If you are looking for the new Override for 2007 and later cars, I have bad news for you. In a sure sign the Legal Department has taken control of the company, Lexus took the Override away but 'forgot' to tell you, the consumer. Lexus has ruined driving for thousands of car owners. To date, almost 1,000 Lexus owners, representing more than $30,000,000 worth of cars have registered their dissatisfaction with us. We promise not to sell or rent your email, but we will tell you when news happens. Join us to help us regain this important feature in our cars and to be notified of developing aftermarket options!
What is the Lexus Override Controversy?
With the release of 2007 models and the 6.1 Navigation software package, Lexus removed the existing 'override' that had been present in their cars since at least 2000. On older Lexus cars a useful series of on screen inputs had allowed the use of the Navigation and Bluetooth Phone systems while the car is in motion. In 2007 - 2009 Lexus vehicles there is no override and the voice recognition is inadequate. You must stop on the side of the highway or take an exit and park the vehicle in order to input a new destination or to search for food, gas, or even a bathroom. In some cases, prospective buyers were misinformed that the override was still present. If you are not yet a Lexus owner, consider that 50% of the people who have signed up to this website would not have bought a Lexus if they had known this limitation was in effect. Lexus has been notified of fraudulent selling practices, customer dissatisfaction with the product and refuses to acknowledge a problem or offer a solution. I received a rebate on the Nav system after many months of hard work. I hope that showing you they paid me will allow others to get a rebate too, but given the implosion of car sales, I won't count on it. Lexus is wrong about this; it is hurting their sales and they owe us all an apology and more.
To summarize:
1. Inferior product. No Navigation screen input while the car is moving-even by passengers.
2. Poor Communication. Lexus removed the Override without telling customers.
3. Poor Customer service. Owner complaints have been stonewalled. Way to go, Legal!
11/11/08 Lexus Sales Plummet!
October sales of Lexus cars are down 40% from 2007. Management wants to find a route out of this mess, but corporate navigation won't work unless the company is completely stopped --bankrupt. Maybe now management will appreciate our wishes to be able to change directions while moving! The mystery of why they continue to alienate their own customer base - the single largest source of future sales- continues.
*10/24/08: Does the new 8.1 Update 'Return the Override'? NO confirmation yet! Rumors are it appears to be some fake being sold as 8.1
**10/15/08: I want to report on recent hardware and software 'fixes' that are out there. First I purchased a hardware override that required installation (not too hard if you are handy) but that did not work on the ES350 - the kits are from Japan and there is no ES vehicle there. More recently, I can verify that the "Override DVD" that includes the new map data and the old 5.1 software DOES WORK using the old override sequence (here). It took all of 10 minutes (you have to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes before the install the new DVD). You can find it sometimes by searching eBay or doing a google search (Click Here for the search) . I will not give information on specific sellers- I don't want to get anyone in trouble. The new DVD appears to the be the 'best fix' - but better to tell your friends to buy an Acura or at least skip the $3500 Nav system if they get a Lexus.
09/10/08: We will be evaluating some reported override kits from China and Japan over the next month. Look for updates as we install and try out these units. In the meantime, keep telling friends about the poor Lexus Navigation system.
09/05/08: LexusOverride.com may be renting a booth at one of the Car Shows this coming year. If you're interested in having it in your town and helping us, contact us.
09/01/08: Lexus confirms 2009 vehicles lack the override. Possible upgrade for 2010.
11/7/07: Lexus calls to explain that removing the override was a 'liability decision' made by 'legal'. But wait! Good news!! There will be a new and improved voice recognition system in the 2009 2010 vehicles. If you own a 2007, or buy a 2008 or 2009 vehicle? Sorry sucker! It seems Lexus doesn't understand how much this is hurting them....
10/17/07: There iswas hope! Toyota promotes Scion guru to head Lexus. Change in attitudes? Sadly it seems the answer is no. . . .
10/08/07: Update: Toyota user gets $95 ticket for stopping on I95 to use his Nav system.. See below.
10/08/07: Update: Lexus calls to say they are sorry I am unhappy, but they will not offer an override. Then they give me the number for the National Center for Dispute Settlement (NCDS). Humorously, I already went through NCDS back in January-April as instructed by Lexus, but then Lexus petitioned to have my case thrown out after three months of paperwork, etc. In the meantime, we continue to get traffic and sign-ups. Keep steering car buyers away from Lexus / Toyota until our cars are fixed and sign up to be informed of potential trade-in's or solutions to the Nav Overrride debacle!
