Oil leaked substantially while driving on the Highway. As we were slowing down on WB I-94 due to construction, our red oil light was on, and then flashing. The car was driven for about 1.5 miles from the initial lit to a safe location (local Honda dealership) where it was determined that the vehicle was no longer drivable. Engine light and all other warning lights were also on as we arrived in the Honda service garage. Upon inspection, 4 quarts of oil were lost and Lexus service center later confirmed that the rubber oil cooler tubes were broken and had to be replaced by the metal ones. Both Lexus Service & Lexus Corp had confirmed that the defective parts for Lexus RX350 year models 2007 - 2011 were installed. They later issued a campaign to have them replaced with the metal tubes. The incident was quite a safety hazard to us (my wife and I) because had we maintained our normal highway speed, there could have been a catastrophic engine failure due to low or no oil. If this happened at night, we would have been stranded on the highway and in the worst case scenario, the engine would have blown up and could have caused fire. After filing a complaint with Lexus Corp and seeking reimbursement for the repairs, Lexus refused to accept the claim, saying that my car was out of warranty. They claimed that notices were sent out, but we never received such notices. The initial representative said the notice was sent out September 2014, but the case manager later said it was October 2015 (very inconsistent here). Meanwhile, I had another recall service done on April 4, 2016, which overlapped with their extended warranty campaign period (01.31.16 to 03.02.19) for these defective tubes, but we were never notified about this. The fact that Lexus did not issue a recall campaign for this is erroneous. Sudden catastrophic engine failures or potential failures is definitely a safety concern. This issue has been documented widely online and is prevalent within the Lexus community.

- Caledonia, MI, USA

I have had my 2009 RX350 serviced regularly at Lexus of Maplewood. When I had it routinely serviced earlier this week, the service representative told me that I need to replace the oil cooler hoses with updated pipes and gaskets to prevent an oil hose failure that could cause major engine damage. The cost of this repair will be $595.90. In researching this problem online, it appears that this risk was identified early in the life of this generation of vehicle and the hose was replaced with another rubber hose. Now, the service rep is recommending replacement of the hose again, this time with a metal pipe. There are multiple reports online of 2009 RX350 owners who have experienced the leaks and loss of oil, oftentimes resulting in major engine repair. My vehicle only has 111,000 miles on it. I reported the problem to Lexus, but they claim the vehicle is beyond any extended warranty. A major spontaneous oil leak and subsequent engine freeze up while driving on the freeway could be catastrophic.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

Rubber oil cooler line developed a leak causing loss of most engine oil within a day. This is a known defect to Lexus who replaces this part with a metal part. However, Lexus has gotten away with a limited time extended warranty when they should be required to recall all vehicles and fix this known defect. To further harm the consumer, their repair book time is five hours when the actual repair time is closer to one hour for one mechanic! my repair costs were close to $1,000!!! Lexus should be required to recall all affected vehicles and fix this part at no cost to the consumer.

- Burke, VA, USA

The oil cooler line is made from rubber and failed. This failure led to the loss of all engine oil and can cause catastrophic engine damage. This happened while car was in motion on a city street.

- Midland, TX, USA

Noticed huge puddle of oil under car after parking in driveway. Had car towed to Lexus dealer. Found oil cooler rubber hose ruptured. Replacement line is now constructed of metal. This appears to be a common issue on these vehicles as evidenced in various Lexus forums.

- Tinley Park, IL, USA

Upon arriving home and parking in my driveway, a trail of oil lined my path. As soon as it was in park, oil began gushing out into a puddle under the car. Upon further research, it was found that Lexus had issues with the oil cooler hose used during manufacturing, being rubber and leaking or bursting. The vehicle was towed directly to the nearest authorized Lexus dealer. Upon contacting Lexus corporate in regards to the issue, they stated that they had issued and extended warranty for this problem, that expired in December of 2018. Since the issue occurred after the expiration date, there was no assistance available. My concern is, that this is and should be a safety recall, due to the nature of the problem. Had I been driving on the interstate, which I commonly do, this could have caused an accident, engine failure, and worse, a fire. Please, please, please issue a safety recall for this issue. It is absolutely a matter of safety.

- Newton, IA, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. While at a fuel station, the contact was alerted by another person that there was oil leaking under the vehicle. The contact had aaa tow the vehicle back home. The vehicle was then towed to Lexus of rockville centre (700 sunrise hwy, rockville centre, NY 11570, (516) 665-0166) where it was determined that a hose was leaking oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 92,000.

