2008 RX 400h / 164k miles / 87 octane fuel

I've had this car for 3 years and it recently left me stranded, twice!

1st time 1 month ago, I had just filled up 87 grade gas and almost as soon as I got back on the road I lost all engine power. The car was throwing P3190, P3191, P0A0F. The engine would run for a couple seconds and die and was diagnosed with a bad fuel pump which was replaced. Car drove great after.

Yesterday, I filled up again and started on a long drive. About 20 minutes of driving on the highway my dash lights up and I lose engine power. The engine stays on but when I accelerate it revs up but I barely move from the hybrid motor. Same codes. I left the car overnight and today it drives perfectly fine. I cleared the codes and it's as if nothing happened

Both times were soon after refueling with 87 and had similar symptoms so I'll switch to premium and see how it goes but I want to get the car checked out then decide if I want to keep it.

I'm trying to decide my next move as I'm hesitant to take the car to the same shop that did the fuel pump but also don't want to break the bank at a dealership for this old car. There is an independent Lexus specialist nearby that I'm considering too.

Any similar experiences or suggestions?

Thanks

 

Did you use the same gas station "brand"? Do you visit them regularly?
Next time I would go to another gas station and use Mid-grade first. If everything is OK then I wouldn't use the gas from the "bad" stations.
PS: Have you changed spark plugs around 120k miles?

 

Do you have the 3 digit sub code after P0A0F? Fuel pump is a frequent reason. Other issues might be

1. clogged fuel injectors
2. dirty MAF sensor.
3. dirty throttle body

 

A simple cheap fix could be replacing your fuel cap or at least cleaning it and the gas receptacle and check the rubber gasket on the cap and maybe use some rubber renew on the cap seal.