Lexus Enform going away in 2022- Angry
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This same set of circumstances happened to our home alarm system. We were forced to upgrade the cellular module from 2G to LTE. It required the simple replacement of a $200 device, no big deal. We can all get our feathers ruffled over the changes in technology that are taking away valuable services to which we have all become dependent and accustomed to using but the fact is, this kind of change is the constant. How long has it been since you upgraded your phone? Now, in an attempt to move forward from this, I've been able to install Apple CarPlay as an aftermarket option in my 2017 LX. Why then would we not be able to install a new cellular module in our cars to overcome this loss of service? There has got to be an option. Has anyone heard anything since this thread began a couple of years ago?
Could be a variety of reasons why they havent done it.
1) Planned Obsolescence
2) Licensing issues with the OG vendor and new vendor
3) Team members who designed that project are busy or have moved on from the company
4) Security issue that wont go away with a hardware upgrade.
a) Side note one of my primary concerns with the Aftermarket Android Add-ons everyone seems to be pushing from Social media and forums. The Android OS install these aftermarket companies are installing are homebrew without any LTS updates. They're essentially sitting IOT ducks. Attach your phone, and well thats a bad day waiting to happen.
1) Planned Obsolescence
2) Licensing issues with the OG vendor and new vendor
3) Team members who designed that project are busy or have moved on from the company
4) Security issue that wont go away with a hardware upgrade.
a) Side note one of my primary concerns with the Aftermarket Android Add-ons everyone seems to be pushing from Social media and forums. The Android OS install these aftermarket companies are installing are homebrew without any LTS updates. They're essentially sitting IOT ducks. Attach your phone, and well thats a bad day waiting to happen.
Add another item to our no-user-serviceable-parts-inside, no-right-to-repair, throw-away society, where it is easier to buy a new refrigerator than to repair a broken compressor and where smartphones and tablet computers come factory-sealed without even being able to replace the battery.
Added to that problem is the fact that we have not (yet) standardized automotive infotainment systems, unlike car audio head unit sizes which were standardized as Single-DIN or Double-DIN (ISO 7736) and car audio connectors (ISO 10487). With the standardized head unit sizes and connectors, it was possible to swap out an old, cheap factory-mounted AM-FM radio for one with much more functionality, including a CD player.
If the world's automakers could standardize automotive infotainment (with display) unit sizes, electronic interfaces and mechanical connectors, it is foreseeable that they would become interchangeable and replaceable onboard communications and display computers. But until then, we are stuck with built-in obsolescence with no way to upgrade them.
Added to that problem is the fact that we have not (yet) standardized automotive infotainment systems, unlike car audio head unit sizes which were standardized as Single-DIN or Double-DIN (ISO 7736) and car audio connectors (ISO 10487). With the standardized head unit sizes and connectors, it was possible to swap out an old, cheap factory-mounted AM-FM radio for one with much more functionality, including a CD player.
If the world's automakers could standardize automotive infotainment (with display) unit sizes, electronic interfaces and mechanical connectors, it is foreseeable that they would become interchangeable and replaceable onboard communications and display computers. But until then, we are stuck with built-in obsolescence with no way to upgrade them.
The upside Lexus/TMC PR stands to gain by answering this issue with some sort of hardware fix is quite significant. The number of places I have seen this exact issue raised is too many to count. If they backed off from the remote start subscription rumors, I hope to see a favorable solution in the future.
Since my cell phone is backward compatible from 5G to 4G LTE/3G/2G I would suspect the chip in our lexus's also is. I find it hard to believe a custom 3G only chip was created for Toyota/Lexus in 2017. Even if design was set in stone many years before. 4G LTE started in 2009. Any 4G chipset would be backward compatible to 3G. Due to the high volume and how automated chip Fabs are their would be no significant cost savings to continue to manufacture a 3G only chip. When I learned about the shutdown I thought there would be an announcement of a fix. Either a software update/driver to enable the unused 4G in chipset or use Bluetooth to phone for data instead of 3G. At least all features would not die. If no software fix possible then a board replacement. Replacing the main board in my heat pump is $900. I would think the board in a car would not be much different.
