Lexus Navigation

Read these Comments before you *buy* or upgrade a Lexus Navigation System!

Over 1,000 Lexus Owners can't be wrong and shouldn't be ignored by Lexus Corporate, but still we wait. The comments below show that even long-standing Lexus owners are unhappy with the loss of the Override. In fact,here's how those who sign up have voted "how much does this bother you"so far:
1. Not at all-------------------------------2. Could it be that 2 Lexus dealers registered?
2. A Minor annoyance------------------- 8 (apparently very medicated) people.
3. Don't like it--------------------------45 very tolerant people
4. It really bothers me----------------462 honest, normal people
5. Would not have bough if I knew---523 anti-customers; rabid and ready to go supercritical

Comments: To add your comments, sign up now. (Editor's notes in Green and highlighted comments in red for emphasis)

It's more dangerous pulling over and creates road rage trying to use the BS voice recognition system! Also, when you 'tap' the screen to look ahead there is no way to put the screen back into 'auto-update' mode without restarting your route planning! I might as well use my handheld GPS! Also, WTF is with this 6 second delay with the final pass on the wipers? THIS IS DANGEROUS in road spray conditions. It forces you to continuously use the wash. I would have NOT bought this car knowing these stupid issues.

If I can change the climate settings, the radio stations and several other settings by pushing buttons while I riding in the car, why can't I change the navigation options? Seems like if they are concerned for our safety, they would improve the voice recognition system so that it controls every feature in the car and it actually recognizes voice commands!

The fact that you cannot use the phone or the navigation system while the car is in motion is ridiculous. The reason given for the limitation is safety. Now most drivers resort to trying to use their cell phones while driving , forcing them to try to read much smaller keyboards than what would be available if this restriction were not in place. In effect this limitation is making it more dangerous to drive while using the cell phone.

It would be really handy to be able to have passenger be able to select POI, input routes etc while driving. I did not realize this was not possible during purchase.

This makes the navigation system useless. Have owned Lexus for 16 years - but this is my last one.

I think it is ridiculous that Lexus feels they need to monitor how we are using our GPS!!! I have had many situations where I ended up driving in less that safe places and I wanted to use the GPS to find my way out. Pull over? Are you kidding?! No husband, boyfriend or father would want the woman in their life to be pulling over in the areas I am referencing. If it is a legal issue, wait until the time comes when someone gets hurt, mugged, robbed, etc..., because they had to pull over in an unsafe neighborhood to use the GPS. What about the times you have a passenger that could easily (safely) type in the information for you? What is Lexus protecting us from in these situations?? Finally, laws have changed. In California we are now allowed to install an aftermarket GPS on our driver side dashboards and/or window areas. Lexus, take notice, the wonderful reputation you have taken so long to build will plummet if you don't fix this issue! I had no notice of this flaw when buying otherwise I would not have purchased the vehicle. Thanks!

Navi and phone features are useless, my husband or passenger is always the navigator and not being able to use the system is senseless. I would not have purchased the car had I known this major setback beforehand.

I own a 2006 Prius and a 2006 HiHy. My passenger overrides the moving lockout and programs the destination. I think that the customer researching how and taking the rather time consuming override process to use the original hidden screen is legally tantamount to waving any recourse against Toyota. The hidden screen is therefor an effective solution.

I am very unhappy with Lexus' decision to "Protect me from myself"! I DO NOT need protection and will be considering a new Infiniti G37 Convertible instead of a New IS350 Convertible, and this ridiculous policy is the primary reason! I'm on my fifth Lexus and this Navigation limitation has been an annoyance in all of them!! it's now time to do something about it!!! Glad I found this website!! WAKE THE F--- UP LEXUS!!!!!

no mention at all when sold to us as a pre-owned vehicle. What makes it worse is that apparently the previous owner upgraded from version 5.1 to 7.1. Maybe this is why the person traded it in!

i hate it i had version 6 which had the override feature available but my navigation was going crazy so they put in version 7 under warranty and me not knowing it would take away the override. how did you get the rebate check if you dont mind me asking? (Ed: See

I was mislead by the salesperson who told me the override was available !

