Front door will not lock with key fob

Could be a bad actuator or wiring issue. Ask your Toyota dealership if they will work on it. Pretty sure it won't be warranty work at the Toyota place.

If the locks will lock & unlock using the buttons on the driver side door, that probably eliminates a door lock actuator as being the culprit -- if that were the case, you'd have one (or more) locks not working and the car would beep 4 times when you tried to lock it. The fob may have to be "synched" back with your vehicle and I believe only a dealer can help you with that.

Lexus is not the quality that used to be between this issue with the door and a flashing control panel all the deal is want to do is talk you into your new car

Did u ever find out what the problem was xraymd? I seem to be having the same issue.

Unfortunately, yes. Each door has an electric motor assembly that triggers the power door lock. The tiny motor in the assembly burns out eventually. I replaced the first one at a dealer for $1000+, I think. Of course, they only sell you a whole new assembly! About 10 days later, the OTHER front door motor burned out! So, this time, I did more research and was able to find the tiny motor on eBay for <$10. I also found YouTube videos that showed me how to replace the motor into the door assembly (which you have to remove to install the new motor and then re-install the assembly. Everything works great though I’m still fuming at the big money I paid for the first one. I can probably provide more details if you have trouble locating the part or information I’m talking about.

Like the other answers mention, the full assembly is called a door lock actuator. HOWEVER, the real issue is a tiny electric motor INSIDE the actuator assembly. The motor is not sold separately by Lexus. I was able to locate one pretty easily on eBay (as a new part) for <$10 delivered. The rest of the actuator assembly is all mechanical and probably would never have to be replaced. The tiny motor is the only thing I can ever see as wearing out.

Oh, like Bob mentions earlier in this thread, if your Toyota dealer will work on Lexus (as many do especially in smaller towns who have a Toyota dealer but the nearest Lexus dealer is far away), they should be able to handle this job easily since I imagine this actuator assembly or one similar is common on comparable Toyota models (i.e the Toyota Highlander vs the Lexus RX series.

I had the same issue over the last few days and the dealer fixed the actuator just to have the same issue happen again the next day. What a joke.

12.11.19 I own a 2012 Lexus RX350. After 7.5 years and roughly 85,000 miles, both front door locks have failed. Replaced last fall for about $1200 at a local Toyota dealership. Online research indicates that this problem is pervasive among Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Just wondering if there is a class action lawsuit/investigation against Lexus/ToyotaUSA involving this specific issue. Owners are being fleeced! BTW: The actuators used in both Lexus and Toyota vehicles are manufactured by Toyota.

I replaced the actuator and it worked fine but then literally 4 days later it's messed up again. drivers door won't lock and alarm will not set?? 2010 rx350

Hello caroadster, Can you provide more details about the part number for the motor and a youtube link that shows how to replace it. Thanks a lot.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DiPjmOhbWwg - this is a very good video on a 2015 RX. There is no difference, really, between the 2010 and 2015 replacement process. Now, he replaces the whole assembly so if you go that route, make sure you have the exact replacement for your model year. That said, I just took out the burnt out actuator assembly and replaced the tiny motor inside, then reinstalled the “fixed” assembly. This video is good for the uninstall/reinstall. I will see if I can find a video on replacing the tiny motor once you have the burnt out assembly out of the door. I had to buy the motor on eBay as Lexus will NOT sell it to you as it is part of an assembly they buy from a 3rd party supplier for new car assembly.

Here is just one link to an eBay listing for the motor: https://www.ebay.com/itm/FC-280PC-22125-10mm-20mm-Mabuchi-Door- Lock-Actuator-Motor-Round-or-D-Flat-Shaft/352608938543? hash=item5219216a2f:m:m79FsbVthlT502DP7dT0dkA

Thanks a lot caroadster. Video on replacing the tiny motor would definitely be useful. My driver side works on and off and the dealer quoted 975+Tax for it. Probably I will try replacing it myself.

Here is a great video on replacing the tiny electric motor in the door lock actuator assembly. This is on a GX but the RX is very similar if not completely identical. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UEr5kAZ1B0k

I think you’re smart for trying the fix yourself. It worked SO well for me and, worst case, you’re out like $6 for the motor. In my humble opinion, that’s worth the risk if my alternative is ~ $1000 dealer repair.

So which motor # / shaft type do you need for a 2014 RX350 driver door?