try 87, used either 91 or 92. I kept track of my mileage, it was average, 19 in city and 24 highway. However, we had more than the normal suitcases. The back end and rear seats were full. I don't expect to get more than 25-26 to US gallon on highway.

wrahn

I called my dealer in Sarasota, FL about the loose bumper and was told Lexus had a fix and I would be contacted when it was ready for installation. I asked if I needed to establish a work order, and was told Lexus has a list of those who bought the 2010 RX and they would contact me. I'll let the forum know what happens.

Wes

omgl777

Hey Wes,

This is the best news I've heard all day. Thanks for the update. I think everyone is eager to get this problem fixed.
Omar

meditch

To Wes & Others - I have contacted Lexus of Orlando re bumper problems on my 2010 RX350 and they agree that a Service Bulletin has been issued and they have the clips/parts to correct the issue.

They will come from Orlando and pick up my car in Lake Wales (60 miles), leave me a loaner, and return car same or folloowing day. All in warranty. Good service!

Boris

solstice4

Just picked up my '10 350 today and I noticed that I do not have the automatic air recirculation mode--this is supposed to come with the Nav package. Does anyone else have this option? thanks in advance.

meditch

To Solstice4 - My 2010 Lexus RX350 has the premium package Nav System and has the auto air circulation system included.

Boris

jacks2

My 2010 w/nav has it also.

evinrude

I'm taking delivery of my '10 350 soon. What exactly is the auto a/c recirc mode and how will I know if I have it or not? I ordered NAV also.

solstice4

you will know if you have it if one of the two icons for recirculation says 'Auto'--witht the non-recirulation version you will have two icons with the standard two icons that show an outline of a car with a little arrow in each--now I'm concerned as to why mine did not show up with this feature--the car was ordered when I bought it, so it wasn't sitting on the lot. Just so everyone is aware, this feature is the automatic smog sensing feature, which will change to recirculation mode when you are in a garage, tunnel, behind a bus etc.
Anybody have any suggestions on what I should do? Obviously this is a component of the vehicle so I can't see the dealer installing it after market...I wonder if Lexus decided to put this in the Luxury pkg recently (which you can't seem to get here in New England)

pec1970

I find the front seat cushions to be too short and too narrow for me. The side bolsters are firm and I get sore if I drive it more than an hour or so. I bought a chair pad that matches the interior color and when I am on a trip I sit on it...big help. I should mention that I am 6'3" and I think the seat cushions were designed for a shorter person.

pec1970

I bought a gizmo that fits in the cup holder and has has 2 inputs. So I can plug in my GPS and Radar detector without fumbling around in that dark deep console. I think Lexus should have at least included a light in there so you could see the ports.

By the way my 2010 has been perfect...no problems with the front bumper, no wind noises etc. I just wish the front seats were more comfortable and the outlets were not so hard to reach. Overall it's been totally trouble free.

evinrude

Do me a huge favor please. Send me the specifics on where to buy the chair pad you describe. I'm picking up the car in a couple weeks and I'm real concerned about what I'm hearing about the seats. My email is bruce.litzkow@gmail.com

solstice4

I originally posted a concern with the comfort of the front seats right before I bought my RX. I've now had the car for about 3 weeks and driven it about 400 miles. I've taken 3 100 mile trips, with the rest being city driving. I have to say, that they are not nearly as uncomfortable as I feared. I think a lot of what I had read made me hyper-concerned, as my 05 had super comfortable seats. I have had no issues with seat comfort whatsoever, so I am quite relieved. I will say that the quality of the leather is a tad inferior than older models though. I really wish I had the option to get the semi-aniline leather, but then again, not sure it would be worth the premium for the luxury package. Just thought I'd post my own experience now that I've had a chance to drive the car for a while. hope this helps...

maximafan

Could you give me the exact name of the gizmo that you bought for your 2010 RX? I think that may come in handy for me in the future if I purchase the new RX. My '07 RX has two power outlets in the front. Is there only one on the new RX? If that's the case, I'm not going to be a very happy camper, because like you, I sat in a 2010 at the auto show, and, boy, you have to dig deep to get to that power outlet that's inside the console. What in the world was Lexus thinking by designing it this way???

Also, as far as the seats go in the new RX, I have to say out of all the vehicles I sat in at the auto show, the 2010 RX had the plushest, most comfy seats of them all. Of course, it was a hybrid model, so I don't know if maybe the hybrids are getting a softer leather than the gasoline model.

pec1970

It is called " Twin USB and 12V Cupholder Adapter" and I got it from AutoSportCatalog.com. I have it in the cupholder closest to me and plugged into the outlet inside the console. It cost $19.95.

maximafan

Thanks, Pec1970. I will definitely keep the adapter in mind if I end up getting the 2010 RX when my lease is up.

wrahn

Here's the web address link: http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=5567&cid=46

Wes

jtla

Thanks, Wes. I was about to do the same.

And thanks to pec1970 for suggesting this product. I am going to get one. It will definitely work, but too bad I have to sacrifice one cupholder, especially when there is a passenger in the front seat. Shame on Lexus for making its customers seeking for "patch" solution like this.

And speaking of cupholder, what is the deal of the one on dashboard of the driver's side? It totally blocks the vent if you put a cup there, and the hole in it make it useless as a coinholder, which the RX is lack of.

Another thing -- Why do I have to give up automatic lighting if I choose not to have daytime running light?

