WipeOut

I sold my RX450h six months ago due to the ongoing lack of action to secure it adequately from CANBUS attacks, resulting in excessive insurance costs and uncertainty as to whether I would return to my car once parked. I now have a Honda CR-V 2.0 Hybrid, which is just as good, if not better, than the RX350h. It has a lower list price, a 5-year warranty, roadside assistance, and servicing included, and is very well specified. I am very happy with the car and won't be in a hurry to return to the Lexus brand after their lack of effort to protect their customers from CANBUS vulnerabilities.

Thanks for the review. I spoke to my dealer about a test drive and he put me off saying the fuel economy was terrible. 33-34 mpg seems reasonable but I don’t know the driving style that achieved it. He said mid 20s! Could you give me more of an idea of your experience and driving style? Thank you

Sounds reasonable. Nearly four years ago and elderly drive with dementia drove in the side and hit two doors. One needed replacing, the other was repairable. Total bill back then was about £6k. I recall the insurance company of the third party wanted to reduce the bill and cut corners, and I had to stand my ground.

No marking on the vehicle. Marking may cause them to come better prepared with power tools that may overcome the anti-theft plates, or try other methods to access the CAN bus and leave much more damage. I am willing to accept some broken clips and maybe a piece of trim.

So I've had the anti-theft plates fitted today. They're fitted to both sides. I don't want to say too much or post photographs for obvious reasons, but looking at the fix, the scrotes are going to have a much tougher time. It's taken time for Lexus to get there. But credit where it is due they've got a solution to this for an out of production car. They've collected the car, fitted the plates, and returned in clean. Let's hope this helps greatly reduce the number of RX450h thefts.

Over 4.5 years I’ve averaged 37mpg.

Mine is booked in for next week for the security plate to be fitted FOC.

Talk to Lexus UK and complain. They've offered to fit if free of charge to my car, and collect return the car.

Lexus Reading do know about it, I've spoken to a few there about it. I suspect you spoke with Pinocchio!

Thanks for all the comments. I am no expert but the auto electrician who came around seemed very knowledgeable about the CAN Bus attack. I’ve got an isolator / kill switch fitted on the Smart Entry system. It’s not perfect but with Stop Lock Pro it’s one more level of defence.

Consumers Act 2015; this letter I wrote seems to have got Lexus a bit more focused on the issue. I've now had an kill switch fitted and pledge to fit the prototype armour. They've not agreed to a CAN bus immobiliser. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives me rights when I buy a product that it is fit for purpose, as described and in satisfactory quality. It has come to my attention through reliable media reports that my Lexus RX has an easily exploited security vulnerability due to a non-encrypted CAN bus network, which is easily accessed by hand prying open the bumper and wheel to expose a front headlight connector, overriding the immobilizer. My Lexus now has the unenviable boast of entering the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK, according to the Telegraph newspaper, with associated increased insurance costs and difficulties. The security evidently isn’t fit for purpose, as described or of a satisfactory quality. I’ve discussed this with my local garage, and they mistakenly think this is my problem. I am temporarily using an additional steering wheel lock, and reducing use of my car, but this isn’t a proper resolution. The way to resolve this issue would be to upgrade the CAN bus with encryption and protect the vulnerable access point. I’ve investigated myself and have recommended to me by a specialist an additional CAN bus immobilizer (Approx £500 for a Ghost system). I would like you to cover the costs of this additional security or advise on what other measures you are planning to take and the timescales. If I don’t get a satisfactory response, I may install the additional immobilizer myself with a protection / armor for the entry point, and additional out of pocket costs related to theft insurance, and pursue the costs through a small claims court.

I've fitted the Yokohama Geolander and there a good allround tyre, reassuring in snow and ice.

Ouch, you would expect them to last longer than 5 years.

I reported when the car was two years old a creaking noise over speed ramps which they then thought was the tailgate and greased the latch. The creaking noise remained. The car has just had its four-year service. I asked them to inspect the rear suspension and was told I would have to pay £168 for an inspection on top of my service. I reminded them that checking the suspension was part of the service I was already paying for. After an email to principle of the dealership they agreed to waiving the £168. The rear trailing arm and bushes where lubricated at the service. Suprise, surprise the creaking has stopped. I wonder if this is a weakness of the car. I would expect this to be covered under the Lexus Relax warranty, else how can you relax.

Well done on getting them to cover the panoramic sunroof, must be a relief for you. You would think the case for the suspension arms to be covered would be stronger than the sunroof!