Lttlexusls500

My 2018 LS500 was brought in to the Lexus service center for a disturbing buzzing or humming noise when the car is going within 15-20 mph and noise is more prominent when turning. I was told it was the driver's front hub bearing causing the noise and I was quoted $1,200 to get the bearing replaced after my approval. I'm just assuming it's a luxury car so repairs of this kind is normal. Next day I was told the noise was still present and service suggested in replacing the right side front hub bearing for another $1,200. At this point, I'm left with no choice but to agree on the repair because I'm no expert. I researched the Lexus warranty and it states the following. I then called my service guy to ask about the warranty coverage for such issues. He advised that because I may have ran into a pot hole (I remind you I live in Florida and there is no pot holes in the area) or impact that caused the front hub bearing to be damaged and that because my car is a rear wheel drive and not a front wheel drive or AWD, it is NOT covered under the Powertrain warranty. My car has less than 41,000 miles and I drive locally only and never ran into anything that would have such impact. If this was the case the effects would occur immediately. The noise occurred overtime and got louder after weeks and months in which it became very noticeable. Has anyone experienced such issue? Does it make sense that front hub bearings are not covered under Powertrain warranty because it's a rear wheel drive? I've driven every model in the Lexus family and this LS500 was purchased brand new, most expensive of all the other models we ever purchased from Lexus and it's never been in an accident. With that being said, shouldn't this be considered defective? I've read on other posts that hub bearings typically occurs on cars at 100,000 miles. Please give me your feedback.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

The Powertrain Warranty is for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Except for the situations listed on the Basic Warranty page, this warranty covers repairs needed to fix defects in materials or workmanship of any component listed below:

ENGINE
Cylinder block and head and all internal parts, timing belt and cover, flywheel, oil pan, water pump, fuel pump, engine mounts, engine control computer, seals and gaskets

TRANSMISSION AND TRANSAXLE
Case and all internal parts, torque converter, clutch cover, mounts, engine control computer, seals and gaskets

FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
Driveshaft, axle, hub, bearings, seals and gaskets

REAR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
Differential carrier assembly, driveshaft, axle carrier, axle case, axle bearing, axle shaft, seals and gaskets

geko29

Moved to 5LS forum.

Lingus

Doesn't sound right from beginning to end.

Their misdiagnosis of the problem is their problem. Secondly, because the warranty language doesn't specifically state that RWD front bearings are a covered item, I would make the case that wheel bearings aren't listed as an exclusion. Go to the exclusion list and start there with them and see where they go. Challenge them with specific questions and see how they respond. If it's not favorable, go above them with the facts.

Potholes? So what? Shouldn't the wheel bearing withstand hitting a pothole? The service manager is an imbecile.

Nalod

As I interpret your not covered.
As for the misdiagnosis that seems to be a point of contention. I'd compromise and offer to pay for the part, but not the labor as it did not fix the problem you came in for.
Keep us informed! Thank you!!!!

SpudsMcD

Unfortunately, it sounds like you've already paid for the repairs to the bearings on both sides. So I'd say you're pretty much SOL. The dealer's not going to give you your money back. Front axle is not part of the powertrain on a rear-drive car, just like the warranty statement discloses. It's not a ton of money, and you can consider it your tuition for your new knowledge about never taking the car to the dealer for non-warranty service. Find a good independent Lexus specialist and go there. The car's five years old, and unless the problem is in the powertrain you should only go to the dealer if they have a cheap oil-change coupon or something like that. Five years and low miles is kind of surprising for bearings to fail, but FL is very humid, and if you drove through heavy rains or standing water the bearings may have gotten a nice soaking. Impossible to know for sure.

liazon

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to hear about your issues.
Which FL dealership? I live in FL and my local dealership, Clearwater, is terrible. The knowledge and service standard is so low and they just don't seem to care if you come back or not...they are busy w/ basic warranty interval work paid for by Lexus. I agree w/ finding an independent specialist. Someone who takes responsibility for their judgement calls. If you are in the Tampa area by chance I have a great guy.

sajack

You didn’t mention tires. I’m assuming the dealer balanced and rotated the tires first thing. Did he?