I started a thread on Lexus Owners Club (Ls Navigation -- Call For A Class Action?, How Should We Persuade Lexus?). It appears, after leaving the thread for over a year, that folks have really become mobilized into action. All I want, and it's all I want, is for the lockouts to be turned off (at my discretion, not Lexus). Money is fine, but I'd rather be able to **use** my nav system. Thanks for taking up the charge.

I had the override feature on my 2005 LS430 until I had the DVD Navigation updated. So, sorry I did that, and wish I could "take it back". The move on the part of Lexus to remove the override feature is not very customer friendly in a time when most businesses are trying to gain loyalty.

"Out of control in one of the safest cars in the world ...nice!"

What's the deal with this? My boyfriend is driving and I cannot operate the nav? Whatever happened, this override sucks!!! Other than when I am the passenger when will I have the opportunity to learn the system? this was absolutely the dimmest idea ever: I traded in a 20 months old MB because the infamous command was the crappiest piece of equipment in the history of car manufactoring, what do I do now? Sorry for the ranting but I was looking forward to this trip to play around with the nav and now I will not be able to...

If Lexus doesn't address this issue before it's time for me to get another new car, my next car won't be a Lexus. I feel misled and ripped off.

This limitation is a hassle at best.

I had researched this vehicle extensively and found that this was the best fit to match most of my needs in a luxury utility vehicle. My mistake was not researching the OEM navigation unit. I have been using Garmin NUVI units for a few years now and have found them to be a very necessary item since I travel all over the mountain west states. It seems that only the larger cities and areas have any detailed coverage. I live in Wyoming, the only two roads in my town that this unit will direct me on is I-80 and the one main bypass loop in town. I just spent over $ 1000 to have one of the aftermarket bypass kits installed so that I can at least ues it for my bluetooth phone. As far as the navigation unit, I stuck my Garmin NUVI 760 by the stick shift and use that for navigation. But at least the OEM screen make a good night light inside of the vehicle. Since my unit came with the 5.1 version, I have use of the override. Purchased the 8.1 and will try to make the hybrid disc before I ever install it. But even the Ver 8.1 gives me VERY LITTLE added coverage in my area. Maybe some one at LEXUS needs to talk to someone at Garmin and buy a real mapping program. I don't know if it's NAVTEQ that is so poor in coverage or if it's just because Lexus has a different version that they get from NAVTEQ. If I had know I would have had to go through all this hassle I would have made a different choice when purchaseing my vehicle. Will not ever buy another Lexus untill this is corrected. (Ed: Denso (23% of which is owned by Toyota- ah Ha - that's why Lexus sticks with a crappy system! ) makes the navigation software for Lexus/Toyota. Here is a little article about Denso's plummeting revenues. We can only hope that the marketplace will kill Denso quickly so Lexus has to go to another vendor.)

I would not have bought the car if I knew that the GPS and phone do not work for my front seat passenger while on the road. I carry my Nuvi which works while in the armrest. This just crazy! The dealer said he would make a 2009 swap easy for me if the GPS problem is fixed in 2009. Is it fixed, yet??? (Ed: No, the 2009 version officially does not have an override either. )

I strongly feel that it is ridiculous that the NAV system in my GS450 will not let the passenger in the car program the unit while the car is in motion. They have a seat sensor that can tell if someone is sitting there! Regardless, they should restore the override feature. Also, the voice command system is useless - I never use it. Because of this stupidity, we often use our iPhone in the car to get directions while its moving! The iPhone is actually superior because it has traffic info as well.

The problem is even more. When you buy the car, they offer the DVD from factory installed. Guess what, I bought with the marc levinson system with DVD. The co-pilot cannot control the DVD while you are driving. You have to stop the car, put the parking brake, then you can control the movie to the children. I am very frustrated with this system. Can you imagine in a long trip how many times you have to stop to control the DVD plus checking the destination plus trying to transfer the call on the Bluetooth. “If you want to be Unsatisfied, buy Lexus”

I do not appreciate the big brother approach to the nav system. I should be able to use my nav system while the car is moving and I don't need Toyota/Lexus to tell me different.

I would be happy to sign any legal disclaimer for the option to use the navigation while driving. It's completely inefficient, and possibly less safe, to have to stop the car in order to change destinations, etc. This is one where the legal department is getting in the way of its client instead of servicing them.

I read your website and totally agree that Lexus is really dumb not to realize what a disservice they are doing to their customers. I tried to use the voice recognition and 9 out of 10 times it did not know what commands I was giving it. I totally distrust the navigation system and I will never ever buy a Lexus again!!!