- Rosedale, NY, USA

In motion.I repeatedly asked for the paperwork stating the full vehicle inspections completed and my contract but firsttx Honda sales refused. Responded but alerted the sales rep after going in person for the paperwork. Inspection paperwork to match their word. From my research this common issue has been ongoing for years back prior to my purchase in Nov 2017. Over a week ago the car suddenly splashed massive oil everywhere while driving long distance (have pic). Spoke with Lexus austin dealership service dept and immediately they knew the issue but referred me to corporate office. Recall dept also immediately identified the problem and advised me to seek mechanic. Because the warranty enhancement vzl for free repair by Lexus expired Feb 2019 this year. Therefore, it's no longer their responsibility to repair this ongoing common problem with Lexus rx 350 Lexus I'm stranded plus, I have a finance ca that will also negatively affect my credit rating due to this ongoing common problem Lexus and first tx Honda fail to own responsibility. The car cannot be driven at all due to life threatening, . yet somehow, I'm placed in the position to pay repairs (with money I don't have) finance note for Lexus and/or wherever else erroneous behalf. It's not my fault this problem occurred after the Feb 2019 expiration date for Lexus to take full responsibility and repair. However N website:https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/Lexus/rx-350/owners stating, ' Lexus is also offering free replacement of the variable valve timing (vvt-I) oil supply hose for 2007 through 2009 models until December 2021'. although Lexus is unaware and still refuse to take responsibility of this issue. There needs to be some type of manually override to repair this ongoing Lexus for free. Plus reimbursed tow fees, any other costs pertaining to this issue, etc. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Pflugerville, TX, USA

My car never leaked oil, and no sensor lights were on. Regular maintenance was performed on the car. While I was driving on the freeway on cruise control about 70 mph (2,000 RPM) engine suddenly revved up to 3,000-3,500 RPM. I was able to exit the highway within 0.25 miles, the oil pressure sensor came on at the end of the exit ramp. I drove approximately 100 yards away from the exit ramp to reach a side street and by then the car was barely moving, it was very difficult to turn the steering wheel, and several other sensor lights were also on. I had the car towed to a service garage that told me the oil coolant lines had leaked causing the low pressure condition in the engine. After the technician replaced the oil cooler lines and performed an oil and filter change they found "large quantities of metal shavings in oil filter cartridge indicating internal damage of engine." Severe internal engine damage has occurred and engine needs to be replaced. In my experience, it seems that a large quantity of oil was lost very quickly, and if I had not been able to exit the highway within a matter of seconds the car could have seized up and I could have gotten in an accident.

- Cleveland Hts, OH, USA

I just bought car and 5 days later the oil cooler line failed and I lost all oil. If this was handled as a recall (I searched for recalls before purchasing car) it probably would have been taken care of already, at the very least I would have known to get it done. Lexus extended warranty is 150,000 miles unfortunately mine has 152,400, so they are denying coverage.

- Princeton, IL, USA

Oil coolant manifold. Rubber hoses which are high pressure hoses burst. Engine issues afterwards due to immediate and extreme oil loss. Driving at 55 mph on highway. Lexus dealer stated the replacement part is on "national back order, more than 3,000 units". I have had the vehicle fixed as it is a primary vehicle for my family. Lexus states they will not reimburse unless it is fixed at a Lexus dealer....though they do not have the replacement part! no loaner was offered. Cost $321 for aftermarket part. There is a service campaign on this issue; sczlc as of 08/01/2014, obviously they are aware of an issue.

- Lexington, KY, USA

The oil cooler manifold which has rubber hoses leaked completely out. The new parts have a solid metal hose, not rubber! I believe Lexus obviously knew the rubber hoses were a cheaper method of cooling, though they are "high pressure" and should have been metal at the time of manufacturing the vehicle! I have seen blog after blog of people with the same issue. Oil all over my driveway and again, I believe the motor has been damaged due to driving home (unaware there was an issue) until I saw the oil everywhere underneath and on the side of the motor.

- Lexington, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. While driving 50 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil cooler pipe failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 06/01/17 the consumer stated the vehicle was not included in the warranty. Updated 10/18/2017

- Houston, TX, USA

I saw white smoke in my rear view mirror while driving on a street. No engine lights appeared. I had been driving on the freeway a few minutes earlier. I pulled over and called my Lexus dealer, who regularly does my maintenance. I had car towed to dealer, who said it was the vvti oil cooler hose and it would be covered under warranty. Next day, dealer tells me they replaced the vvti hose but it was still leaking. It was a different rubber oil hose and would not be covered under warranty. I am not happy. I see that this has been a problem with Toyota and Lexus so why didn't my dealership replace the vvti hose during a routine oil change and warn me about the rubber hose problem, so I could replace it with a metal one before it leaked. I hope there is no engine damage.

