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2014 Lexus RX450h

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By Research the Car 4 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2014 Lexus RX 450h, formatted for your website.

The 2014 Lexus RX 450h is a popular luxury hybrid SUV, known for its comfortable ride, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 295 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain uses an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). Owners appreciate the RX 450h for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and Lexus’s reputation for dependability. However, some owners have reported issues with the hybrid system, interior components, and certain electronic features.

Electric Motor

Electric Motor 1 and Electric Motor 2 (Hybrid System)

  • Hybrid Battery Degradation/Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, decreased acceleration, error messages related to the hybrid system, and eventual failure to start. The hybrid battery’s capacity diminishes over time, leading to these symptoms.
    • Solution: Replacement of the hybrid battery pack.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Inverter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of hybrid system functionality, error messages on the dashboard, and the vehicle may not start or move.
    • Solution: Inverter replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Engine

3.5L 2GR-FXE V6 Hybrid

  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant leaks, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
    • Solution: Replacement of the water pump and coolant flush.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Timing Cover)
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips on the ground, burning oil smell, and low oil levels. Common leak points are the valve cover gaskets and the front timing cover.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets and resealing the timing cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the location and severity)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • EVAP System Problems (Charcoal Canister, Purge Valve)
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, difficulty refueling, and fuel odors. The EVAP system, responsible for managing fuel vapors, can experience issues with components like the charcoal canister and purge valve.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty EVAP system component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)

  • Transmission Slipping/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Delayed acceleration, hesitation when shifting between drive and reverse, and overall sluggish performance.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid change or complete transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ (fluid change) / $4,000 - $7,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises over bumps, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty struts or shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+ (depending on the location and if replacing in pairs)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises when going over bumps, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of the control arms or just the bushings if possible.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Frozen screen, unresponsive touchscreen, inability to connect to Bluetooth, and GPS malfunctions.
    • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the head unit if the problem persists.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (software update) / $800 - $2,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the power door locks, requiring manual locking/unlocking.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Backup Camera Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Black screen, distorted image, or no image at all when the vehicle is in reverse.
    • Solution: Check wiring connections, replacement of the camera.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: One or both headlights not working, flickering, or dimming. The HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights found in some RX 450h models can sometimes fail.
    • Solution: Bulb replacement, ballast replacement (if applicable), or complete headlight assembly replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (bulb replacement) / $200 - $800+ (ballast) / $500 - $1500+ (assembly)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Power Liftgate Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Liftgate not opening or closing properly, slow operation, beeping sounds, or complete failure.
    • Solution: Adjusting the liftgate mechanism, replacing the liftgate motor, or repairing damaged wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard surface, particularly in hot climates. This is primarily an aesthetic issue but can be unsightly.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or application of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (cover) / $1,500 - $3,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, leaking, or making excessive noise during operation.
    • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, replacing the sunroof motor, or repairing damaged seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (cleaning/lubrication) / $300 - $1,000+ (motor replacement/repairs)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Lexus RX 450h is generally a reliable vehicle, but certain issues are more common. Hybrid system problems, such as battery degradation and inverter failure, can be the most expensive repairs. Electrical issues and interior annoyances like dashboard cracking can also occur. While the RX 450h offers a comfortable and fuel-efficient driving experience, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs. The severity of the problems ranges from minor inconveniences to major system failures.

Lexus, RX450h
Lexus RX450h 2014
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