This lack of feature is ridiculous. Pulling to the side of the freeway and trying to get back on everytime I want to change destinations is somehow safer than allowing my passenger to input the new destination as we travel down the road? Why doesn't legal just require another/modified disclaimer that I have to agree to??

This boarders on fraud. The first time I tried to use the Nav while driving I could not believe it. The voice recognition is a joke.

i just leased a 430SC a few days ago and I'm already going nuts over the navigation system. I hate it! I wish would have kept my mercedes 500SL even though it was 5 years old at least I could use the navi while driving(passenger side) and also phone was user friendly. I am going to check tomorrow to see if I can cancel my contract

I tolerated it with my '03 ES until I came across the override on line. And I just traded in my '03 for an '07' with the knowledge that I could be losing the override. To me, everything else I get with the Lexus brand is worth my tolerance. But it REALLY PISSES ME OFF!! Lexus should AT THE VERY LEAST make it an option that only the dealer could set. I'd be willing to sign just about any waiver. Unfortunately, Lexus takes a similar paranoid approach to some of the audio controls, too.

I was assured by my salesman that an over ride existed but he was not allowed to tell me the codes. This is significant enough an inconvenience to have purchased ANY other brand of vehicle had I known. This is a very nice car and I am impressed with my first Lexus. However, my level of disatisfaction over this issue pretty much confirms that I will never buy another Lexus product. Even if they do fix this problem in the future. Disappointed is an understatement

I can understand what the Lexus legal eagles are trying to accomplish here, but it seems that there should be a way to accomplish the override by, in essence, letting the user waive liability just like they can with any risky activity, from skydiving to motorcycle lessons. Rather than abolishing the override, Lexus should add a waiver-of-liability screen as part of the override sequence; this should cover their butts while restoring the full utility of the navigation system. "Don't abide the override!!!"

America has half the lawyers in the world, and they can't rationalize this? And yes, the passenger seat occupied "enable" function is an easy compromise for the super-safety nannies.

We owned another GX470 prior to this one, but it was an older model and we were able to override the nav. While we were looking at the new one I asked the salesman if the override sequence was the same in the new model and he just looked at me and gave a little laugh. I assumed he probably wasn't allowed to divulge that info. and figured I'd google it when I got home and I told him as much. I was very angry and dissapointed when I found out after the sale that the feature was gone. The salesman should have told me. I still may have purchased the car, but now I feel deliberately misled.

Have used portable Garmin navigation systems previously, and passenger was always able to use all features while on the highway. Was unaware of this "limitation" when we bought the Lexus, and are quite unhappy about it. Also don't like the navigation software design either -- the software in the Garmin portable unit shows much more detail and is more useful.

It is the only drawback that I can see. I think we should form a company to write a new program. i am sure that we would make back the cost. your intro claims 1000 users if we all chipped in we could start a company, hire programmers and sell the product amd make money.

Spend $350 on a Garmin you can use instead of $3500 on a NAV you cannot... (Ed: And please use the Amazon link at left so I can get a small commission to pay for the site! )

Actually more dangerous to have to pull off the side of the road on an interstate to find a restaurant - especially for families who have members with food allergies. This Big Brother bullshit needs to go!! My front PASSENGER should be able to use the NAV while moving. This NAV lock is a royal pain in the ass. While we are at it, why doesn't the rear camera approximate distance better? The second day we had the SUV, I almost put it into the basketball goal because I was using the camera to judge. Jeep actually sounds an alarm if you are getting to close. If they can do it, why can't Lexus?

Firstly the SatNav or Blue Tooth does not operate when moving. Lexus may deem this as a safety feature however this is annoying and causes more of a hazard if I need to change any setting in the SatNav or Blutooth. Often when my partner and I are driving, we have the need to change mobile phone (cell phone) connection. This is not an acceptable feature. The SatNav is the most user UNfriendly SatNav I have used. Big shame for such a wonderful car. from the UK.....

I would simply like to see the override function again made available to the car owners. This then puts the liability responsibility with the owner!

I love the car but would not have bought nav system if i'd known how useless....

Just would like the override to be able to use the NAV on the fly. It's very bothersome to have to pull over to adjust or input trip info.

