4.8

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,000 miles

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problem #1

Feb 162010

ES 350

  • 22,000 miles
Vehicle: 2008 Lexus 350 sedan. Failure: Brakes do not work when there is snow on the ground. ABS braking system pumps but the car does not slow down. I suspect that snow gets into the brakes and prevents them from gripping the wheels. The car is not skidding; it just doesn't slow down. Once the condition starts, it doesn't matter whether there is any snow on the road. Even when the road is clear of snow, the brakes just pump and do not slow or stop the car in a reasonable distance. This condition is true regardless of the speed of the car when the brakes are applied -- any where from 2 mph to 40 mph. The car is leased from Toyota motor credit Corp. They will not terminate the lease early. I have spoken to the dealer where I leased the car; they told me that I should go to the dealer who currently services the car. (we moved from NJ where I leased the car to mass and now use a dealer in latham, NY). The new dealer now says that the problem is that the tires are worn and that is why the ABS system doesn't work in the snow. There are 22,000 miles on the tires and over 5/32 inch of tread. The car was just serviced (on January 25, 2010) by the Lexus dealer in latham, who, at that time, did not say that there was any problem with the tires, and I firmly believe that there is no such problem. The dealer says that it will tow the car to the dealership for evaluation but will not give me a loaner. My wife and I are retirees and cannot be without a car as we live in the country and must get to doctors, market, etc. By car. Please help me terminate the lease.

- Lee, MA, USA