Lexus SC road tests and consumer car reviews

Lexus SC 430 2007

In April 2009 I purchased a LEXUS SC430, I have had a very frustrating issue with it. If the vehicle sits for more than 4-5 days without driving it, it will not start because of a dead battery. This has happened numerous times now. My dealer says that it is a known problem, but they also indicated that Lexus knows about this issue, and there are no fixes! Supposedly, the vehicle has so many computers, that if it is not run every couple of days or so, it will discharge the battery. The only workarounds from Lexus are to either install a kill switch for the battery, thus turning off all power to the car (and deleting radio presets and the like), or always hooking up the battery to a trickle charger when I am gone. Unfortunately, I travel for business frequently, and neither of these are appropriate. The LEXUS SC 430 is my second car and that is why I do not use it every day I also own a new LEXUS RX400 which I regularly use and was advised by the Lexus garage that if that is left it will have the same problem. I am appalled that LEXUS can sell cars with these known faults The only way to overcome the problem is to carry a Heavy Duty Jump Start 4000 battery charger. I ask that JD Power let prospective owners of both Models of hidden problem LEXUS does not appear to want to solve the know problem and has NOT considered conducting a Kaitzen on the problem and one is not able to discuss the problem with any technical representative CAN YOU HELP GET LEXUS TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM Kindest Regards Paul Tweedale Mobile 07714 272473 e-mail a5rpt@talktalk.net

Responses to this review

I have a 2007 Lexus SC430 and I have exactly the same problem. I call Lexus Headquarters and they tell me to take it to the dealer. I take it to the dealer and they change the battery and tell me to drive it more. So far I have gone through 3 batteries. If I drive it to the airport and leave it for more than 6 days, I must have a jump start to get back home. I have been jump started by a 1968 Volkswagon and a 1974 Ford Pickup. How prestigious is that? Totally unacceptable. I suggest all SC430 owners contact Consumer Affairs.Com and lodge a complaint. It’s very easy to do and it’s free - Al Porter from United States of America