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As for my issue, they said it was not their fault and i filed with insurance. Insurance said it was pre-existing and would only cover the initial diagnosis which was about $373. I brought the car into the body shop 7 weeks ago, had the entire body sanded, blocked, all dings/dents fixed, all body work redone and complete new paint job. I'm hoping this should solve the problem. We found a very subpar repair to the quarter panel (where tail lamp mounts).
The hybrid system has a built in mechanism to shut down if submersed in water which is what it was going they state. The hard days of rain previously allowed the entry of water thus shutting down the system. When it dried out, symptom went away. Viola!
I will post a status update in a few months..best of luck to everyone
I do not have- Mark Levinson/rear entertainment system; nor the laser cruise control.
It only cost $1014.....
:shades: ...Luke
My 2006 Hybrid has 175,000 miles on it. Way out of warranty. The inverter was replaced by Lexus corporate, two weeks ago. Lexus picked up 100% of the cost after inspecting it at the dealership. I used the information on this site, plus the links on this site to aid in my argument.
You need to talk to the corporate 1-800 number, and get to customer Satisfaction (the dealership can do nothing for you). I believe Lexus knows there's a problem with this first generation 2006 Inverter. I'm certain that the 2006 Highlander used the same power inverter. And there is a class action lawsuit in L.A. over the highlander's inverter. It was smart on their part to replace it. Lexus can't stand to have this part re-called.
I can post my story, when I have time, and show just how I did it. Let me know if your interested....I thought about not saying anything since they took care of it. But I was fit to be tied, and I don't want to see anyone else in that situation. It would have cost me $9,600, and I could not afford it. (The part alone, "the Inverter", cost $8,500). I did, however pay for a new car battery $177.00, and I was happy to pay that! I felt like I won the lottery...
Let me know if your interested......
Nothing like a $50,000 paperweight...(I told them that too)
I suggest you call or write Lexus of America and let them know that you know that the 2006 inverters had a known design defect(which they corrected in 2007)and the inverter failure was a sure thing based on the design defect. It was just a matter of time. They really should have had a recall on the inverter. Thank god it didn't fail while you were making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic!
If Ford can do it, surely A Highline Auto manufacturer like Lexus can do it as well. Lexus should agree to supply a free replacement for the defective inverter and you pay only the labor for repair. Call them and give it a try.
:shades: Regards, Luke
1-800-255-3987, #3 (dealer,customer experience), ask for a department specialist.
Don't give up, leave the car there, until resolved.
Granted, his 400h has 200K on it, but it has always been Lexus maintained and is great shape. Our family's other high end cars (Lexus, Mercedes, BMW) have all gone well into the hundreds of thousands of miles without becoming a non-functioning "paper weight".
We contacted the dealer and were told the same thing all of you were...basically $10K or a worthless piece of sh*t and almost no trade in value.
We contacted Lexus corporate and they opened a case, blah, blah, blah. No dice. You are on your own.
We have bought three cars in the past four years from our dealer and I absolutely love our dealer but this is crap! It will be a long hard thought before we buy another Lexus and I can tell you, we will never buy another hybrid.
No single part should ever make a car completely non-viable.
I posted on 6/14/11 the issue I had with the hybrid inverter and the response from the dealership. I contacted Lexus corp. at the 800 number and explained this is a defective part, the Class Action suit in Cali. and the NHTSA had initiated an investigation earlier this year into this apparent safety issue.
I received a call from the dealership this morning informing me my RX400 was ready and there was no charge!
Thank you mfranzoia for your post as I would not have contacted Lexus corp. You saved me $11k!!!
Thank you Lexus for doing the right thing.
Again; for anyone else with this problem Google: Lexus RX 400h inverter, and Toyota Highlander inverter. Armed with that info, call Lexus USA corporate- customer satisfaction. Complain and let them know that there is a class action suit with the Highlander inverter. Read some quotes from the articles, and stick to your guns. Your Mantra, "People need to know about this. This is a huge safety issue." I had 175,000K on my 2006, and they replaced it for free. Everyone should be able to get the same replacement.
Good Luck!
Lexus 400h inverter failure, First course of action let them know:
1) I could have been killed in this vehicle, I bought Lexus for itÕs safety and reliability, I was on the freeway with no warning, and almost got hit by a truck trying to get off the freeway in rush hour, with no power.
2) My 50k car is a 50k paperweight.
3) This is a huge safety issue, and people need to know that, ÒLexus has to let people know this car will fail at anytime, with no warning.Ó ÒWE need to let people know thisÓ (this was my mantra).
4) Keep hammering the safety and reliability issue, and ask if the NTSB knows about this Òsafety issue.Ó Lexus/Toyota does not want another recall on an $8,500 part; this is why they will fix it. This vehicle has had two recalls already.