This really pissed me off! Especially when I went in one day last year to have them check out my Nav since it was malfunctioning (losing position on the screen) and they "upgraded" me for free without asking me. I bought my IS350 in 2006, when the override still worked. I just wonder if it is too late to try and get a refund check like you did? (Ed: Sounds like you should be able to get at least the old version back. Also, check the left column in the home page under "hybrid DVD" for a search of the DVD's that allow the old override with new maps.)

This drives me crazy. I paid >$50K for my car, i pay a lot of ongoing service costs and to have to deal with this - it drives me nuts. this gets in the way just when you really need it. on the freeway, in heavy traffic where you can't stop long enough to input an address. my lease is due in 12+ months, and i will definitely be looking at other cars. thanks for putting together this site

I agree with all the upset people. Why have a function you can't use? I am on the road all the time putting on 35-40k per year. When looking for a hotel, I use my own Garmin, that's right, the one I purchazsed at Best Buy because I can have my wife use it while I drive. Oh yeah. I haven't heard anyone complain abou tthe stereo yet. It also drives me nuts that you can't see a screen of all songs unless you are stopped. RIDICULOUS. I am purchasing an Audi or BMW SUV and getting rid of my Lexus--JUST FOR THIS REASON!!!!!!!!!!!

Every other GPS in the free world lets you overrinde the feature, why cant lexus

The liability issue is crap. All they need to do is post a screen that states the risks involved and lets the user accept the risks.

VERY UNHAPPY about the override being removed!!

It is extremely frustrating to be locked out of an important feature.

Please provide a fix!

This is a major issue and a hazard when you have to pull over to use the Navi system...Horrible design...

This is a real distraction. I now use a Garmin rather than Lexus nav. due to this problem. It seems a simple thing to fix, so let's get it fixed.

gps suck,,,,,!!! I got ticket too.... and sometimes gps was too slow show up the direction,,,so i usually pass my exit or Y corner....

- Navigation locks out while in motion, right passenger is not able to use it. Don't buy an IS350, many issues: - Wind noise through the doors. - Kids back space; with the children seats they don’t fit well, impossible for big adult to fit too. - Back vision very poor even with the Navigation, back seat position is high. - Single cup holder, interfere with shift changer. - Air Rattles from sunroof @ 40 miles - IPOD, the standard car Apple charger does not fit to close the central lid. - I have issues with the seat, can’t find the right position. And the worse, Lexus won't listen.

Use by the passenger doesn't affect safety and shouldn't be restricted when the car is in motion. But, once we do the obligatory I AGREE, it should then be OUR CHOICE. Just like tuning the radio or adjusting the air conditioning! That goes for Bluetooth phone dialing as well: How can we retrieve voice-mail if the voice-mail system requires us to "press 1 to listen to new messages" or whatever, and the keypad is disabled? Well, we have to get out our cell phone and use its keypad. Much better, eh? Has anyone had any experience with the LOCKPICK devices from Coastal Electronic Technology?

I HATE THE FACT THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE BOTH BLOCK OUT....IT MAKES NO SENSE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOW BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR........

I don't need another mother.

I am the navigator in the family. Husband drives, and I navigate. Even though I am NOT driving, I am prevented from doing anything useful without a GPS override option. Really stinks!

The passenger seat sensor seems like the most logical to me. Voice recognition commands need to be enhanced. Let me speak destination names. I don't know the addresses. OR...I have to look them up in my blackberry which is WAY more dangerous than typing on the screen.

I own an Acura MDX and it has full functionality while the vehicle is moving and I love it. I would reconsider and purchase an Acura RL instead of my ES350. Having this functionality turned off makes the units almost useless when realtime driving needs are considered.

File a suit for big mother!

I own 3 Lexus (2 RX and 1 LS). I understand liability, but it is MY CHOICE. Let me click on an "I agree" waiver if need be, but my passenger should be able to program the NAV while I am driving. I have been responsible for the purchase of 8 Lexus so far, but I will switch back to BMW or go to Infiniti or Mercedes if Lexus continues this legalistic nonsense.

Even though I like my Lexus unless they get the GPS changed where you can operate it while driving I will not buy another one. My husband is even more annoyed by it than me.

I believed Lexus had a good name, and I was secure buying one. This whole navigation upgrade is ridiculous!

