As a two Lexus owner and recent purchaser of a late gen 1 NX300h I’m kicking myself and reading with mounting horror that somehow I missed the RAV4, ES, RX, NX canbus theft fiasco despite doing what I thought was extensive research for a nearly new used vehicle from various premium brands and deciding on the NX based on reliability, comfort and the dealer after sales service. Outside of owners forums, the criminal fraternity and a few articles this issue seems have been kept a dirty secret by Lexus and to make matters worse the Lexus (as a brand) attitude seems to be a two fingered, not our problem, fob off to affected and potentially affected owners of vehicles subject to this theft method. A theft method made unjustifiably easy by poor design by the manufacturer and it appears they are making every attempt to deflect and avoid responsibility for. Sadly this appears to be the modus operandi for Lexus (the brand) when faced with inconvenient problems of their making that owners suffer for.

Although class actions have been mooted it appears the most likely method owners of affected vehicles can gain satisfactory redress to safeguard their valuable possessions as far as possible and to a level expected of a brand whose vehicles start at £40,000 and go up significantly from there and where even used models are between £20,000 to £35,000 from authorised dealers is to kick up such a very public fuss that it has the potential to become Lexus’s Ratner’s prawn sandwich moment.

Although not generally available from a casual internet search and often actively hidden by larger corporates and brands it is relatively easy to establish the full corporate structure, senior and board officers and obtain personal contact details for most large organisations that prefer to remain obscure. Lexus will be no different and it really is wasting time dealing with a ‘customer service’ mouthpiece. That is exactly what they want. Obfuscate, wear down, evade and hopefully the energy and anger will dissipate and the problem quietly go away without doing anything.

Should my NX300h be stolen due to canbus theft I am an educated, assertive, persistent and vindictive retired man with plenty of time on my hands and I will make it my mission to make sure Lexus’s refusal to provide a remedial fix for a problem entirely of their own making and they are fully aware of will be their Ratner’s prawn sandwich moment. I will sell my Lexuses, never purchase another one as has been the attitude of some of the more aggrieved owners on this site already inconvenienced and out of pocket due to canbus theft and make sure this does not remain concealed from the general public who think Lexus is an aspirational and desirable brand to own with high customer satisfaction. There is no point keeping this issue under wraps. The criminal fraternity and organised crime gangs are already fully conversant with canbus theft so owners are not disseminating anything that would cause them further significant damage.

I would be interested to communicate with other Lexus owners who are concerned about this canbus theft issue, who have been fobbed off so far by Lexus UK Customer Services with such nonsense as use a steering lock deterrent, owners who have suffered and are now ex Lexus owners and who intend never to purchase another Lexus again due to the experience and those who have communicated with Lexus executives or organisations such as Which, mass media generally or similar rather than waste time with Lexus UK Customer Services.

As a cohort existing Lexus owners are generally more likely than the average brand customer to be educated, affluent, assertive, pro-active and have useful skills and contacts. If Lexus wants that sort of customer for its premium priced vehicles, but chooses to insult and ignore them when not convenient for the brand as far as I am concerned it should expect to die by or at least be seriously financially damaged by its own sword and arrogance.

Apologies if I should have posted somewhere else.

Im looking for a car as I havent had one for about 3 years and would appreciate any comments/recommendations please.

1) Infrequent town driving, maybe  a couple of times a week with maybe a long distrance motorway run once a month.

2) Reliabiliy is important.

3) Comfort.

Ive narrowed it down to GS 300/3.5 or IS 250.

My budget is 5k-8k.

I really like the and have seen a GS 300 SE-L, 2005, 78k miles in very nice condition, its currently £5.7k which is in budget but for some reason I keep telling myself thats too much for a car that old.

I havent test drove it yet becaue I want to do more research on things to check when I go and see it.

Just noticed rust starting to appear on my rear wheel arches, is this a known issue with Lexus, rust was a really bad issue on my previous car, a Mercedes ( vowed never to buy another one). The bodywork on the Lexus is fantastic for the age and I would be loathed to get rid of it as it has been so reliable and with less than 50K on the clock I was planning to keep it for a long time. Has anyone else had this issue and if so can you advise me on the best course of action.

After reading a post that there's an is350 for sale on Facebook market place I thought I'd have a look. 

I'm not on Facebook so I had to make an ID up to view.

What boggled my mind was How the Hell are is300h's on there for between £3&4k?

These cars must be missing a 1 in front of them. 64 plate and newer I saw and was gobsmacked. 

