Do you own a 10-12 year old Lexus hybrid? Did several of your dashboard indicator lights just come on? Ugh. Well, we knew this was coming. The Lexus hybrid battery typically fails after 10-12 years (specifically, the large high voltage traction battery…not the small 12V battery). The individual battery cells begin losing their ability to hold a charge – and one by one they drop below the required voltage to operate properly. So what are your options and how should you think about this problem?
The Problem with Lexus Hybrids
Lexus makes amazing cars that last a very long time. Not only that, a renewed (refurbished) high voltage hybrid battery is likely all you need to drastically extend the life of your Lexus hybrid significantly.
And that’s great news! Because a 10-12 year old Lexus hybrid is still very valuable – usually, $10,000+. As a result, you don’t want to get rid of your car when the only thing it needs is a new battery. BUT, there’s a catch…
Did Lexus just quote you $6,000, $7,000, $8,000+ to replace the hybrid battery?
That’s. A. Bummer.
The issue with Lexus hybrid batteries, just like other Toyota hybrid batteries (Prius, Camry, etc.), is that the cost to replace the hybrid battery often comes close to the value of your vehicle.
And now you’re starting to question whether or not that better gas mileage was worth it.
The Problem with Hybrid Battery Diagnostics (P0A80 Code)
Not all diagnostics are the same – they vary from mechanic to mechanic. First, the dreaded P0A80 code is a generic hybrid battery code that requires further diagnosis. For example, what is causing the hybrid battery to fail? Is it actually the hybrid battery? Usually, yes it is; however, sometimes it can be another underlying issue causing that battery to fail – so if you replace your “bad HV battery,” you’re going to end up with the same problem. It’s very important to rule out underlying issues before deciding to the replace the battery, otherwise a battery replacement could end up being a total waste of money.
Also, even if you do need a new Lexus HV battery after, it does not mean that the best option for your vehicle is to actually replace the hybrid battery. We think it’s important to take into consideration the whole health of the vehicle, it’s current value, and it’s realistic expected lifespan when deciding whether or not you want to invest thousands of dollars to get it repaired. Otherwise, any hybrid battery repair could – again – end up being a total waste of money. We give honest assessments of the vehicle, the value of the car, and whether or not it’s worth spending money on a repair.
While most dealerships are honest, they also buy and sell cars – and this is a potential conflict of interest. Lexus dealerships tend to undervalue your hybrid when it has a P0A80 code – and it’s a great way to force you to trade it in. It’s much better to sell or trade-in your Lexus with a good hybrid battery and no P0A80 codes. We recommend that you get a second opinion to avoid any scare tactics (and costly mistakes).
The Motorcells™ Solution
Motorcells™ professionally diagnoses your Lexus from a whole vehicle health perspective, and we can recommend the best type of replacement battery for your used Lexus hybrid: new, renewed, or repaired. New batteries are usually the way to go with lower-mileage Lexus hybrids, since they maintain their value so well. If you have a high-mileage Lexus hybrid or something you don’t think you’ll drive more than a few more years, a renewed battery might be a better option. Repairing your battery is the most cost-effective solution, but it won’t last you as long. The best choice depends on your goals with the vehicle! Regardless of what type of battery you choose,we’ll get you back on the road with a straightforward, no-BS warranty – without the hidden fees.
We are happy to give you free, over-the-phone advice on your particular Lexus make, model, & year. Please don’t hesitate to call us for a second opinion on your Lexus after an initial diagnosis.
You can also call or send us a note to get an exact quote based on your make, model, and year.
Call now to chat directly with a technician – if you have ODBII codes, please have them handy for an over-the-phone diagnosis. We can diagnose the P0A80 code as well as many others.
We currently renew hybrid batteries (HV) for the following Lexus models:
- CT 200H Hybrid Battery
- HS 250H Hybrid Battery
- GS 450H Hybrid Battery
Check our our inventory. If you don’t see your make & model, please feel free to call and ask if we’re able to service your Lexus hybrid’s make/model/year. We update our services on a regular basis.
Motorcells™ is located near Indianapolis, IN and our mobile hybrid battery diagnostic & renewal service covers greater Indiana, including Champaign, IL, Louisville, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and Dayton, OH.