The RX is a nice SUV and all, but I am disappointed with some of the design details. Not what I heard or expected from Lexus.

rparis

Several individuals have commented they do not think the 2010 is as good as earlier years, while others think it is great. Could others comment on the 2010 who have owned earlier model years.

I am driving a 2001 and do not want to be "disappointed" in the 2010.

wwest

The 2010 F/awd system is a rather substantial improvement over the 2010 system. Still not nearly as good as the Acura SH-AWD system which BMW has just adopted for the new X6 "crossover".

I expect Lexus will be soon adopting DFI for the RX's V6 and that alone is worth waiting even another or two years for. You are checking the ATF condition on your '01 on a regular basis, right..??

Other than a major failure of my '01 F/awd RX300 It will take DFI and adoption of some form of SH-AWD to get me to move up to a new RX.

Maybe even a TX225, with a multimode DFI I4 engine. Base Otto mode, 15:1 compression ratio, transitioning into Atkinson cycle mode, 12:1 effective compression ratio. Multimode via e/VVT-i like the new Prius and 2010 RX450h.

bv2000

I think the 2007 was a better model. The heated seats are definitely inferior and the seats are not as comfortable for long rides. The navigation volume is too low, but i was told that an upgraded unit will be available in 6 weeks. I have complained a lot and they will be replacing my unit. Anyone else who is dissatisfied should complain as well.

rparis

Do you mean the 2010 is an improvement over the 2001 system.

I check the ATF fluid level regularly. Is that what you mean?

Also, how would the average driver notice the difference between the RX system and the Acura SH AWD system?

maximafan

jtla, my '07 RX has the additional cupholder on the dashboard of the driver's side, and, yes, it does block the flow of the vent for the most part when a cup is put there, although I do like having the cupholder in that position. For some reason that's where I always put my drinks, even at the expense of losing air from the vent. Of course, the '07 RX has large upright A/C vents in the center of the dashboard, so they are plenty powerful. The center vents in the new RX are going back to the original way of A/C vents, which
is lying rectangularly.

About the auto headlight switch. I do not have the ability to turn
off my daytime running lights, only to control whether my regular headlights come on automatically. Again, I don't mind this, as I like having daytime running lights.

Now, I really don't understand why Lexus went with one power outlet in the front area as opposed to two that are in the '04 to '07
models. I mean, that's just common sense. They got me on that one. :confuse:

wwest

The 2010 RX350 F/awd system is an improvement over ALL previous RX versions.

Yes, the '01 and after RX300 series seems to be especially subject to burned and odorous ATF.

The average driver probably wouldn't notice, something Toyota and Lexus are relying heavilly on I bet. Only driver's truly needing, and understanding, F/awd functionality will take note of the difference.

rparis

In lay terms, what is the actual difference between the SH-AWD and F/awd Lexus ?
What is the actual affect?
Thank you.

stever

Check out Toyota 4WD systems explained too.

jtla

It is interesting to note that, based on Edmunds members, the 2006 RX330 received 9.1 average rating out of 32 reviews, while the 2010 RX350 receives so far 8.5 average out of 61 reviews. Another SUV we were considering before buying the RX was Volvo XC60, which received 8.7 average rating out of 27 reviews. Again, the RX is a fine SUV -- and I do not regret choosing it over XC60, or Acura MDX for that matter. However, it is beyond me on some of the design logic/details.

Regarding power outlet, there are two in the front, both deep down in the center armrest/storage bin. There is none for the rear seats, so it is very inconvenient for kids to plug in stuff such as DVD players. (I do have to give Lexus credit for including one 12V outlet in the cargo area.)

Maybe Lexus is just trying to get every customer to purchase models with navigation and entertainment system -- and pay $50k+ for the vehicle. Nice marketing effort.

wwest

The SH-AWD system can dynamically apportion engine torque not only primarily to the rear by a wide margin by also bias rear torque to the right or left rear wheel as circumstances dictate.

The best the F/awd Venza can do is 50/50 and that only during acceleration from a stop or from a low speed, the system is disabled once you attain a moderate road speed. The system will also engage upon front wheelspin/slip. Otherwise FWD only is used.

The primary difference for the RX is the ability to manually engage the rear drive system at lower speeds.

Insofar as I can tell the Ford escape was the first to use this F/awd design, an electromechanical clutch mounted just in front of the rear differential inside the rear differential case.

Ford's evolutionary history for this system is a bit interesting.

They initially provided a manual engagement switch for the system. To prevent misuse, overuse, they had a thermistor mounted within the case such that the driver would be warned of impending overheat (indicator on) and then an actual overheat (flashing indicator) condition wherein the driver was advised to stop and allow the clutch to cool off.

Too many failures resulted, apparently from driver intentional misuse, and the manual switch mode was abandoned while the automatic firmware control was continued.

Next came an episode, continuing to this day, of blown seals, repetitively blown seals, in the PTO case along with numerous instances of PTO replacement. Mazda, in the CX-7 same system, at about the same time this blown seal issue started developing for Ford, went to providing cooling, engine coolant circulation, for the PTO.

My guess is that the PTO is overheating and "boiling" the 70 weight, thereby overcoming the seal. Owners are reporting a HORRID odor/smell when the seal blows.

It will be interesting to see if Lexus sticks with the manual control switch and/or begins cooling the PTO.

rparis

It is interesting that, after checking the last 5-6 previous years, the 2010 has the lowest consumer rating of any RX I reviewed. As one who is considering purchasing a 2010 RX, it is disappointing. Yet, some individuals seem to really like the vehicle.