As Rasta Mouse says 'whagwahn' what's going on. I can only assume that Facebook have missed a 1 in front of the prices or they're all a con and spam of sorts.

What do you regular Facebook uses say?

I wasn’t sure where to post this because it’s not really Lexus related but in a Lexus, is there anyone on here that use hearing aids, I am a deaf old sod and my hearing aids are connected to my Iphone via BT so I get phone calls and navigation directions in my aids but my new car 21 plate has carplay and it’s nice to see the map on the nav screen but the  directions come through car speakers not my aids whatever I try, I would prefer the directions through my aids.

so if anyone has any advice that would be great.

Dell

I honestly don't know what were the techniques used in this clip... not sure how scripted it is (somehow not sold on the idea of thief showing his trade, so I suspect it was "reenactment"), but I think key thing here - forget CANBUS, forget relays... they apparently don't even need that anymore. Apparently he didn't even clone the key (which it looked like from the video i.e. following the car waiting for driver to use fob and intercepting the signal from key). So my assumption would be - it was intercept and release of signal (which is kind of old trick and should not work on keyless) + CANBUS via OBD2. Yet it is still unclear to me how they did it without any antennas etc. Starting the engine was CANBUS, that is simple enough, but I am not clear on how they opened the car - I assume some new mode attack beyond which is not yet known to wider public. 

In either case - apparently that is how easy to steal JLR made vehicles, can't imagine it is much more difficult to steal any other similar car. Not sure what solution would be here... sorry if I caused further paranoia for already stressed Lexus owners, but it is better to know ugly truth than not know it:

I just wondered if any other people are noticing that some Lexus dealers have been lowering their standards over the past few years.

They may be fine with a persons PCP finance car (as they are in most cases going to get it back to sell on again so will probably nurture it as its to their advantage) but how are private purchase people finding things?

Lexus have always tried to set themselves apart from other premium marques with their satisfaction scores / face to face dealings because lets face it in most cases they can not compete against the equivalent alternative marque offerings with far too limited engine choices and huge security / insurance problems for a start.

I bought a 4 year old very low mileage Lexus from a main dealer last May as was very satisfied with my dealership experience over the previous 12 years with two older / high mileage Lexus cars.  However the purchase of that 4 year old car last year was anything but smooth once they established I did not want it on PCP or HP, then issues with car on receipt that were hassle to get them to rectify.  I will soon have it due for annual service and MOT and am going to the dealer that used to always service my older Lexus cars.  Last year I had taken out a 3 year Lexus service and MOT plan with them and told them of a couple of concerns that I have, one minor and one potentialy major and they  were obstructive, the one that may become a major issue I accept has not actually physically completely broken yet but you can clearly tell there is something that needs addressing urgently (the noise and movement show there is a big issue) or it will fail completely at some point and not something you want to fail on a car.  They will not deal with it at all as said if it still works the fact that it is very noisy / clunky and temperamental in operation means that it still works and they will only deal with if it totally fails.  I cant believe that I have to put up with the noise above my head and worry about using the moonroof in a supposedly premium car that cost me £34,000 from a main dealer that started having issues at 19,000 miles and is only 23,000 now.  I also can't believe that they would rather it totally fail and then replace an expensive part rather than remedy / fix now and save future failure.  I guess it could be because most mechanics at dealerships are not actually proper mechanics at all and just parts replacers so they have no idea how to preserve or repair but only replace. 

I had COMPLETELY the opposite experience with a 6 year old BMW bought from a main dealer and a 5 year old Honda from a main dealer when issues occurred within the first year.  In fact with the BMW it wasn't even the cars fault it was my fiancees (at the time) feral kids and I told the dealer this and yet they / BMW replaced the parts (unbelievably!) under their approved car warranty as said a BMW should not have failure of components / should be hard wearing until at least 80,000 miles and the car had done 30,000. 

I know that they withdraw a few models from the UK market and major in USA and Japan and just wonder if maybe they will close their limited dealerships down and put inside other Toyota dealerships.

I was planning on sticking with Lexus long term but the past years experience has meant that I am now focused on moving away to another brand in the next two years and in fact may go for an older ICE car / away from hybrid next time and just get proper local mechanics / engineers that I know service / repair it.

Apologies if posted already - mods please lock/remove of so...

https://mag.lexus.co.uk/lexus-uk-statement-on-vehicle-theft/

We take the issue of Toyota and Lexus vehicle theft very seriously. We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure, to help reduce the risk of theft.

An enhanced security hardware system was introduced in October 2021 on the latest models targeted by criminals. Since which, we have seen a significant drop in thefts of those models.

