Smart Key Update

Lexus, A Division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
6565 Headquarters Drive
Plano, TX 75024
(469) 292-4000
Original Publication Date: February 16, 2023
Updated on: May 04, 2023
- Updated to include schedule of second key delivery, refer to
page 2 for details.
To:
All Lexus Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers, and
Warranty Administrators
UPDATE Lexus Smart Key – New Vehicle Production
Lexus has been temporarily limiting Smart Keys to one (1) on select models since November 2022 due to global semiconductor shortages impacting certain microchips. Affected vehicles have been delivered with only one Smart Key and a
second mechanical key.
2 Smart Keys
(Standard Delivery)
Single Smart Key with 2
Mechanical Keys
*The Smart Key shown above is an example and may be a different design depending on the model of vehicle.
This adjustment is temporary, and some models have begun to return to production with two (2) Smart Keys. Other models
currently remain in production with only one (1) Smart Key.:
Lexus is preparing a Second Key Delivery Program to provide guests with a second key as the supply of semiconductors
improves this year. We expect this Delivery Program to launch in phases beginning in June 2023.
Refer to the chart on the page below for more detail
© 2023 Lexus, A Division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
The table below describes the phases currently planned for the Second Key Delivery
Program and the estimated timing of announcement. This table will be updated over
time as more details become available.
Dealers can identify which models were produced with one (1) Smart
Key and which phase a vehicle belongs to using the chart below.
Example: Guest has an LC produced in December 2022. Confirm
the production date of the vehicle against the Start and End
Production Dates in the table below to confirm if the vehicle was
produced with one (1) Smart Key. If so, check the color of the box
corresponding to the model and production month in the table below,
and compare to the Phase summary table to the left. The box for LC
produced in December has a dark green color which means it is part
of Phase 1, which is currently estimated to be announced in June
2023.
© 2023 Lexus, A Division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
As an option for guest satisfaction and/or escalated cases, dealers may goodwill a replacement key. Dealers can order up
to one smart key part number per dealer per day with a valid VIN (ex: 1 NX smart key, 1 RX smart key, etc.). If dealers require
any additional support, they should reach out to their DSPM. This limit is in place to allow Lexus to build sufficient stock to
provide a 2nd key to our guests, as well as wholesale future vehicles with 2 Smart Keys.
Additionally, we can consider goodwill assistance beyond providing a 2nd key for escalated cases.
Until the Second Key Delivery Program is launched, dealers can use the FAQ below to answer questions for guests.
Thank you for your continued support.
LEXUS, A DIVISION OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is causing this shortage?
A.
The global semiconductor shortage is limiting the supply of Smart Keys for new Lexus vehicles. In order to provide
vehicles as soon as possible to our guests, we are temporarily reducing the number of Smart Keys provided from two to one.
We will provide the second Smart Key to guests as they become available.
Q2. Why does this only apply to certain vehicle models?
A.
Some vehicles have a different Smart Key that is not being impacted at this time.
Q3. Which models are currently being produced with only one (1) Smart Key?
A.
NX, RX, RZ450E, LX
Q4. How long will this shortage last?
A.
We continue to work diligently to minimize the impact to our guests. At this time, we estimate that all models will
return to production with two (2) Smart Keys in the fourth quarter of 2023. Depending on the parts supply situation, we are
currently aiming to begin providing affected guests with their second Smart Key in phases beginning in June 2023. Refer
to the chart on page 2 for additional details.
Q5. How is Lexus informing guests about this situation?
A.
First, Lexus will send a letter to guests to formally advise them that this is not a dealer issue but rather a global Lexus
issue. We will apologize for the delay and provide them with rough timing of when they can expect to receive their second
key (see attached letter).
For guests whose vehicle was RDR’d on or before March 31, 2023, Lexus will be sending letters out in April. For all other
guests taking delivery of their vehicle with only one key on April 1st or later, Lexus will send the letter within 30 days of
delivery. We currently plan to send these letters in monthly batches at the end of the month.
Q6. How will Lexus notify guests when their second Smart Key is available?
A.
We plan to notify affected guests by first class mail when second keys are available and ask guests to return to a
Lexus dealer with their vehicle and original Smart Key so dealers can program a new second key and provide it to the guest.
The mailing will also occur in phases, and the timing will be approximately one week after the announcement of each phase.
Q7. Does a guest need to make an appointment with their dealer to get their second Smart Key?
A.
Owners will be encouraged to make an appointment in advance to receive their second key so that the dealer can
order the appropriate key for the guest in advance. However, an appointment is not required if the dealership has the
necessary parts for the guest should they arrive without an appointment.
© 2023 Lexus, A Division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Q8. Do guests need to bring anything with them to their appointment to receive their second Smart Key?
A.
Yes. Guests will need to bring the vehicle and original Smart Key equipped with their vehicle to their appointment.
The original key will be used to program the new Smart Key to the vehicle.
Q9. What if a guest has lost their original key?
A.
If a guest has lost their only Smart Key, please provide them with a second key as a goodwill gesture. For other
extenuating circumstances, please have the guest contact the Lexus Brand Engagement Center for further assistance.
Q10. What if a guest has additional questions or concerns?
A.
If a guest has additional questions or concerns, please have them contact the Lexus Brand Engagement Center at
1-888-255-3987 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time.
Q11. How will my dealership receive the parts to provide a second key to the guest?
A.
As the number of models involved in this issue is large, there are over 30 different part numbers of Smart Keys
involved in this activity. To make ordering easier for dealers, your dealership will order parts through Campaign Parts Order
Request (CPOR) by VIN. The CPOR system will identify the exact part numbers and quantities that you need for each VIN
input, and you will be able to order in bulk with up to 20 VINs at one time.
Q12. Will Lexus be pre-deploying a stock of parts for my dealership in advance?
A.
Lexus will strive to pre-deploy inventory of Smart Keys to each dealership to handle walk-in guests as much as
possible, consistent with parts availability. Please remember that there are many part numbers involved in this activity and
some part numbers have a very small number of affected vehicles associated with them. While it may not be possible to predeploy inventory of every part number, Lexus will do our best to provide you with a pre-deployment of parts as much as
possible.
Q13. How will the second key be priced?
A.
A nominal price of $0.01 has been set for the second key given that the guest already paid for the value of the second
Smart Key when they purchased their vehicle.
Q14. Is the second Smart Key delivery part of Lexus’ New Vehicle Limited Warranty?
A.
No. The second key delivery is not considered part of Lexus’ New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This is simply the
delivery of the second Smart Key that the guest already paid for, but which was unavailable at the time of the vehicle delivery
due to the ongoing chip shortage situation.
Q15. What is the difference between a Type #2 (15CY) and Type #3/#4 (19CY) Smart Key?
A.
The Type #2 (15CY) and Type #3/Type #4 (19CY) Smart Keys have a different design and use different
semiconductors. The models that use these different types of Smart Keys are explained in the chart above. Due to
differences in the supply of the semiconductors used, the timeline for each type is different.
Q16. A guest recently had a new Smart Key registered to their vehicle and now there is a message on the Multi-Information
Display (MID) about a new key being registered. Is this normal?
A.
Yes. Depending on the model, a message may display for up to 10 days. This message is displayed to inform the
owner that a new key has been registered and help prevent the vehicle from being stolen if the registration was unauthorized.
Refer to the Repair Manual or Owner’s Manual for more information.
© 2023 Lexus, A Division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA