2012 LEXUS RX350 Owners Manual

Quality Control You may have noticed a few miles on
the odometer when you took delivery
of your Lexus. This mileage is a result
of the comprehensive process used
to ensure the quality of your vehicle.
This process includes ex t ensive
inspections during and after production.
The final inspection takes place at the
selling dealership and includes a
road-test conducted by a trained
Lexus technician.
If you’d like to know more about
Lexus quality-control procedures, ask
a Lexus dealership service consultant.
Vehicle s ervice HistoryWhen you have your vehicle serviced
at a Lexus dealership, your service
information is recorded in the Lexus
National Service History database.
This is the first database of its kind in
the automotive industry. It can be
accessed by any Lexus dealership in
the United States — a great conve-
nience if you relocate or need to have
your vehicle serviced while traveling.
Vehicle s ervice Agreements
If you plan to keep your vehicle for
several years or if you accumulate
mileage quickly, you may want to
purchase a Lexus vehicle service
agreement. These agreements cover the cost of specific repairs beyond
the factory warranty period. They also
cover services such as towing, substi -
tute transportation and lodging to
minimize your inconvenience should
your vehicle require repair. Lexus
vehicle service agreements are
available with a variety of coverage
options. A Lexus dealership sales
consultant can help you select the
plan that’s best for you.
Body r epairsIf you’re involved in a collision, you
want your vehicle to be returned to
its pre-accident condition when
repaired. That’s why it is important to
make sure repairs are made only with
Genuine Lexus Parts. Some repair
shops and insurance companies may
suggest using imitation or salvaged
parts to save money. However, these
parts do not meet Lexus’ high stan -
dards for quality, fit and corrosion
resistance. In addition, imitation and
salvaged parts (and any damage or
failures they may cause) are not
covered by any Lexus warranty.
The best way to ensure that your vehicle
is repaired with Genuine Lexus Parts
is to take it to a Lexus dealership. Each
dealership works with selected collision
repair centers that meet Lexus’ strict
requirements for training, equipment,
Other Benefits and Assistanceo the R b ene F it S A n D A SS i S t A n C e
Amenities
7

o the R b ene F it S A n D A SS i S t A n C e
quality and customer satisfaction.
These repair centers use Genuine
Lexus Parts exclusively in the repair
of Lexus vehicles.
The s mart Key Your Lexus vehicle was made with
two “Smart Keys” and an aluminum
key-number plate. Each Smart Key
includes an electronic main key that
has an integrated mechanical backup
key. The electronic key controls the
remote-entry and theft-deterrent
systems, enables the push-button
start switch and controls the engine
immobilizer. The mechanical key can
be removed from the electronic key
and used to operate the driver’s door
lock, the glove box lock and the trunk
lock (if equipped).
r eplacing the Key
Your Lexus dealer can generate
replacement keys. Certain bonded/
registered locksmiths may also be
able to generate replacement keys.
When ordering a new key, bring all
keys for the vehicle to your dealer -
ship. If a Smart Key or the key-
number plate is not available, a Lexus
dealer or certain locksmiths can
obtain the key code from a restricted- access database. These businesses
can also access a service utility to
register the keys to the vehicle if all
registered keys have been lost.
If you lock your key in your vehicle
and do not have a spare, your dealer
can make a new mechanical key from
the code on the key-number plate.
Certain bonded/registered lock -
smiths may also be able to generate
a replacement mechanical key. If a
Lexus dealer is not available, please
refer to www.aloa.org to find a
bonded/registered locksmith who
performs high-security key service.
Keeping the Key s afe
Replacing a Smart Key may be costly.
We advise you to keep a spare Smart
Key and the key-number plate in a
safe place. If you record the key
number in more than one place, do
not record it in a way that can be easily
identified and associated with the
vehicle. For example, don’t leave the
number somewhere that can be
accessed by a valet. It is wise to keep
a copy of the key number outside of
the vehicle.
Other Benefits and Assistance8
Amenities