For older models, we endeavour to create solutions that can offer enhanced protection to our customers.  Following significant investments by Toyota GB, in line with that of other vehicle manufacturers, newly developed official Toyota and Lexus security hardware components will very soon be available to fit to those targeted models registered before October 2021.

Following communication from Lexus in the coming weeks, owners should contact their local dealer to arrange free of charge fitment. Customers can already speak to their local dealer about the fitment of a protective plate to block access to the vehicle’s electronics. This is a nationwide customer care offering.

As a vehicle manufacturer, we can never completely eliminate the risk of vehicle theft. This is an industry-wide issue, concerning all vehicle manufacturers and affecting the most popular models first.

In order to further reduce the theft risk, we regularly collaborate and share information with insurance associations, police and law enforcement authorities, theft prevention experts and other key stakeholders around the world. This enables us to understand new threats and techniques used by thieves and develop more secured systems. 

Alongside our efforts, we urge those authorities to focus on reducing the number of thefts. We would also like to see action taken that leads to the end to the online sale of devices used by criminals to steal cars without using the car keys, as these devices serve no purpose other than a criminal one.

How do thieves manage to steal cars this way?

The thieves disconnect part of the headlamp and use a malicious device to send signals to the control CAN bus (the communication ‘backbone’ within a car) that allow the doors to open and the car to start without the key or remote control.

Thieves need to:

• Purchase a relatively expensive rogue device (third-party ‘emergency start’ device which costs around £2,500 – £4,000 each)
• Gain physical access to the vehicle’s CAN bus communication wires for an uninterrupted period.

The third-party ‘emergency start’ device has the capability to initiate an exploit in the following manner:

• Once connected to the vehicle’s CAN bus communication wires, the third-party ‘emergency start’ device can send a prioritised series of CAN signals to bypass the vehicle’s security and immobiliser systems, which could allow a thief to unlock the doors and turn the vehicle’s ignition ON.
• The third-party ‘emergency start’ device is then disconnected.
• At this point a thief can enter the vehicle and start the car without the key

What is Lexus doing to prevent these types of attacks?

Lexus takes the issue of car theft very seriously.  We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure to help reduce the risk of theft.

In the UK market, an enhanced security hardware was introduced in October 2021 on the latest versions of the models that had previously been targeted by criminals. Since then, we have seen a significant drop-off in terms of successful thefts of those models.

For older models we endeavour to create solutions that can offer enhanced protection to our customers.  We cannot divulge the precise nature of the imminent security enhancement; should we do so we risk offering information into the public domain that could be of interest to criminal parties.

The intention is to make the security enhancement available to all vehicles where a countermeasure is available. 

In October 2021 (introduction of NG NX), a new security platform started to be rolled out. There are no reports of theft using the CAN bus injection method on any model with the new platform.

What models are known to be targeted by this issue and are newer models affected?

The model primarily targeted is the Lexus RX Gen 4. Other models have also been targeted.

Which Lexus models can be fitted with the enhanced security feature?

It can be fitted to previous generation RX, NX, plus ES, LC, LS, RC, GS, UX and UXe

Which models are affected by year?

When did Lexus first become aware of the vulnerability in the security system?

It is not so much vulnerability of the security systems but more so the growing rise in criminal gangs targeting vehicles for ‘cannibalisation’ and / or complete theft. Instances appear to have been rising significantly from 2019-2020. There are many factors involved and at a global level. This includes parts of the world experiencing parts shortage which results in targeted thefts to supply vehicles and/or parts sent to countries experiencing trade restrictions.

When is the enhanced security upgrade going to be available and will it be free of charge?

Exact timings are still to be confirmed. We anticipate being able to advise the Lexus Centre network with full details before the end of April 2024. The required enhancement needs to be carried out at a Lexus Centre. Costs are under review and customers may incur a nominal charge.

Are new models such as the LBX targeted by thieves?

While no car can be considered 100% immune to criminal intent, more recent models are equipped with enhanced security systems aimed at deterring CAN bus type thefts.

Given that the rise in this type or car theft has been known for several years in other countries and is growing in the UK why wasn’t I told about this?

Lexus takes the issue of car crime very seriously. To protect customers’ vehicles our approach is not to disclose our vehicle theft analysis data. The sharing of information could enable thieves to find ways to circumvent anti–theft technologies or make some models particularly attractive to some thieves and unnecessarily vulnerable to attack.

Why are Lexus owners not being invited to install protective plates to their vehicles and why were they only supplied to London Centres?