5) Arm yourself with the information below, goggle ÒHybrid RX400h inverter, or Highlander inverterÓ
6) Each time you talk with Lexus corporate, let them know that they have a problem. Read a few quotes from those articles. ÒYou know they have a lawsuit because of a defective ÒHighlander inverterÓ. You know that the 400h has the same inverter. (ThatÕs a fact)
7) When consumer reports emailed me, like they do each year, to participate on their survey. Now what do I tell them? That I had a 10k repair.
8) I use my vehicle in the outback, Death Valley- Utah-New Mexico; IÕm usually 40 miles or more from civilization. This could be a life-threatening situation in this car. From now on do I travel with a sleeping bag and a weeks worth of water and food at all times?
9) Remind them, this flaw needs to get out there, so people can make an informed decision when they buy this Lexus. ÒPeople need to know this.Ó And of course Lexus knows there are many ways to do this: Set up a web site, a Blog, twitter, you tube, a Face book page, all dedicated to getting the word out. You get the idea. Stay calm, and stay on point. And by the way, Òmost of my friends and family have a Lexus too.Ó
Recall Study Finds Flaws at Toyota
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/business/global/24toyota.html
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Class Action Lawsuit
http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1074-toyota-high- lander-hybrid-class-action-lawsuit-
Even though Toyota knew it had installed defective inverter assemblies in the Highlander HVÕs first generation of vehicles, it did not recall or otherwise replace or repair the defective assemblies. Instead, the class action lawsuit says, Toyota issued a secret Technical Service Bulletin that advised those servicing the vehicles about the existence of the defective inverter assembly and recommended that they be replaced with an updated assembly Ð but only in response to a ÒcustomerÕs specific complaint.Ó
California Class-Action Claims Toyota Knowingly Sold Defective Highlander Hybrids
http://www.aogllp.com/_blog/Class_Action_Blog/post/California_Class-Action_Claim- s_Toyota_Knowingly_Sold_Defective_Highlander_Hybrids/
A class-action lawsuit that has been filed in California claims that Toyota Motor Corp. sold several models of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicle; even though the company was aware that the vehicles came with defective inverter assemblies that caused the vehicle to suddenly lose all motor power. However, the company failed to recall the vehicles or replace or repair any of the defective assemblies. All that the company did was issue a Technical Service Bulletin that advised technicians about the defective inverter assemblies, and recommended that the electrical inverter assembly be replaced with an updated assembly, but only if the customer complained.
Interestingly to California product liability attorneys, the inverter assemblies that have been used in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid mentioned in the lawsuit are the same ones that were used in the Toyota 2006 Lexus Rx400H hybrid sports utility vehicle.
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Class Action Lawsuit Complaint Filed Over Inverter Assembly
http://classactionlawsuitsinthenews.com/class-action-lawsuit-complaints/2006-toy- ota-highlander-hybrid-class-action-lawsuit-complaint-filed-over-inverter-assembl- y/
(A link to the actual suit is at the bottom of the story)
This car has no alternator, the inverter takes the place of an alternator! If this part goes, your car will not move until the inverter is replaced.
While I understand that you are trying to share information, the Edmunds forums cannot be used to organize legal actions. that includes posting links to sites to connect people to attorneys for class action lawsuits.
PF Flyer
Host - Hybrid Vehicles Forums
My links are only made for reference to a specific problem that others have had. There is no lawsuit on this vehicle, and that is not my intention. I never mentioned legal action. I have only posted links as a point of reference to a very specific problem that renders an expensive vehicle useless. The manufacturer has a problem with a very expensive part, and they will repair it for free, only if people request it. Edmunds is a good source for people sharing common problems and resolutions. The information on Edmunds has helped me and other's get a $8,500 part replaced by the manufacturer for free. Thank you Edmunds, you helped me Save 10,000 dollars! I am not an Attorney, nor do I recommend legal action. Lexus has stepped up, and I am happy they did.
They pulled the info before. Just in case, here's a dumbed down version I hope they won't pull. (there are no links here)
Lexus 400h inverter failure, First course of action let them know:
1) I could have been killed in this vehicle, I bought Lexus for itÕs safety and reliability, I was on the freeway with no warning, and almost got hit by a truck trying to get off the freeway in rush hour, with no power.
2) My 50k car is a 50k paperweight.
3) This is a huge safety issue, and people need to know that, ÒLexus has to let people know this car will fail at anytime, with no warning.Ó ÒWE need to let people know thisÓ (this was my mantra).
4) Keep hammering the safety and reliability issue, and ask if the NTSB knows about this Òsafety issue.Ó Lexus/Toyota does not want another recall on an $8,500 part; this is why they will fix it. This vehicle has had two recalls already.
