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