Lexus offers a free of charge VPP (Vehicle Protection Plate) to any RX450h customer.  Every Lexus Centre across the UK has access to this part. Parts were issued to London Centres in the first instance in line with where the demand has occurred, but all Centres can order the VPP. The strategy is however, to focus attention not to the roll-out of the VPP but to a sophisticated vehicle enhancement.

What is the countermeasure and the plan moving forwards?

We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure and reduce the risk of theft. An enhanced security hardware was introduced in October 2021 on the latest versions of the models that had previously been targeted by criminals. Since then, we have seen a significant drop-off in terms of successful thefts of those models.

Also we are able to supply and fit a VPP (Vehicle Protection Plate) to targeted RX models

We endeavour to make available another solution that can offer enhanced protection. Details will follow in the coming weeks. This will be communicated to the Lexus Centre network, which will also be responsible for fitting the enhanced security solution.

Why is there no recall for vehicles susceptible to the CAN bus attack?

Recall announcements in the UK are guided by very specific guidelines as drawn up by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).  To qualify as a recall, the issue must relate to a safety or thermal type issue where there is potential for injury as a result of vehicle manufacture or component failure.  Only in these such circumstances can a recall be announced. 

In recall circumstances, the DVSA will provide manufacturers access to ownership records for purpose of communication.  Instances of theft do not trigger a recall.

Will Lexus pay for damage caused by an attempted theft?

No. This will need to be addressed by the customer and the vehicle insurers. While we understand theft or attempted theft can be highly upsetting and, in some cases, a costly experience, in such instances customers are first and foremost victims of crime.  Lexus does not cover costs associated with criminal activity either under the terms of the warranty or as goodwill.

What is the position with insuring affected models?

As a manufacturer, we stay close to Lexus Insurance colleagues and indeed all motor insurers. We are aware that in many cases, insurance premiums might have increased as a direct result of vehicle crime. We need to refer you to your insurer for further comment.

https://mag.lexus.co.uk/lexus-uk-statement-on-vehicle-theft

While YouTube has more car restorer videos that you can shake a stick at you might just try ALCARLA TECHNOLOGY  from Catalan in Spain. 

Father and Son outfit with workshops that look like operating theaters.   Doesn't matter what car is being overhauled the same process follows if it is a full nut and bolt restoration. Moreover it takes in cars from all around the world.   E.G    a F1 racing driver from Monaco had his Ferrari F355 sent to them if you want a taste of how they restored the car.    Equally they did the same thing to a Vespa Scooter to as new condition.   An old Mercedes 450 SEL was also worth a look from the Far East     Costs must be astronomical but the  filming is first class and also the music they overlay on the videos.     

Hi all, does any of you have a Kyosho Lexus GS (or any other Lexus) die-cast model?

All I can find online do not show enough photos, I am after the physical size, quality of it (Must be amazing for the price they ask for it). 

Can the doors/boot/bonnet be open?

If anyone have model and can attach some photos, it will be great.

Thanks

Just looking at front brake pads for my 2004 Celsior which are the same as the LS430 so first checked on LPD who have them at £78.35 plus £6.95 shipping ( I thought LOC members got free shipping?).

Next Amayama but they are coming through at £81.68 plus £35.17 shipping then add 20% VAT to the total.

Given the more frequent “No Longer Available” and the increase in prices particularly shipping costs I wonder if Amayama was the place to go for cheaper OEM Lexus parts.

Hello. Charlie Alder here. Long time Lexus owner but have not posted for a while. I have a UX250H on a 70 plate. Thinking of getting a Ghost 2 installed and was wondering what experience you kind folks have had with this.

Just received notification my local Lexus dealership now has an on-site bodyshop facility. Based on my experience of their sales and service attention to detail, it should be good..

"We understand the importance of attention to detail and quality craftsmanship when it comes to maintaining your Lexus. Trust us to deliver results that exceed your expectations and leave you delighted with your vehicle's refreshed look.

Thank you for choosing Lexus Swindon as your trusted automotive partner. We look forward to serving you and helping you rediscover the joy of driving a Lexus that looks as impeccable as it performs."

Haven't a clue, there seems to be so many out there.  Does anyone have any experience/recommendations please?  Anything I should watch out for?  Pros/Cons?

https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/lexus-new-luxury-yacht-1235560369/

Obviously inspired by the SC430.

My Lexus NX was stolen from Essex on 13th March 2024 by CAN theft. Yesterday, 27 March, it was found by police and taken in to the pound for forensics. 

But now I have a ton of questions. 