Both Lexus and your Lexus dealer are
dedicated to serving your automotive
needs. Your complete satisfaction is
our first priority. Should you have a
problem or concern, please take the
following steps to ensure the quickest
possible response:
Step 1
Discuss the situation with a dealership
manager, such as the service manager
or customer satisfaction manager.
If necessary, ask the dealership owner
or general manager for assistance. In
most cases, a satisfactory solution can
be reached at this step. Step 2
If the dealership does not address
your concern to your satisfaction,
call the Lexus Customer Satisfaction
Department at (800) 25-LEXUS
(800/255-3987). In Canada, call
(800) 26-LEXUS (800/265-3987).
In Mexico, call 95-1-310-328-2075.
You may also write to us at:
Le xus Customer Satisfaction
Department
P.O. Box 2991
Torrance, CA 90509-2991
Whether calling or writing, please
provide the following information:
• 1 7-digit Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) found on the
vehicle registration paperwork
and on the certification label
located inside the driver’s
door jamb
• C urrent vehicle mileage
• N ame of your selling and
servicing Lexus dealerships
• Y our day and evening
telephone numbers
Introduction 9If You Need Ass I st AN ce
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Step 3
If your concern has still not been
resolved to your satisfaction, Lexus
offers additional assistance through:
National c enter for d ispute
s ettlement (N cds )
P. o . Box 457
Mt. c lemens, MI 48046
(866) 272-4872
Important: You must use NCDS prior
to exercising rights or seeking remedies
available to you through a court
action pursuant to the Magnuson-
Moss Warranty Act. In addition, you
must use NCDS if you are required to
do so prior to exercising certain rights
or seeking certain remedies available
under the Lemon Laws of your state.
See the Lemon Law Guide for specific
requirements applicable in your state.
However, if your state law permits and
if you choose to exercise rights and
seek remedies that are not created by
the Act, you need not use NCDS. NCDS Arbitration What is the Dispute Settlement
Program?
This program consists of local profes -
sionals who are trained and experi -
enced in arbitration. The arbitrator(s)
appointed by NCDS will arbitrate
your case by reviewing the facts you
present; having the vehicle inspected,
if necessary; and promptly rendering
a fair and equitable decision.
How much will it cost?
The service is provided at no cost
to you. It is part of Lexus’ effort to
promptly and equitably resolve your
concerns. The decision maker is an
impartial third party. The decision of
the arbitrator(s) is binding on Lexus
but not on you.
Introduction10 If You Need Ass I st AN ce
WARRANTY

What types of disputes
are eligible?
NCDS resolves disputes involving
Lexus product reliability and warranty
performance that arise during the
greater of 1) four years or 50,000
miles from the vehicle’s in-service
date, whichever is earlier; or 2) the
appli c able provision of the Lexus
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
However, NCDS will not arbitrate
1) claims involving a vehicle used
primarily for commercial purposes
unless the Lemon Laws of your state
cover vehicles used for commercial
purposes; or 2) claims that an air bag
failed to deploy or deployed when
it should not have; or 3) disputes
regarding fires and/or accidents
and/or theft. Since there are other
additional exclusions, please contact
NCDS for further information on
eligibility guidelines. You must file a
request for arbitration with NCDS
within six months of the expiration
of the eligibility period, provided
the concern or alleged defect was
brought to the attention of Lexus
or one of its dealers during the
eligibility period. How long is the arbitration
process?
The entire process — from the time
NCDS receives your request for arbi -
tration to the arbitrator’s decision —
is designed to take no more than 40
days. A decision may be delayed if:
• Y ou fail to provide certain
information required by NCDS.
• Y ou fail to make your vehicle
available for inspection by
NCDS in a timely manner (if
an inspection is required).
How do I request arbitration?
To initiate arbitration, you must
complete an NCDS customer claim
form and mail it to NCDS. A claim
form is included in the Lemon Law
Guide located in your vehicle, or
you may request a form by calling
NCDS at (866) 272-4872. When
you call, please have ready your
vehicle identification number (VIN),
the names of your selling and
servicing dealerships, and the
current mileage on your Lexus.
IntroductionIf You Need Ass I st AN ce
WARRANTY
11