first off, yes it sucks. What cracks me up about all the “I will never buy another Lexus” comments is who will you get? A chrysler, Subaru, dodge, Hyundai, kia, Jaguar, Acura, Audi, bmw, Honda, nisaan, Infiniti, porche, tesla, and Volkswagen. Yup you guessed it. All affected. So angry customers who will buy Lexus will buy Kia who will buy jaguar who will buy...... All thinking a great point was made when really just changing business to someone else who ended services. Whatever you do make sure the next car has 5G because almost all brands are affected by this. Lol
Most 2019 cars are safe. Very few have 3Gin them. Safety connect offers the car crash notification, sos button, and help with a stolen car. Destination assist is directions being sent to the cars navy system. Remote lets you control your car from afar. And dynamic nav lets the nav system update biyearly.
3G networks are shutting down — and that's bad news for your car. Here's why
Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks this year. The planned shutdowns could create a headache for drivers across the country.
How the 3G Shutdown in 2022 Could Screw Your Car
Smartphones are getting faster, but some older connected cars may lose service forever.
www.thedrive.com
Depends on the brand. Seems some brands are offering solutions whether free or paid out of the mess. TMC however is firmly against any solution.
So far, Lexus has done nothing to address this. In fact, it's gotten worse. The Lexus Enform App Suite is no longer usable. All of the prior functions (fuel guide and other applications) are gone. The app simply says some functions are available in the Lexus app. They aren't. Not one of them. Lexus continues to degrade the user experience and devalue our vehicles. My RX 450h was my first Lexus vehicle. Now it will be my last. You've had more than ample time to develop a solution. Instead, it's clear that you don't give a damn about your drivers.
I am furious!!! I have been a dedicated Lexus customer since 1993. I now have a 2017 RX350 in perfect condition and I can NO longer use my remote app for important information due to the 3G issue. It blows my mind that Lexus WILL NOT produce/offer a chip updating these vehicles to 5G! This is 2022!! I will NEVER purchase another LEXUS if they do not come up with a solution for this issue ASAP!!!.
Your outrage is deserved (by Lexus). Their engineers either knew or should have know about the deprecation of 3G. It was well established that 4G and 5G would underpin mobile networks years ahead of the switch. Lexus failed to inform dealers and car buyers that their tech was built exclusively on 3G. They withheld material information, period.
I have been after them for a fix ever since I was informed of the issue (2 years ago or so). They offered no solutions and indicated there were no compatibility solutions available from 3rd parties.
However, in mid-summer, my dealer service coordinator seemed to think something new was in the works.
I hope that's true. As it stands, I've lost all trust in Lexus and am waiting to see if something actually comes. But it's unconscionable that they didn't plan ahead. I worked for an audience measurement company that has been in the cutting edge of mobile measurement for years. Our meters and other technologies were constantly updated to keep up.
Without a fix, Lexus is on the verge of failing affected owners. Do something. Now.
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My car disappeared from the Lexus app today as though we don't even own it any more. I spoke with Enform. Despite the Lexus website saying that the system would work until 10/31/22, mine ended today. No email or written notice. It just stopped. Enform didn't even apologize. They just said that that's the way it is.
The issue here is not as simple as "3G is going away." A replacement phone module would have easily fixed this problem. Like most of you, I imagine, I've been receiving a steady stream of letters, texts, and calls, from my dealership, asking me to trade my 2017 ESh for a new one. NOT ONCE did they mention that the Enform services were being discontinued. I'm convinced that this is because they knew that this pressure tactic, to sell newer cars, would basically be considered an unfair trade practice if they came right out and said that.
This was my 12th Lexus purchased (for me and family) in 18 years, and I've tolerated their technologically-inferior cars because I appreciated the reliability. (They are inferior in terms of their features always being a year or two or three behind even the budget competitors, such as Hyundai and Kia.) But a properly-maintained Lexus should easily reach 200K, so why would I trade in my comfortable, reliable car, at only 5 years old and less than 90K? I'm sure that Lexus finally came up with the answer to that question, by sabotaging the Enform Suite of services.