- Friendswood, TX, USA

Water pump failed on 2009 lexux RX350 at 61500 miles and just 4 months over the powertrain warrenty. Lexus declined the claim. Engine overheating caused head gasket failure and warped cylinder head. 1.as per local mechanic who replaced water pump, there were indication of coolant leaking from water pump seal and it must be leaking for quite long time, even when vehicle was under warranty. There was enough volume of coolant when this incident happened, indicates that leakage was very minor and my not appear on the floor where car was parked. 2.water pump is part of powertrain and has no direct influence of driving pattern. Failure of water pump at 61000 miles is very pre-mature and indicate toward inherent problem with water pump quality. 3.safety issue: There were no signs of water pump failure until last moment when it actually gave up and check engine lights came up. There was very little time before check engine lights came on and further damage due to overheating. If it was ignored for couple of miles car would have caught into fire 4.powertrain warranty is 70000 miles or 72 months, whereas cars mileage is 61000 and time since first usage is 75 months (just 3 months over the warranty). Considering close proximity to warranty expiration, Lexus should consider this for warranty extension. 5.this engine series ( 3.5L ) is infamous for cooling system issues and several service bulletins have been issued regarding it. 6.several complains have been filed about the similar problem, where water pump failure and subsequent engine damage

- Bellingham, MA, USA

Water pump failed without any indication of failure. I was going on highway and all of sudden vsc light came up. After driving a mile engine light came up. Since next exit was 3 miles I drove through exist and pull car on safe parking lot. By the time I stopped vehicle, I saw smoke coming out of engine. I had to call aaa and get it towed to local mechanic for primary diagnostic before I towed it over to Lexus dealership 25 miles away. Called Lexus dealership but they refused to cover under Lexus power train warranty ( 72 months or 70000 miles ) just because warranty expired 3 months back even though mileage are still under the limit. Dealership asked me talk to Lexus customer service. I called Lexus customer service and explained the problem asking them to provide goodwill warranty coverage. Literally, the worst people I dealt with. They refused to take any accountability of issue and ask me to go and get it repaired. My bases for asking warranty coverage was due to 1. close to warranty expiration date ( just over 3 months and still under mileage 61,000) 2. fire hazard due to failure of coolant pump without any indication. 3. reputation of Lexus being reliable and dependable car updated 09/14/15

- Bellingham, MA, USA

T-sb-0201-11 from Toyota/Lexus states "some vehicles equipped with 2gr-fe/fxe towing package engines may exhibit an oil seep from the engine oil cooler pipes." This tsb affects Toyota and Lexus vehicles going back to at least 2008-present. This is a major issue, and I feel this should be handled as a recall instead of a tsb due to the severity of the issue if/when the pipe breaks. I recently elected to have my vehicle repaired on my own just so I wouldn't have to worry about this issue happening to me or my wife, and thus blowing up my Lexus rx 350's engine causing thousands of dollars in damages. Seems pretty bad that a recall can be issued for floor mats and accelerator issues, but no recall is issued for this issue which can drain the oil from your engine in a minute, blow up your engine, and then possibly wreck your vehicle. Consumer's engines are now being destroyed, and this is showing up in different online forums. I feel that the NHTSA needs to force Toyota/Lexus to replace all of the defective engine oil cooler pipes with the newer metal ones that the tsb addresses. They should also be forced to reimburse all costs to those individuals that either needed to have the repair done, or decided to have the repair done as preventative maintenance on their own before those pipes burst on their own.

- Oak Forest, IL, USA

Vehicle started leaking oil and within 50 yards lost all engine oil. Toyota dealership found oil cooler pipe had leaked and they had to replace the oil cooler assembly - parts numbers - 15767-31020, 11496-31010, 15785-31010.

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

While driving in the very busy freeway, the car suddenly stopped without any prior warning or any signal. Upon Lexus dealer inspection, the cause was, bolts used to secure the variable valve timing control device can become loose, one of the bolts came out and caused the timing chain to break and it broke the engine head, causing the vehicle to stop while being driven. Lexus has not recalled the rx 350 models, however on September 3, 2013 Lexus has recalled is 350, is 350C and gs 350 vehicles for the exact same reason. My car has always been serviced at Lexus dealer. According to Lexus service department, there was no way for me to prevent this or to know. The sudden stop of the vehicle in the freeway as the result of this engine failure could have caused a major accident which was very life threatening. These engines has to be recalled for inspection and repair by Lexus. Lexus did not accept the fault even though they accepted to pay partial part of the cost of the rebuilding the engine as a courtesy.

- Encino, CA, USA