2000 Lexus RX300 review from North America

My keys continue to break open. The first time this happened the electronic part fell out on the sidewalk after I got out of the car. I was able to find it and tape the two halves back together. That key was replaced because it happened before the warranty was up. The next time it started to be loose, I mentioned it to the dealer's service man and he said they had had trouble with the keys. He snapped my key and broke it and then ordered me another one for free. Not even one year later, that key fell apart in the ignition while I was driving and the electronic part fell to the floor. I called to get a replacement and was told that there were no problems with the keys and the dealer would discount it and only charge me $161 for a replacement. I called Lexus national customer service and the representative refused to replace the key. He said that dropping the key or temperature changes would cause this, but Lexus national had made a final decision that they will not fix the keys.

The car runs fine, but I would not buy another Lexus for want of a reliable key. I don't abuse my keys as implied by Lexus. Other manufacturers keep the electronics and keys separate and don't have this problem.