This situation should have been handled as either a recall or at least an upgrade option for loyal Lexus owners. Like many who have posted here, I am disgusted with Lexus and I have purchased my last one, and I will tell anyone who will listen that the company has engaged in consumer fraud by selling a luxury car with significant safety and convenience features that disappeared, without recourse, after just five years.
The issue here is not as simple as "3G is going away." A replacement phone module would have easily fixed this problem. Like most of you, I imagine, I've been receiving a steady stream of letters, texts, and calls, from my dealership, asking me to trade my 2017 ESh for a new one. NOT ONCE did they mention that the Enform services were being discontinued. I'm convinced that this is because they knew that this pressure tactic, to sell newer cars, would basically be considered an unfair trade practice if they came right out and said that.
This was my 12th Lexus purchased (for me and family) in 18 years, and I've tolerated their technologically-inferior cars because I appreciated the reliability. (They are inferior in terms of their features always being a year or two or three behind even the budget competitors, such as Hyundai and Kia.) But a properly-maintained Lexus should easily reach 200K, so why would I trade in my comfortable, reliable car, at only 5 years old and less than 90K? I'm sure that Lexus finally came up with the answer to that question, by sabotaging the Enform Suite of services.
This situation should have been handled as either a recall or at least an upgrade option for loyal Lexus owners. Like many who have posted here, I am disgusted with Lexus and I have purchased my last one, and I will tell anyone who will listen that the company has engaged in consumer fraud by selling a luxury car with significant safety and convenience features that disappeared, without recourse, after just five years.
My my and I both have ES350s. Mine is a 2017 with only 30K miles on it. My wife's is a 2019 F Sport Edition with 17K miles on it. I am furious that my services are gone. Thank goodness her car still works right (at least for the moment) This is complete garbage and it needs to be fixed.
This really is completely unacceptable. Lexus should have already provided a work around for this problem before completely removing the integral services they so blatantly used in their sales tactics. I fully expect a class action lawsuit. I can own a Kia w remote start but not my Lexus??? REALLY?????
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Yep this is completely insane to me - now I'm stuck in MN with nasty winters approaching and probably will just have to go to a third party to have a remote start installed...very very crappy of them to not come up with a work around the last 3 years. Totally incompetent and lazy!
I was getting no where with Lexus so last Friday I installed a remote starter with cellular module for my '17 RX350. It takes about an hour to do and the install is quite easy, just Plug N Play. I can use the factory remote to start the car with 3 lock clicks or use the cellphone app. The cellphone module uses T-Mobile 4G/5G network and it is MUCH faster than the 3G Lexus used. The GPS locator function is also very fast and shows you precisely where the vehicle is.
Total is about $400 (after coupon) with 1-year free of cellphone/app service. After that it costs $39/year for cell coverage. YES, it sucks that we have to do this but it is better than nothing. PM me if you're interested for the discount code and a word of confident for DIY.
Total is about $400 (after coupon) with 1-year free of cellphone/app service. After that it costs $39/year for cell coverage. YES, it sucks that we have to do this but it is better than nothing. PM me if you're interested for the discount code and a word of confident for DIY.
I would like details as well, please. Not super tech savy so feel free to spell out exactly what I need to do, ask to have installed, where I can get such things installed (happy to pay), lol. I had no idea years ago when I bought my first Lexus how delayed their technology was. My mistake for buying another. There was better technology in the Ford Focus rental car I once drove in 2010!
@F*(KLEXUS - since I can't list the seller website here, send me a PM.
Just installed another one for my brother's 2016 RX350 and this time it took about 35 minutes.....Originally I paid $402 (after coupon) delivered for each system but now with their Thanksgiving sales it's down to $345.
Just installed another one for my brother's 2016 RX350 and this time it took about 35 minutes.....Originally I paid $402 (after coupon) delivered for each system but now with their Thanksgiving sales it's down to $345.