Last week, my ABS warning on 2010 Lexus 450H (check ABS) popped up at 107,000 mile, i took it to my local Toyota dealer and they got the error code C 1391 Abnormal Leak in Accumulator Pump and they want the ABS Actuator replaced. My 100K warranty is expired and i am left with no options.

Looking back : My brake actuator always made that ABS chirping sound while the brake pedal was moderately pressed.
I even bought the issue to the west palm beach lexus dealership, but they claimed that this is how the hybrid works!

I contacted Lexus and they asked me to take it to Lexus dealer @ palm beach for diagnosis.

After Spending $400, i get a estimate of $3700 from the dealer.

Lexus is ready to pay $1000 towards the cost of replacing ABS actuator.

I think, there are lot more cases of ABS failing in Hybrids, and somehow they are able to hide it from nhtsa (national highway traffic safety administration).


I couldn't believe that a well engineered car like the Lexus would risk customer safety by using inferior parts!

 

You think? Lexi are some of the best engineered most dependable vehicles on the road. You're upset they won't cover a 8 year old 107,000 mile vehicle? $1k is a gift. I'd be shocked if mercedes or bmw offered that sort of assistance on a similar aged vehicle.
the bark is seen as a nuisance issue, not a safety issue. no relatedness to any failure, just a noisy design. they can't hide anything from the nhtsa, anyone can make a complaint directly to the nhtsa about their vehicle's problems, and they do.

 

How often did you have the brake fluid changed? Doing it every 2 or 3 years as recommended by Lexus/Toyota goes a long way to preserving these expensive brake components by reducing corrosion since brake fluid absorbs water over time.

 

It is understandable that OP is upset at the occurrence of failure.

I would suggest that we parse the problem and rationally discuss each.

1. Mechanical failure:
Machinery does fail. To protect oneself, one buys extended warranty beyond the base warranty. Since OP is 7K miles over (6months in time maybe), he should ask Lexus for assistance. They seem to have offered 1K and it should be OK to ask for free part and the owner to cover labor. No harm in asking and the tone should be kept neutral to making a request. He should provide history (dates) etc when the potential problem was identified.

2. $400 spent: We are missing what was that spent on. Was it to diagnose the problem then one should ask that the credit should be applied to wards the repair. If it was for other checks , then the mechanics/shop has good reasons not to apply credit.

3. If OP seriously thinks there is a problem with the vehicle, then complaint should be lodged. The onus of lodging the complaint is one us the consumer. and possibly get rid of the vehicle.

Salim

PS: How about checking the salvage yards for a used part. This maybe the cheapest way to move ahead.

 

oem warranty is 4 yrs 50k miles.
100k warranty is for hybrid control module, Hybrid battery and inverter with converter. none of which are OP's failed part.
op is more than double, both in time and mileage, over the warranty for the failed part.

 

That's dandy, except there is unusually high rate of brake actuators failing on hybrids.
OP, it is BRAKE actuator. Not ABS. ABS sign simply pops up as general brakes related warning.
From Camry Hybrid owners, I know there was warranty extension on those. So you might look into it. Also, it's a simple replaceable module. Camry owners DIY it. I think, to the tune of 400-700 bucks and some cuss words. What I'm saying, a half way decent indy mech should be able to do it for you as guess what - it's same part as on non hybrids, on Highlanders and, likely on Camry. Looks awfully same to me, and owned and own all three models.

 

 

That above is old news. You need to inquire with Lexus about warranty extension

 

I had the Lexus Extended warranty

 

Which is expired. If you are nice to them they may offer you some discount as a good will.
What did extended warranty cover?

 

oh i see. OP's warranty expired 7k miles ago, instead of 57k miles ago and is upset at the large amount so soon after going out of warranty. makes more sense.
seems nice that lexus offered the 1k. might want to consider an independent shop instead. or ask lexus if they would pay more towards dealer repair. good luck!

 

I am referring to "warranty extension", not additional warranty you had. Toyota does not like using word RECALL. It calls recalls warranty extensions or enhancements, whatever is more palatable to consumer ear. Basically, they offer additional coverage on unusually high rate of failure components. They usually extend a specific component warranty for so many more miles/years extra, then case is closed.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...extension.html

 

Warranty extensions or enhancements are not the same as recalls or campaigns.

The ABS actuator issues with the Prius, Highlander and RX450h are for the older models. There is no warranty extension for the 2010+ RX450h as far as I am aware.

Lexus is offering $1000 towards the cost of the repair. It is out of warranty and an older car now. Things break.

Jeff

 

Looks like the ABS Brake Actuator for Lexus Rx450h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are same.