alexbaylor

ok, I checked this out, tried to get the key in to turn, and no luck. I spoke with the dealership, and the service technician indicated that this kind of thing happened, and that the replacement ignition had been modified to prevent this ocurrence. That lead me to believe it was a common problem, so I asked if there had been a recall. "No" was the answer. If a replacement part had been modified you would think that means someone now knows there was a design flaw. Has there ever been a recall on a Lexus though? Pride might be a factor, and really, how good is a recall for future sales? What really makes me think there may be some implied blame by Lexus, is the fact that the repair estimate for this item is less than $450.00, and according to the technician, was made "Affordable". $429 to change the ignition, rekey the doors, and supply new cut keys to the owner. Hmmm, that may be the closest thing to owning up to a defect we'll ever see out of Lexus!

Hi! I have a 2001 IS300, no modifications.  So I turned off my car yesterday, and somehow, when I pulled the key out, it came out at the ACC position. I didn't pull extra hard or anything, just turned the key to the left as usual, and pulled it out.  Now I can stick the key back in, but I can't turn it at all, to the left or right - the ignition is completely stuck in the ACC position.  I called Lexus roadside, they'd never even heard of such a thing happening because the key isn't supposed to come out at ACC.  AAA came, they had no idea what to do.

Has anyone ever heard of this? Is this a simple problem or a serious one??  I'm afraid I'm going to have to get the whole ignition replaced!!  Help!  :cries:

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I'm not sure what to do, but my son called from Waco today, and the same thing happened to him. I did research other Lexus cars which had this problem, and it seemed that rocking the steering wheel while turning the key helped. I sure hope the ignition does not need to be replaced, as one member said it was around $1000.