I have a 2000 gs 400 and it has never been upgraded, the maps always were very limited as well the way the system tries to guess for you where you want to go not alowing you to finish putting in the address. Sounds like both old and new lexus nav systems still suck! I bought a Garmen - Cheaper and portable! the lexus' BIG WASTE OF MONEY!

Not being able to use the nav while moving is insane. Having to press the agree button every time I start the car is insane too. What's the most insane though is $300 for a nav upgrade. You've got to be kidding. You can buy a better nav system hardware and all for less than that with free update downloads.

A real irritant. I have bought a portable Garmin and suction cup to use in my car. Much better all around. It is particularly helpful when the nav system selects a bad route and this is discovered while driving and half-way to the destination.

I have spent a fair amount of time back and forth with Lexus over the past 6 months attempting to have them acknowledge the fact that this navigation system is useless when driving. The answer continually comes back that the Nav system and voice recognition is "working to specification". However when I ask to see any part of a "spec" which believes that < 10% voice accuracy of a spoken address by myself, 2 technicians and 1 sales person *when stationary* is working - or which new definition of the word "working" Lexus is using - I seem to hit an impass. When I suggested using the passenger airbag occupancy indicator light it was heard, but met with a "well, you could just be putting a heavy bag on the passenger seat to bypass it". I highlighted that my passengers currently have the option available to them to scroll and zoom across the map manually to select a destination when the car is moving and really, if it were my intent to bypass the system for myself, this is an existing, slightly less contrived (though more dangerous) workaround. Lexus seemingly hadn't considered this so expect this to be disabled soon... :-( I bought this, my first Lexus, as a cruiser and I continue to hang my head with shame at my choice and pity Lexus each time a passenger in my car highlights how ridiculous this level of interference is. To add insult to injury, a member of my staff just bought a new TL with the tech package and highlighted that although he preferred the build and ride of my Lexus, he has a navigation and user interface which a) works and b) seems to be built on the concept that a driver wishes to have a relaxed driving experience and not be frustrated... I find it hard t (Ed: An owner so fed up he filled up the comments buffer and was truncated. sorry!)

It really sucks to have shelled out for such a nice vehicle and my $200 Garmin has a way more usefull GPS

I have a 74K dollar car i need to pull over to get directions. Upgraded to the 8.1 version from the 5.1 thinking hey maybe its as least as good as my 200 dollar Garmin. WRONG stupid thing dont understand streets that been on the road map for 50 years even near Chicago land area. Honda and Acura have awsome navigation units and would love to remove one and install in my LS but thats not an option. If I had the bypass on the 8.1 maybe I would not be so upset but this is really bad for the LEXUS name. Now im driving with two GPS so I can change my destination while driving due to Roadwork and detours. LEXUS PLEASE HELP US. (Ed: Similar problems allowed one owner to get a complete rebate on their system through arbitration. See here. )

I only use the navigation system to look at the map as I drive. I use my old portable navigation unit when I need directions.

I understand the liability issue. But before you use the navigation system, every time you are about to start driving, the navigation system makes you agree to certain stipulations, which you have to click on with your finger before you start driving. I think that should be enough to not hold lexus liable if anything were to happen.,,,,With that being said.... I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THE PASSENGER CANNOT USE THE NAVI WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION!!!! MY GIRLFRIEND AND I HAVE BEEN ON A COUPLE OF ROAD TRIPS AND THIS CONTINUES TO BE A BIG PROBLEM!!! WE HAVE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND FIND SOMEWHERE TO PARK THE CAR....WHICH THIS IN ITSELF IS NOT SAFE!!!!! I BOUGHT THE LEXUS WITH NAVI BECAUSE WE LIKE TO TAKE ROAD TRIPS!! SO WE WANTED A NICE CAR WITH A GOOD NAVI SYSTEM!!!! WE TOLD THIS TO OUR SALESMAN AND THE MANAGER OF OUR LEXUS DEALER!!!! THEY EVEN SHOWED US HOW TO USE THE NAVI!!!! OBVIOUSLY THE CAR WAS PARKED WHEN THEY WERE SHOWING US!!! WE WERE SO EXCITED TO TAKE OUR FIRST ROAD TRIP. THE LOOK ON OUR FACES WAS PRICELESS WHEN WE FOUND OUT!! I EVEN HAD A BETTER DEAL ON AN ACURA BUT CHOSE THE LEXUS.....IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS PRIOR TO MAKING MY LEXUS PURCHASE, I WOULD HAVE MOST DEFINITELY BOUGHT THE ACURA!!!!!! IM TELLING BASICALLY ANYONE I COME IN CONTACT WITH ABOUT MY DISAPPOINTMENT!!!! YOU WOULD THINK A COMPANY SO PRESTIGIOUS AS LEXUS WOULD WORK EXTRA HARD TO TRY TO FIND A WAY TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, OR GIVE YOU SOME TYPE OF REBATE OR SOMETHING. MY VIEW OF LEXUS HAS MOST DEFINITELY CHANGED.