In addition to completing the customer
claim form, please provide NCDS
with the following information:
• V ehicle year, make, model, VIN,
mileage and date of purchase.
• A b rief description of your com -
plaint and the actions you have
taken to resolve it.
• W hat action or remedy
you believe would resolve
your problem.
If you are seeking reimbursement for
repairs or incidental expenses, please
provide copies of applicable receipts.
Send your request to:
National Center for Dispute
Settlement
P.O. Box 457
Mt. Clemens, MI 48046
Upon receipt of your request, NCDS
will contact you regarding the status
of your case and supply you with
additional details about the program. How does the arbitration
process work?
When NCDS receives your request,
it will be forwarded to the Lexus area
office for response.
At the request of either party or the
arbitrators, NCDS may schedule a
technical inspection. This may include
an inspection of the vehicle by an
independent tech nic al expert with
a Lexus representative present. The
technical expert will forward his or
her evaluation to NCDS.
An oral hearing will be held prior to
a decision being rendered. At this
hearing, all relevant evidence is
admissible. You and a Lexus repre -
sentative will present both sides of
the case to the NCDS arbitrator(s).
You will each be given an equal
opportunity to give testimony and
provide documents. Then you
will each be given an opportunity
for rebuttal. After considering all
testimony and documents, the
arbitrator(s) will review the applicable
legal standards and render a decision
within 10 days.
A settlement satisfactory to all parties
may be negotiated at any time during
the process.
Introduction12 If You Need Ass I st AN ce
WARRANTY

What types of decisions are
rendered, and how do I know if
Lexus will abide by the decision
of the arbitrator(s)?
Arbitrated decisions are based on
what the arbitrator(s) believe to be
fair and equitable after applying
the appropriate legal standards.
Remedies include but are not limited
to repairs; reimbursement for repairs
and incidental expenses, such as
towing costs; and repurchase or
replacement of your vehicle.
The decision of the arbitrator(s) is
binding on Lexus but not on you.
Lexus must comply with the decision
shortly after it is rendered, usually
within 30 days of your acceptance
of the decision. NCDS will contact
you within 10 days of scheduled
compliance to ensure that Lexus
has complied in a timely manner. Are there limits to the scope
of arbitrated decisions?
Arbitrated decisions do not include:
• Attorney fees
• Punitive damages
• Multiple damages
• C onsequential damages, other
than incidental damages that you
may be entitled to under law
What other recourse do I have?
If you are dissatisfied with the arbitra -
tor’s decision or Lexus’ compliance,
you may pursue any other legal rem -
edies available to you, including small
claims court. You should be aware
that the decision of the arbitrator(s)
is admissible as evidence in any legal
proceedings concerning your vehicle.
Is the Dispute Settlement
Program subject to change?
The information in this booklet
about the program is correct as of
the date of printing. However, the
program may be changed without
notice. Contact the Lexus Customer
Satisfaction Department at
(800) 255-3987 for the most
current information concerning the
Dispute Settlement Program.
Introduction 13If You Need Ass I st AN ce
WARRANTY

You have purchased one of the
finest vehicles built in the world today,
and it is backed by one of the finest
warranties in the industry. This excel -
lent warranty coverage demonstrates
not only our confidence in Lexus
vehicles, but also our commitment to
every Lexus customer. We’re dedicated
to ensuring that you enjoy exceptional
quality, dependability and peace of
mind throughout your ownership
experience.
To further demonstrate our commit -
ment to our customers’ satisfaction,
occasionally we may establish a
special policy adjustment to pay for
specific repairs that are no longer
covered by warranty. When we
establish such a policy adjustment, we
mail details to all applicable owners
on record. That’s why it is important
to send in the card at the back of this
booklet if you change your address
or if you have purchased your Lexus
from a previous owner.
You’ve made a wise decision to pur -
chase a Lexus. Your vehicle delivers
world-class luxury and performance, along with an unparalleled commit -
ment from Lexus to ensuring your
satisfaction. You can be confident — as
we are — that you’ll enjoy owning your
Lexus as much as you enjoy driving it.
All warranty information is the latest
available at the time of publication
and, with the exception of the emis -
sion control warranties, is subject to
change without notice.
Introduction14 t he Lexus c o MMI t M e N t
WARRANTY This section of the Warranty and
Services Guide describes the
terms of Lexus warranty cover -
age as well as general owner
responsibilities. The section
be g inning on page 39 describes
your vehicle’s maintenance
requirements. Be sure to review
this information carefully, since
proper maintenance is required
to ensure that warranty coverage
remains intact.