While driving my 2008 lexus rx350 at 35 MPH in heavy traffic, the vehicle suddenly stalled leaving me without power steering or brakes. I was able to stop the vehicle but was stuck in the traffic lane with heavy traffic. Fearing that I would be hit by oncoming traffic I called 911 for support while the tow vehicle was dispatched. I was unable to leave the vehicle safely until police arrived 20 minutes later, due to the position of the vehicle and the traffic. The local lexus dealer has contacted me to let me know that the issue was a broken valve spring caused the engine to seize while running. I am concerned that this condition may be somewhat of a known issue with lexus as I have seen that they had problems with valve springs breaking in this engine.
2008 Lexus RX350 engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 17 of 17, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving to work heard a funny noise and oil light begin to blink. Found out engine oil cooling tube burst and leaked all the oil out and has caused motor damage. Lexus send a warranty enhancement letter just a few weeks before describing a problem with the tube and that they would inspect and repair. Waiting on lexus customer care to assist. So far only 25%. Looks like a class action lawsuit may entail.
We have complained about a noise upon starting the car for the past year when having the vehicle serviced. This was the first service visit where dealer was able to pinpoint the code and they came back with the cam shaft variable valve timing (vvt) gear issue. The repair estimate was $6830. I found your recall dated september 4, 2013 # 13v395000 for vvt on lexus gs350, is350 and is350c models for the same model year and find it suspicious as the same engine is used. I am wondering if other rx 350s have the same issue and the recall should actually be expanded to include the rx350 model. At this point, the dealer says they need to tear the vehicle down to accurately assess if it is the bolts or another issue but the expense is very high. I also was wondering what the range of miles were on the recalled vehicles? Thank you for looking into this.
At 65,000 miles vehicle had a major breakdown. Serpentine belt ruptured causing fire and smoke inside the engine compartment and both inside the cabin and outside. Gas pedal became inoperative and vehicle had to be towed to a repair facility. As further determined the cause of the belt rupture is the A/C compressor freezing stuck. Repair is extremely costly. Parts alone are close to $1500. Lexus is not willing to help in any way and all of the maintenance per the maintenance booklet is performed and on time. Additionally the maintenance booklet does not require any work other than filters, oil changes until 100,000 at which time only spark plugs are mostly due to be replaced. A/c compressor should not have gone out at 65,000 miles on a 2008 lexus.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus rx350. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, an abnormal grinding sound was heard coming from the engine and the vehicle attempted to stall. The contact took the vehicle to dealer and after performing a diagnostic test, the dealer advised that the camshaft tower caused the engine to stall and would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a common problem with the year, make, and model. The failure mileage was 88,000. Updated 10/17/11
2008 lexus rx350 engine noise started making noise at about 23,000 miles. The dealer said it was normal. Took it back in for the 30,000 mile check up and told them that it was getting louder. They checked it out again and said that it might be the mechanical fuel pump,but that was normal.this is starting to sound like a diesel and is getting a little embarrassing to drive around sounding this way. If this is normal, this will be my first and last lexus....
2008 lexus rx350 motor started making loud "rapping" noise at 10,000 miles, after many complaints to the dealer lexus field rep. Admitted it was an engine defect called "cold engine piston slap" lexus tells most of their complaining rx owners that the noise is fuel injectors and it is normal! Lexus refuses to fix under the warranty. My car is an embarrassment to drive, it sounds louder than any diesel.
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