Lexus dealer installed new battery 3 1/2 years ago. Battery post/ terminal leaked causing corrosion damage to battery terminal and cable. Dealer wants $ 350.00 for new battery [ half off of new price ] and damage repairs. [ already completed ] What recourse, if any, do I have?

 

Probably none. My wife's 2015 RX350's battery hold-down bracket was corroding due to the original factory battery failing and having to be replaced under warranty in February 2018 during the original owner's tenure with the vehicle. We purchased it in late October 2018 with the balance of the factory warranty still in place until August 2019. I brought this to the attention of our local Lexus service department in January 2019. They initially grumbled and told me that it was not a warranty issue. I called bull**** on them and they finally agreed to replace it under warranty. Once the vehicle is out of warranty, our local dealership essentially refuses to do anything at all to help us. This is my wife's third RX and it was not that way 10 or 15 years ago. Above-and-beyond customer service is a thing of the past here.

Ask to speak with the general manager. All it will cost you is your time. Perhaps they will listen to you and make a favorable decision.

 

If you have been going to the service department for all scheduled services, you can make some fuss as to why this was overlooked at each service.

As a general rule, I suggest that owners should do a weekly (ok monthly) visual check on essentials like fluid levels, leaks, frays, corrosion etc.

I think you can do better by buying the battery from some where else as compared to 50% savings from the dealer. Lots of places install it for free and you can save on dealer labor charges too.

Salim

 

Weekly checks are well worth the small amount of effort required. I have been doing them on all of our vehicles for more than 40 years.

 

Go get a battery at Costco for under $100, or Advance Auto and they will install it for you.