As a Lexus sales consultant and 2009 RX350 owner, I would like to see an overide in the system, but it's not the end of the world. How about a sensor so when there is a passenger the system will work while driving? The Lexus features one of the easiest systems to use, and there are usually 2 or 3 ways you can use the Nav and Phone even while driving. To enter an address while driving can be done completely by voice command and it's just as easy as screen input. You can ask the system for the 'nearest' grocery store, gas station, coffee house, cinema and even winerys while driving. The phone system features 17 one touch speed dial settings, that work while the car is rolling. You can also pull a contact out or your phone and hit send...the car will pick it up. Rather than bitch about your car, why don't you read your navigation manual or visit your dealer and ask you sale consultant for another lesson. Besides the cheezy Enterprise rental you will be driving most of the time while your BMTroubleU or MBZ is always in the shop won't even have Nav. (Ed: My experience is that the Voice Recognition is a misnomer. I have not been able to make it work and I dictate for a living! And voice dialing? Well, the system correctly identifies 8-out-of-10 numbers, resulting in 0% of voice dialed calls going to the right person. So I guess your point is that there are 2 or 3 shitty, half-assed ways to use the system, all of which are inferior to the Garmin. Sorry, I DO consider that a big deal. Thank you for acknowledging that you are a Lexus sales consultant - I believe that may influence your assessment of the system..)

It really, really bothers me not to be able to input destination address while vehicle is in motion or search for destination.

I won't even buy the updated DVD for fear of losing the overide

FIX THIS NOW.

WE CAN OVERRID MY LX470 2006 BUT WE CAN'T OVERRID MY LX 570 2009

Its a danger and hazard. Imagine, we need to use Verizon Navigator and Google Maps with our $$$$ Lexus Navigation system....We thought we were buying safety....we are so disappointed!!

Navigation limitatio. Overide should be left to the consumer as it is their ultimate responsibility for safe operation of the vehicle. I am seriously thinking of getting a Garmin to supplement the Lexus navigation limitations and am angry at the waste of money on an already expensive vehicle. Please provide an overide immediately.

Should permit override if the passenger door has been opened. That way, legal can take the position that the feature should be available to the passenger.

Need the newest navigation update but will not purchase it for fear of losing my override. What is the latest update I can purchase without losing override?

I had a Garmin before purchasing this car. $5,000 for this!!!??? What a joke. The override has to be done each time the car is started and I hate it! I would return it if I could. I recently ordered the 2007 upgrade because not everything that I need is on the 05 version. Now I found out that I can't even cancel the feature on this either! What a jip!! I should contact the BBB and call Consumer Reports to make them aware of this inconvienence. I want a refund! (Ed: Please DO call them. Consumer Reports headquarters needs to hear from more of us in order to include the override controversy.)

I WAS TOLD WHEN I BOUGHT IT I COULD GO TO CLUB LEXUS AND OVERIDE THE NAVIAGATION SYSTEM. SHOULD HAVE DONE IT BEFORE I WROTE THE CHECK..

It's a royal nuisance. Lexus shouldn't be telling the buyers what is a safety issue. It would be similar to telling buyers that the car won't start unless all seatbelts are fastened. The driver should be able to decide what's appropriate and safe, or at least have the option to intentionally disable this. We're all adults..it should be our choice.

Give me a choice. I'll decide for myself.

I continue to contact the critical team in california on a regular basis. I continue to contact the general manager of the local dealership,complaing they need to put more heat on corporate. When I asked my sales manager if he was monitoring this and other websites ha said " I don,t look at that stuff" ie Lexus doesn't listen to its customers. A company that doesn't listent to its customers is doomed to failure,and I forcefully told him that! Ok Lexus join gm and Ford (Ed: Toyota's debt rating was lowered today 2 rungs to AA. You may be right.)

