Hybrid technology isn’t exactly super new but it’s also not old. As a result many potential car buyers feel a bit apprehensive when deciding to purchase a vehicle like the Lexus RX 400h. In particular, I’ve heard people express concern over the maintenance of the hybrid battery. Well, to help you out, I will talk about the Lexus RX 400h new vehicle warranty:

Basic Warranty: This covers repairs and adjustments needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of any part supplied by Lexus, except what is not covered (I’ve listed that last). Coverage is for 48 months or 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first), with the exception of wheel alignment and wheel balancing, which are covered for 12 months or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Hybrid System Warranty: This warranty covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of the 1) Hybrid battery, 2) Hybrid battery control module, 3) Inverter with converter and 4) Hybrid contro module. Coverage is for 96 months or 100,000 miles whichever occurs first.

Powertrain Warranty: This warranty covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of any component listed below except what is not covered (I’ve listed that last). This coverage is for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first:

• Engine - Cylinder block and head and all internal parts, timing belt and cover, flywheel, oil pan, water pump, fuiel pump, engine mounts, engine control computer, seals and gastkets.
• Transmission - Front motor/generators, case and all internal parts, mounts seals and gaskets.
• Front-Wheel-Drive System - Axle shaft, hub, bearings, seals and gaskets.
• Rear-Wheel-Drive System - Rear motor/generator, differential carrier assembly, axle carrier, axle case, axle bearing, axle shaft, seals and gaskets.

Restraint Systems Warranty: This warranty covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of any seatbelt or air bag system except what is not covered (I’ve listed that last).. Coverage is for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first In Kansas this warranty is extended to 10 years regardless of mileage.

Corrosion Perforation Warranty: This warranty covers repair or replacement of any original body panel that develops perforation from corrosion (rust-through) except what is not covered (I’ve listed that last). This coverage is for 72 months regardless of mileage.

Towing: Lexus will provide towing service to the nearest Lexus dealership if your RX 400h becomes inoperable due to the failure of any warranted part.

Emission Defect Warranty: Lexus also warrants that your vehicle was designed, built and equipped to conform at the time of sale with applicable federal emissions standards and is free from defects in materials and workmanship that may cause it to fail to meet these standards. This is in effect for 24,000 miles from your vehicles’s in-service date whichever comes first. The parts that are warranted include:

• Air/Fuel Metering System
  • Air/fuel ratio feedback control systems
  • Electronic fuel injection system components
    • Airflow sensor
    • Engine control module (covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles whichever comes first)
    • Throttle body
    • Other Components
• Air Induction System
  • Intake manifold and intake air surge tank
• Catalyst System
  • Catalytic converter and protector (covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles whichever comes first)
  • Constricted fuel filler neck
  • Exhaust manifold
  • Exhaust pipe (manifold to catalyst and/or catalyst to catalyst)
• Evaporative Control System
  • Charcoal canister
  • Diaphram valve
  • Fuel filler cap
  • Fuel tank
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
  • EGR gas temperature sensor
  • EGR valve
  • Associated parts
• Hybrid System
  • Battery control module (covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles whichever comes first)
  • Battery thermistor
  • Battery voltage sensor
  • Electric vehicle junction box
  • Generator
  • Hybrid battery (see the Hybrid System Warranty above for the specific coverage)
  • Hybrid vehicle control module (covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles whichever comes first)
  • Inverter with converter (see the Hybrid System Warranty above for the specific coverage)
  • Motor
  • System main relay and battery current sensor
• Ignition System
  • Distributor and internal parts
  • Ignition coil and ignitor
  • Ignition wires
  • Spark plugs (are warranted until first scheduled maintenance by California law)
• Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System
  • Oil filler cap
  • PCV valve or orifice

WHAT IS NOT COVERED: Lexus doesn’t cover any damage or failures resulting from any of the following

• Fire, accidents or theft
• Abuse or negligence
• Misuse (i.e. racing or overloading)
• Improper repairs
• Alteration or tampering, including intstallation of non-Genuine Lexus Accessories
• Lack of or improper maintenance, including use of fluids other than those specified
• Installation of non-Genuine Lexus parts
• Airborne chemicals, tree sap, road debris, rail dust, salt, hail, floods, wind storms, lightning and other environmental conditions
• Water contamination
• Tires (tire manufacturers usually provide their own warranty as do the stock tires on the Lexus RX 400h)
• Normal wear and tear (noise, vibration, cosmetic conditions and other deterioration caused by normal wear and tear)
• Maintenance expenses for regular tune-ups etc are not covered
• Vehicles with altered odometer
• Vehicles with unknown vehicle identificatin numbers
• Salvage or total-loss vehicles
• Incidental damages associated with vehicle failure (lodging costs, rental car fees, telephone calls etc.)

As you can see, Lexus provides one of the industry’s best warranties. I hope this information provides you with peace of mind before buying an RX 400h.