If you want to help restore the Override,
here's what you can do:
1. Sign up to be counted in favor of restoring the override function:
2. Call Consumer Reports 1-914-378-2740 if you agree Consumers would benefit from an article of the Override Controversy by Consumer Reports. Please be nice, CU is our friend that needs to know you think future buyers deserve to be informed of the Override controversy. (So far, CU considers this of insufficient importance to inform car buyers. Call and tell them it is important!
3. Place a review at Autosite , Edmunds, or Consumer Reports .
4. Tell your friends and neighbors how Lexus has ruined the driving experience. They may prefer an Acura, Audi, BMW, Infiniti or Mercedes
Select Visitor Comments: (Click here for Complete Comments Page)
Here are some of the comments we've received about the Override Controversy. To add your comments, sign up now. (Editor's notes follow some comments in Orange)
Am I correct to believe that the upgraded disk, offered by the postcard from Lexus for my 2006 ES330, will remove the override feature? If so, why would anyone by an already out-of-date upgrade when a REALLY NICE Garmin is available for not much more?
I resent the "Big Brother" attitude that Lexus has adopted on this issue. I paid for the car and for the full functionality of the car. I have purchased a total of 6 Lexus vehicles in my lifetime. I will never purchase another vehicle from Lexus. I plan to purchase a new vehicle later this year and I will not even consider Lexus vehicles when making my purchase decision.
Nearly got killed recently merging back from the highway breakdown lane after I was forced to stop to enter the stupid directions. Whoever thought of this as a "safety improvement" is a moron -- my wife was in the car with me and was completely able to operate the nav systems without me getting distracted, but no!, instead I am forced to pull over in a super congested highway, and then risk my life (and that of my wife and 3 children) merging back. PLEASE SOMEONE PAY ATTENTION.
I considered BMW750, MB S550 before I purchased my Lexus LS460. I was greatly disappointed when I realized that a $350 Garmin 360 has more functionality and use than my fancy $3000 state of the art POS navigation system. I speak with an accent so speech recognition is out for me. And even when speech recognition works it only covers address search, what about POIs? If Toyota is so worried about possible law suits, I suggest removing engines from their cars, so people do not drive too fast. Or perhaps shut off the engine as soon as driver begins a conversation with a passenger as to avoid distractions... Some dumb a.. Attorney came up with this policy, probably one of those people who come up with ridiculous warnings on condom packages. By the way, my own home address is not even found on those maps, when I asked for an updated map, I was asked to cough up $325!!! As if that system is so great that it\'s worth that much. It only cost $69 to update a Garmin unit. I just paid 74K for this garbage and my car knows better what I should or should not do? I did call Lexus and demand the refund for the NAV system, of course I got nothing. Anyway, I am on the market for another luxury vehicle right now, and only 6 months ago I was certain that both of my new cars would be Lexus -- NO WAY IN HELL, am I buying another Lexus until this is taken care of. Too bad, it\'s a great car otherwise...
We purchased an RX400H with the intent of getting it fully loaded for all the toys. We traded in our BMW X5 and I must say what a mistake. The suv is fine but locking the NAV should have been explained. I asked the sales person if they fixed that NAV lock problem and he told me yes...they did....he lied and now I don't think I will ever buy a lexus again after this experience. If we pay top dollar for a vehicle...it shouldn't be restricted. (Ed: You, like a lot of owners were misled. That breech of trust will ruin a customer relationship forever. Unless there is some compensation, I suspect that many of you will never purchase another Lexus vehicle.)
I was not informed by the sales person while buying this SUV. It is a waste of investment coughing up $3000 and Lexus disables the functionality. Only options available while Driving: Police Hospital or Dealer. Where in the world would you think Going to a delaer is an "Emergency", what were the engineers at Lexus thinking. If I had known that it will not function the way it was supposed to be like in an Acura, I would not have purchased this vehicle at all. A $200 portable GPS with Bluetooth/MP3 player functions better than this "State of the Art" Navigation system I contacted Lexus and their answer was this is how it works, Bad bad customer service. Lexus is not on my list for the next vehicle that I would purchase. Since they are becoming #1 auto company they think the customer will not go to any other brand. Wrong, there are better brands out there which treat customers better. (Ed: I have had the same customer 'service' experience and it was infuriating. Lexus is headed for a long, slow dive if this is how they treat customers.)
