2008 Lexus LX

2008 LX570: This is my second time owning a Toyota/Lexus vehicle with the 3UR-FE/5.7L V8 and each has had the same issue. At 156,000 miles, noticed a nauseating smell of oil and coolant enter the cabin via the air vents. Noticed oily residue around front and sides of engine, no check engine lights. Took vehicle to Lexus dealer who reported that timing and valve covers were leaking oil and that the valley plate/heat exchanger was leaking coolant. The smell of oil and coolant entering the cabin caused me and my occupants to become nauseated and dizzy while traveling with the air on. Total estimated amount of repairs, $5,400. Was informed by Lexus service tech that the Toyota/Lexus sealant around timing cover and heat exchanger/valley plate were defective and that this would happen to all engines of this class (3UR-FE/5.7). Contacted Lexus Customer Care and was advised that due to vehicle being out of warranty, there was no concern to offer any incentive toward repair, regardless of the intoxication/inebriation that passed from the engine bay into the cabin. Toyota/Lexus refuses to issue a campaign or customer incentive program to resolve this issue. This is a very costly repair that can harm the lives of others via poisonous run-off that occurs when oil and antifreeze leak onto the engine while at time, causing fumes to pass from the engine bay to the cabin via the air vents. Another safety issue if this is left untreated would be the engine running completely out of oil and antifreeze, causing vehicle and occupants to become stranded. This is also a fire hazard with oil leaking onto a hot engine while at temp.

NHTSA ID

11484143

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. IN MOTION OR PARKED . ON OR OFF.

NHTSA ID

11403145

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

HIGH INTENSITY HEADLIGHTS ARE BLINDING MY VISION BOTH FROM ONCOMING CARS AND FROM CARS FOLLOWING ME FROM BEHIND IN MY SIDE MIRRORS AND REAR VIEW MIRROR. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD THAT WE MUST LOOK AT FROM A PREVENTIVE PERSPECTIVE! IT IS NOT JUST ONE DAY BUT MANY.

NHTSA ID

10252798

Incident

Dec 25, 2008

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.