2021 Lexus RX Exhibiting Black Smoke, Reduced Engine Power, and Exhaust Issues: Seeking Assistance and Mechanic Recommendations

Hey there, Sorry to hear about your troubles. I've got a 2018 Lexus NX and I've run into similar issues a while back. My car didn't exactly puff black smoke, but I did get reduced power and the check engine light with some annoying hissing noise when I pushed on the accelerator. Felt like something was off, you know what I mean? Turns out, the issue was with some damaged cables on the electric changeover valve in my car. It's under the hood, close to the EGR system (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). A bit of a niche problem, I suppose, but the symptoms sure line up right. Not a mechanic myself, but it seems like these issues could be killing the proper working of your EGR system and making your DPF regen go haywire. Don't want to scare you, but yes, it was a serious issue. I don't want to go into the costs, but getting the cables sorted out was a bit of a project, mainly because the electric changeover valve needs to work perfectly for the car's EGR system. Here’s something though, I had a quality mechanic at a shop I trust who knows his stuff about Lexus. He sorted everything out and now the NX runs like a dream again. No more weird noises or power drops; it feels good as new. My advice: Get your car checked out ASAP. Damaged cables or components around the electric changeover valve are no joke; they seriously hamper the performance if not treated on time. Best of luck!

Hey there, Thanks for sharing your experience, that definitely sounds like a similar issue. Damn, I really hoped it wouldn't be anything serious. Do you recall roughly how much those repair costs ran you for the changeover valve fix and the wiring job? Also, you mentioned that once the issue was sorted, your Lexus NX runs like a dream again, but has anything else cropped up since then? I'm just trying to be prepared for any other surprises this repair journey might throw my way. Appreciate your input on this! Cheers!

Hey! No worries, always happy to help a fellow car enthusiast. So, the whole affair, the fix for the damaged cables on the electric changeover valve specifically, it set me back about 155€. The price might vary depending on the mechanic and location, of course. Regarding your second question, interestingly enough, sorting out this issue fixed my disrupted Exhaust Gas Recirculation function too. Since then, the old gal's been purring like a kitten, no problems at all. In fact, it was a bit like hitting a reset button on my Lexus I reckon. Anyway, I'm really hoping that you don't get any additional surprises and it's a smooth ride here on out. Good luck with the repair! Take care!

Hello, Good to know the price isn't as hair-raising as I had initially feared. 155€ seems quite reasonable considering the situation. Even better to hear that it turned out great for your Lexus NX and it's back running smoothly. I'm really glad that you shared this information. You've indirectly become my reassurance during this troubling time. I'm going to rush this to a trusted mechanic I know, and hopefully, the outcome will be positive. I'm hopeful for a similar "reset button" effect as well. Again, thank you so much for your kind advice and well wishes. It's much appreciated. Take care! Cheers!