I can control the radio, eat a cheeseburger, read a book, and it is all legal... but i cannot control my navigation - the voice is dangerous, not very well engineered, and causes my passenger to reach over and hit the voice button on the wheel... how safe is that ! Also, the sirius characters only brings like 12 characters, does not scroll, no memorization of favorite artists, etc... now that I think about it, i would NOT have bought this car... and will certainly inform others about the disaster !
I actually got a ticket from a cop on I95 in Maryland for pulling over to use my Nav system. He pulled up behind me when I stopped and put my flashers on. He walked over and asked me if I needed help. I explained that I was trying to put directions in my Nav system and had to pull over to do so. He informed me that he'd have to write me a ticket because I had pulled over on the highway and it wasn't an emergency!!!! It cost me $95 and 2 points on my license!!! TOYOTA! ARE YOU LISTENING!!! IT IS AGAINST THE LAW IN THE U.S. TO PULL OVER ON A HIGHWAY FOR A NON-EMERGENCY!!!! ARE YOU GOING TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY TICKET??? The cop informed me that next time I should go to an exit and pull over off the exit or find a shop/gas station etc at the next exit. My question was, "what if I'm on a turnpike like the NJ turnpike or the PA turnpike where doing that would cost me $$?" His response was, its cheaper than a ticket. Screw you Toyota. I've owned 2 Prius and a Highlander Hybrid. I'm not buying another Toyota unless I find out this problem is fixed. And by the way, my lease is up in March of 2008. I'll be seeing the nearest Honda dealer...
(Ed: At least it was only a ticket and no vehicle or bodily injury from an accident trying to merge)
Good thing Lexus doesn't make Navigation for the Troops in Iraq....
....If Lexus wants to talk about dangerous situations, try merging back on to a 60+ mph highway from the shoulder because your passenger couldn't reconnect the Bluetooth phone system. Same goes for making Nav changes, I'm going to be killed when someone rear-ends my stopped vehicle on the side of the road because of this.....
I found the workaround for the Lexus navigation system restrictions. Its a very inexpensive fix. Its called a MAP. Unfortunately, I hear that in the 2009 models, Lexus is going to have the car only operate when no maps are in the vehicle. This would be a "safety feature".
"I guess the real issues is that Lexus thinks less of it's owners than the competition. Though Toyota build an amazing product, they should fire their North American staff for not being customer service oriented to their high end market...."
"Would definitely not have bought the 2008 RX 350 had I been aware of the limitation."
"Unbelievably stupid policy by what has historically been one of the world's great companies. "
" Interesting that Lexus refuses to comment or assist all of their owners with their common complaints. ... As someone said it is arrogance and that type of arrogance will show up in sales and lawsuits. ( Ed: I received a call August 2 from Lexus Headquarters telling me they were 'sorry' I was unhappy and no, they are not going to restore the override. The new Lexus model should be called 'the Hubris' )
"(I have an) '07 LS 460. Wife has an GX. Also looked at BMW and MB. Chose the Lexus thinking I would go for luxury and convenience. I know the iPod hookup was low tech but thought I could live with it. Probably going to trade for a MB CLS if Lexus doesnt respond. This is not the responsiveness I expected from this brand. "
"I would not have bought the car if I knew...that says it all. It is basically useless to have a navigation system if it cannot be used while driving. The voice command system on the LS 460 is not an acceptable alternative since it is so cumbersome and inaccurate. "
"I can't overemphasize how much it disappoints me that Lexus does not allow one to access Navigation, Hard Drive, and phone features while the vehicle is moving. Isn't it reasonable to assume that if someone is responsible enough to earn the money to purchase this vehicle that they are also responsible enough to utilize an on screen menu in a safe manner?! "
"I wouldnot even consider Lexus if I knew earlier. In fact, I do not recommend anyone purchase a Lexus of a Toyota as a result. "
"The current system without the ability of an override is both
frustrating and dangerous. The voice prompt command system of the RX
400h 2007 nav system is as best marginal, not having the option of the
passenger input to the system while driving can be a greater hazard
than the ability to briefly make changes or input new data. This is my
4th Lexus and my last, I do not want an automobile which will try to