The policeman was with the car when he called and ran through everything in the car and it seems like nothing has been taken - not even my Oakley sunglasses and a few other expensive items. He was describing the contents of the car exactly as i always leave it. I don't even think they opened the glove compartment. So this is all good.

However, he said there is some damage from where they have pulled out wires looking for a tracker. I don't know the extent of this damage and I don't even know where this would be? Does this mean they ripped the dash completely off? I don't know. 

Can this damage be fixed? What about the CAN? I am assuming that the car cannot be driven and I'll have to get it transported to Lexus once released from the pound. 

Then my next concern is insurance - I've already sent them the logbook and keys. The claim is still in process and no settlement figure has been given to me or even discussed yet. Do I get these items back? Do I have to get a new set of keys and start over? Do I need to apply for a new log book? The pound will only release when presented with the logbook, which insurance have so this leaves me confused and very anxious. 

I do want my car back but I have concerns, however even if I didn't want it back, I wouldn't have a choice because it's been found, is this right? 

Has anyone been through this? Any help is appreciated! 

Edit to add: I've also already notified the DVLA. If I get it back, do I have to redo all the on the road bits? I've looked for information on this but nowhere has any clear cut info. 

Question: why can't the Forum filter out scam e mails which quote a genuine thread title and are sent to members who either created the Post or contributed to the post thereby being included in the e mail going to members e mail addresses when  clearly the content  to the Post via the Lexus Forum is actually offering fake documents and fake currency for cash.    I accept the internet is the conduit for scammers to gain access to members but of late this seems to be more and more common even though deletion is the obvious fix.     Do Moderators and Forum Staff not see these scam e mails?   I deleted 6 today all with different thread titles that were all originally a legitimate post and ones I contributed to at some point.     Now I just delete all Forum e mails and sign in to read the latest posts.  

Pictures from the side and rear windows on the CT we have:

Anybody here know if Toyota has kept their promise that they would make all windows 99% UV protected?

Side windows and rear window are having different marking, but what they mean is not easy to find out. At least not for me.

It was promised in 2004 to the Danish importer of Toyota, before Toyota themselves took over and imported the cars, that all Toyota should be safe to drive as they would all have complete UV protection. Should happen as soon as possible, and at the latest 2010 – 2012, for all models. On side windows, rear and sunroof. Windshield was already UV protected on all models then.

Toyota Demark did not import Lexus so I have no idea what was to happen with the luxury brand from Toyota factory.

I have scars enough from surgery to know that skin cancer is not something not to be afraid of.

After updating my 350nx every time I start the car on the screen I have to tick 2 boxes and then tick the agree all to do with multimedia and audio.  Have downloaded from Lexus site privacy and terms and conditions hoping there’s a tick box at the end but it’s endless never got to the end. Have tried phoning Lexus technical and the message says Due to high volume of calls regarding updates there is no one to answer any calls. Makes you wonder 

Not watched the vid yet (edit: well I'm halfway through now).

 but what a gorgeous Lexi that is. Looks 4 door and I note the wheels look same as a Toyota Century. That's the other car I think looks amazing and maybe one day I'll own.

Anyone got either (the above or a Century). How are they to own as a daily driver. My daily is an LS430 and it's lovely.

I am looking to downsize from an XC60 to an LBX, specifically the Takumi derivative. I test drove a design derivative which does not have some features of a Takumi.

1. What do the steering wheel paddles control in a hybrid with CVT gearbox?

2. If you are a registered user, do you still get the prompts to accept the terms of voice/multimedia, etc on start up?

3. Can you get the car to remember the "hold" function

4. Android Auto is wired only (v wireless CarPlay) ... WTF in car released in 2024???  But I see Toyotas now offer wireless AA and Carplay. How likely will Lexus will push a software update to "fix" this

5. How much better is Lexus matrix headlights (AHS) v the standard LED. ( I currently have matrix headlights on my Volvo)

6. Can you disable to beeping when you lock the car. Really why does it have to beep?

Otherwise ticks a lot if boxes for me (real world 60 mpg achievable v 30 mpg on the Volvo. Obviously not a fair comparison as the XC60 is from a class above, but I don't need a big car anymore.

Thanks

I use it for a bigger SatNav screen and it worked a treat for me & will of course do a great deal more. 

Hi,

Is there a way of getting a settlement figure for my PCP without phoning Lexus Financial Services? E.g can you view your account and outstanding balance on-line?

I just want a rough figure to see if if it is worth paying off the finance and saving the interest charges and taking the hit on the GFV rather than handing the car back at the end of the term as I believe the car is worth less now than the GFV in 2 years time. 
Thanks

Paul