5) Arm yourself with the information below, go0gle ÒHybrid RX400h inverter, and Highlander inverterÓ My links to these references have been pulled in the past, you can find them on google try: (ÒRecall Study Finds Flaws at ToyotaÓ; ÒToyota Highlander Hybrid Class Action LawsuitÓ; ÒCalifornia Class-Action Claims Toyota Knowingly Sold Defective Highlander HybridsÓ. (These are not links moderator, only information the others are having the same problems)
6) Each time you talk with Lexus corporate, let them know that they have a problem. Read a few quotes from those articles. ÒYou know they have a lawsuit because of a defective ÒHighlander inverterÓ. You know that the 400h has the same inverter. (ThatÕs a fact)
7) When consumer reports emails me, like they do each year, to participate on their survey. Ask them what do I say, That I had a 10k repair?
8) I use my vehicle in the outback, Death Valley- Utah-New Mexico; IÕm usually 40 miles or more from civilization. This could be a life-threatening situation in this car. From now on do I travel with a sleeping bag and a weeks worth of water and food at all times?
9) Remind them, this flaw needs to get out there, so people can make an informed decision when they buy this Lexus. ÒPeople need to know this.Ó And of course Lexus knows there are many ways to do this: Set up a web site, a Blog, twitter, you tube, a Face book page, all dedicated to getting the word out. You get the idea. Stay calm, and stay on point. And by the way, Òmost of my friends and family have a Lexus too.Ó
While this is good news, I'm not sure I want to own a 400h where the cost of replacing the inverter is left up to the whim of Lexus.
I was curious if the rest of you had to pay for labor as well??? Given the recent recall I have every intention to go back to my dealership for a full refund.
Today I received the recall letter. Lexus has recalled the inverter and on the recall notice it says they will also reimburse prior repairs. Thanks to all of you who helped get it recalled for all of us. Good luck for those who paid hope you get your money back.
Does the recall only apply to 2006 vehicles or all rx400h vehicles? Are the Prius hybrids also covered and are all years covered or only selected years?
Out of curiosity, did anyone else’s engine battery die when your inverter failed? Mine did and they are saying that the two issues are unrelated but I kind of find it hard to believe that it was just a coincidence that they both failed at the exact same time.
Thanks everyone’s for your input so far!
2006 and 2007
Why did every Lexus mechanic tell me they never had a problem with the inverters before? Two dealerships told me that I was the first one they heard of. And now a recall notice ? Seriously, are you kidding me? No more LEXUS MECHANICS FOR ME. My 76 station mechanic knew that was Bull Shot, and he's not a Lexus certified mechanic.
Thanks, Luke" :shades:
Thanks!....
Thanks!....
Yes you should. If it has only 36000 miles the inverter is warranteed until 70,000 miles by Lexus.
As of now it also appears that Lexus is replacing the inverters regardless of mileage..basically a recall.
Anyway, the inverter problem only applies to 2006 models and some early 2007 models.
Regards,
Capt Luke :shades:
#31 of 91 '06 Highlander and Lexus Inverter Problems by maryland_john
Jul 13, 2010 (6:04 am)
I've have found the VIN break for the change from the defective inverter to the new part. Before the break you may experience total power failure, engine, steering and brakes. After the break the new part does not have any failures I can find.
Toyota 06 Highlander Hybrid 2wd - Ending in 60009725
Toyota 06 Highlander Hybrid 4wd - Ending in 60019910
Lexus 06 Rx 400h 2wd - Ending in 60002207
Lexus 06 Rx 400h 4wd - Ending in 60036526
My dealer did the right thing and brought my bill from $9000 to $1200, but how many owners are still driving these dangerous cars??
From what I've read, there are no warning signs... just a stalled car. I will give Putnam a call (we live in Belmont). The sad part is this my wife's car, and I am concerned that this stall may occur with her and my two year old daughter in the car.
You must call 1-800-25-lexus and ask for a supervisor. Tell them your concern and that your wife does not feel safe driving the car and demand that they either find a part or give you a loaner until the part comes in next year.
They will tell you production in Japan was hindered as a result of the tsunami and there is nothing they can do. Do not accept no for an answer. The dealer cannot help you but if you are persistent with Lexus (it took me 2 weeks and multiple calls) they will find an inverter for you. I was particularly sensitive when I received their recall notice b/c my inverter failed once already as I was getting on the freeway with my young daughter in the back seat. It is very frightening and dangerous. Good luck.
Glad to hear it worked out so well for you. I'm also glad to hear that the inverter is warranted to 100k miles.
Just a quick question about your car. What year is it and how many miles at inverter failure?
Thanks,
Luke :shades:
Mo
The only downside to purchasing a used Lexus is if the previous owner has not done their regularly scheduled maintenance. Repair costs are, well, shall I say significant at Lexus Service centers?
I wonder if high sustained freeway speeds can cause these inverters to burn out. If they built these to have a maximum efficiency at 60 mph can 80 mph over time burn out the inverters?