think for me, my poor judgment is one thing, the vehicles is another
which is not tolerable. " ( Folks, we are getting interest from some of the other manufacturers who want to turn loyal Lexus owners into loyal acura/audi/bmw/infiniti/mercedes owners. )
"Lexus has really disappointed me and YES the salesman lied, just like any sleazy car salesman does. The fact is that my car is aware when someone is in the passenger seat, so if the Lexus folks were not so arrogant, they would at least allow the nav and phone to work when someone is in the passenger seat. Also, the folks at Lexus could easily allow us to override with warning messages and legal disclaimers. The legal team at Lexus are weanies who deserve the management team at Lexus. How dare they act like they want to pamper us. I am not going to forget this arrogance when I buy my next luxury car in 2008. "
"The dealer did not disclose the limitation before the sale.My $200 portable navigation system doesn't stop me from using it while i am driving. It's my own responsibility to drive my car safely. Would not have bought the car if I knew...100%... "
" I'm ready to trade in my 2007 LS460L because Lexus cannot even provide the respect their customers deserved. I don't think Lexus would listen to their customers until a class-action suit is filed.. I was completely unaware of the limitation before trading in my S500 for this piece of sh*t! I will never again consider buying another Lexus. " (Ed: We are exploring other avenues. Class action suits may not be the best 'win-win' result we can obtain. )
"It is outrageous to think that it is safer to try and pull over than to have your passsenger use the navigation system. "
" We were looking at The Acura and Lexus and either car would have to have nav. If we knew the limitations of the Lexus we would have purchased the Acura. "
" I am a responsible adult and know when it is safe to use the nav system. Why can\'t Lexus have the overide activated when the passenger set is ocupied,the same switch that activates the airbag. I think that Lexus should let the person buying the car sign a waiver that frees Lexus of liabilty when operating nav system while driving. it really sucks when you are on the freeway doing 75 mph and have to stop and park in the emergency lane and type in the address or poi. I have heldup traffic several time because i am trying to input address while at a red light and the light turns green. I know someone will hack the system. " ( Ed: Hopefully before you are rear-ended at one of those lights. )
"When the system starts, it warns the user about possible dangers and the user has to press 'Agree'. This should be enough of the warning. It should be up to the driver (or passenger) to decide what is the safe use of the system. The limitations to the bluetooth phone system are even more annoying. Why can't I dial somebody from the phone book? Looking somebody in the phone book on the screen is only 1-2 extra buttons comparing to the "speed dial" (which requires 3-4 button pushes anyway). Using the buttons on the screen are far more safe then taking the phone out and dialing using the phone's keypad - which is what the user is forced to do. " (Ed: I agree- the phone interface is a user's nightmare, and the Voice Recognition (VR) reliably gets 9-out-of-10 digits right, which means I am always calling someone with a phone number very close to the person I actually want to talk to. Do you think that distracts me while driving?)
Lexus, are you listening?
We are currently pursuing the following:
Lexus rebate of Nav cost-
Lexus reinstating the Override
A "Mass trade-in" of Lexus vehicles for another manufacturer.
If you are a 2007 Toyota owner with the same complaint, please visit ToyotaOverride.com where you can be counted and also receive updates on your vehicle.
At this time we are *not* hiring an attorney. If you would like to leave your contact information (In the event that changes), contact us here.
Various Lexus user forums have discussed possible remedies:
- Returning the vehicle to Lexus.
- Receiving a rebate for the cost of the Nav system.
- Filing a Class action suit.
- A wire cutting hack that voids the warranty…
- Create a hybrid 5.1 / 6.1 DVD -requires buying 5.1 or it is illegal.
- Hiring a programmer to write new software.
Lexus' change in the car's operation lowers the bar for consumer rights:
- Sometimes it is more dangerous to pull over and stop to use the system.
- Lexus is treating operation of the car like software (even if you buy it, you don't actually own it, you only have a license to use it the way Lexus tells you to use it).
- Lexus made a material change in vehicle operation and potential owners were not notified of that change before buying their cars.
- To sum it up: Lexus is not my mother.