After reading thru these threads I haven't seen this particular issue addressed. If it was and I missed it, I apologize. The issue: I just purchased a 2010 RX450h with 60,000 miles. I also opted for the extended warranty so this problem will be taken care of by the dealer but just curious if anyone else has had this fuel gauge issue. When I first got the car and the dealer filled it up, the gas needle indicated about 2 needle widths above the full mark. As I drove the needle dropped normally. This same indication went on for about 3 fill ups so i assumed that was a normal totally full indication. Now for the last fill up I refilled the tank when the needle was on the second tick mark below the full mark; however the needle didn't go back the its original 2 needed widths above the full mark as before it stayed at its last position which was the second tick mark below the full mark. It stayed there at the second tick mark and seemed to move downward normally as I drove. I just added fuel again and the needle remained at it last position and hasn't moved to indicate gas was added but it does seem to move downward at a seemingly normal rate indicating gas is being used. I realize I probably explained this as clear as mud but if anyone can decipher this and has any experience with this issue I would appreciate knowing how you handled it. I will be calling the dealer tomorrow to set up an appointment to exercise the extended warranty.

 

Can't say how good mine is on the real low end, but I try to guess the gallons I'm going to put in at the pump to fill it bases on the gauge position and I'm usually within a gallon when it clicks off.

 

My 2013 Lexus shows the number of miles until empty. Once it reaches below 20 miles left, it only says "Low Fuel". Today it reached that point and I drove about 15 miles before I reached a gas station. When I filled up, it only took about 15.5 gallons. The fuel capacity is 19.2 gallons which means I had just under 4 gallons left. At about 20 miles per gallon gas mileage, I had roughly 70 miles of gas left. Why does the indicator go into low fuel when it hits 20 miles left when it can go another 70 or so miles? It doesn't seem very accurate. Does everyone else have that issue?

 

I concur with lazzbby. My "Low Fuel" indicator came on and I filled the tank in about 5 miles from that point. It took 15.2 gallons to fill it up. My vehicle is a 2015 AWD.

 

http://www.milesaftergaslight.com/results

LEXUS RX350 = 40 Miles

 

Thanks for that link. If this is the case, I only have about 17.2 usable gallons for my RX350, not the advertised 19.2 gallons.

 

I can tell you that link is not accurate. I have an SC430 also and I have gotten about 60 miles past when the light comes on. They say only 29. I can't comment about the RX350 since my wife is the one that drives it all the time. but, I'm pretty sure it will go well past 40.

 

I think the "miles to empty" is the useable fuel. I think there has to be about three gallons in the tank to keep the fuel pump cool and lubricated.
Anyone else?
Ray A.

 

This issue has driven me nuts as well, simply because one would expect a well engineered car to have accurate gauges. Personally when I fill up when there are "0 miles left," I fill up with 16 gallons, leaving the other three gallons
in the Twilight Zone. I'm awfully tempted to drive around some time until the car stops running, but that's kind of a Homer Simpson move.
If in fact it is true that usable fuel capacity is only 16.2 gallons, the car's specifications should reflect that, IMO.