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.
Try wrapping the key with electrical tape. Or spend the $161.
I cannot believe that you are judging a car based on the quality of the Key fob, Get Real!
I have a 1999 Lexus RX300. Both keys literally fell apart. I have to use my valet key. I have written Lexus about this problem. I expressed to Lexus that I never thought I would not be able to start my Lexus because of a failed key. My wife was stranded because the key came apart while in the ignition and she could neither remove the key nor start the car. I had to come to her with pliers to remove the key. We were lucky she was not too far from home or in a remote area.
I agree with the comments regarding the RX300 keys. I have never had this issue with my electronic ES300 key, but our 2001 RX300 key also 'fell apart' on us. We did not abuse our key, either. They are simply not constructed well, and to add insult to injury, they are ridiculously priced for replacement. We simply need a new key-knife and electronics enclosure, but were told that we had to purchase and entirely new key for $215+ from the Lexus dealer. That's just too much for a key, especially considering that there seems to be an underlying design or materials failure. In the relentless pursuit of perfection, the key seems to have been overlooked.
Same issue here with the key fob from our 1999 RX300 - the plastic housing cracked and the metal key fell out. We're using the valet key and hope that it lasts until we can dump the car...
You are not alone with the broken key fob problem, but there is a solution.
Go on EBAY. Search for lexus key fobs and you will find many aftermarket sellers who can cut you a new key with a heavier-duty shell for the fob portion, or purchase just the fob portion itself. I replaced mine with an aftermarket unit and have not had any issues at all since. Some sellers will provide instructions on how to reprogram the transponder to match your RX immobilizer, if you go with the complete new key route, or do a search online. I say this because my dealer wanted several hundred dollars to reprogram through them.
Good luck!
There's a series on this issue at http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21084&hl=key. I got an aftermarket key from lexus-parts.com (a Lexus dealer) for around &65 and they cut the key for free. Then just insert the "brains" from the old key and you're set.
I am searching for a new Lexus shell for my key. It is very frustrating to have a key break in the ignition. I only have one Master key at this time which is taped with black tape. At times the key will not work and that is when it becomes very frustrating. I was hoping that by wrapping the key with the black tape I could baby the key and make it last, but I need to go on and spend the bucks to get a reliable key before I get stranded. A luxury car should not have keys that break!
I have a 2001 lexus rx3oo. The master key just broke off in the ignition. Too bad I did not read the previous comments before I bought this auto. I would not buy another one either. It is kinda hard to drive a car (no matter how great it is) if the key breaks and the ignition won't work with a broken key!!
If you have only broken the casing and the metal key part is still good, you can order another casing from the lexus dealer for around $70.00. I am fixing to go pick mine up now. if I have any problems with it I will comment again.
I just bought a used 1999 Lexus RX300 and found that you can order just the plastic casing on EBAY for around $30 or and entire key with electronics that is suppose to be an improved design over the original to prevent breaking so easily. I have ordered one, but haven't received it yet. I would also suggest not loading your key ring down with 3 pounds of keys to extend the life of the plastic key holder because all that weight is supported by one tiny screw in a piece of plastic.
Hi, we replace broken remote shells for Lexus and Toyota vehicles. We sell new after-market shells that come with a LIFETIME Warranty against breakage, the cost is about $75.00 for the repair and key cutting. Feel free to browse our website at www.a-1mobilelockandkey.com or email us with any questions at Bob@a-1mobilelockandkey.com.
Thanks Rob.
Why is it that your cost is the same as that of Lexus? After all the aftermarket products are supposed to be cheaper...
The reason our after market keys are built a lot better than the original Lexus keys or even the China made keys. $80.00 includes the remote shell, cutting of the key and shipping. Beware of the keys on Ebay, they are cheap, but what do you get for a cheap price... Think about it. Rob 573-395-4001.
If you are looking for good quality replacement keys, shells or remotes for you Lexus try at very reasonable prices http://www.sparecarkeys.com 1-866-350-4199.