This unnecessary limitation of the Nav system makes no sense... There are many touch screen functions that are not disabled when the car is moving; audio, climate control, etc.... it seems ridiculous that any features are disabled... Whether I choose to use the disabled features while under way is secondary to the fact that it should be my choice, not Lexus'.. Combine this annoyance with the fact that the much touted voice recognition system is sub-standard, as prone to at 50%+ error rate, I would have been better off with no NAV, and a Garmin with Bluetooth, or better yet, and new Acura TL!!!!!

I bring along my Garmin because of this problem. I own an Infiniti and if I was aware you could not override this system I would have definitely bought another Infiniti. I feel this violates my right to gain access to a system that a passenger can use while I drive. I realize the dangers of using it as a driver while driving, can't be any worse than the people talking on hand held cell phones

I refuse to update my 06 Maps, which is nuts, because I refuse to lose my ability to program, while driving.

The person riding shotgun should have access to the gps. (Ed: and keep a lookout for Lexus management on the roads ;) )

I love my car but would not of upgraded the Nav if I had known the override would be gone.

This is my business how I want to use nav system

If they cant fix they should refund everyones money!!!!!!!!

It's absurd that a passenger does not have the right or ability to use this system while the car is in motion

I noticed that my complaints are not much different that any other on this site. I too am very upset that the Voice Response sucks and the over-ride is a huge joke on us all. My issue with driving across country is also with the addresses that doesn't seem to exist when entered. The biggest "Common Sense" or logical work around would be to enter just the fricken city and state ...but NO. That's not allowed. You have to have everything or nothing at all works. Should I be thankful that the GPS doesnt ask which way the building faces ...north south east or west???? Gee. Come on. Pull your head out guys!

You asked on the website (10/24/08 update) whether v8.1 restores the override function. I am not aware that version 8.1 has been released yet. The only 8.1 version DVD I am aware of is a fake/scam being sold on Ebay for $299. (Ed: Is this true? Anyone with more information? )Supposedly it is 7.1 with the version number hacked. Do you know for certain that v8.1 is available? I was about to upgrade to v7.1, but if v8.1 will soon be available I will wait. Thanks, and keep nagging Lexus.

Lexus management has obviously caved in to the fear mongers in the legal department, and taken away functionality that should be there. Only the driver can make the decision on what is safe or not. There are hundreds of functions that ARE allowed. Why are they not considered unsafe? There are so many good suggestions from current owners on various posting boards that would greatly improve both the functionality and safety of the system. Lexus could create tremendous goodwill among its customers if it would assign a mgmt level engineer to read these comments, respond to the posters, and actually try to incorporate many of the suggestions into its nav systems. As it stands now, when one calls customer service to discuss nav system issues, the person on the other end of the line is virtually clueless. They just tell you to refer to the nav manual, which is as poorly written a manual as I have ever seen. Obviously English was not the author's native language. Someone somewhere needs to get the ear of Lexus senior management in Southern Cal and convince them that listening to their customers is always good for business. Lexus does NOT do a good job in that category!

Its just plain dangerous to pull over sometimes.

It's just stupid. Lawyers run the world.

My Garmin Nuvi is a better navigation system than the one in my Lexus. I own a Mercedes too and my passenger can use it when my car is moving.

It was bad enough having the override issue on my wife's 2004 RX330, as we used it for primary travel. The screen override works so far but I am reluctant to upgrade. Now to find no solution for my 2008 IS250, now our primary travel car, other than a Japanese $300 override kit that allows a passenger 5 minutes, is very disturbing. My son loves the Honda Pilot Nav friendliness, and friends have Infinity and Acura rave about it. I will not buy another Lexus unless they change this failure to a user friendly navigation system.

Complete mis-representation. Sales rep told us that there were issues but that we could get an over ride for our system for a low cost. We recently purchased a 2007, and after all was said and done, that's the year they started not allowing the over ride. We are extremely displeased with the situation. Hind sight is great, we should have bought that Audi. I look forward to any successful news pertaining to this situation.

I have an Acura MDX with a much better navi system. When I drive the Lexus 450h it is a joke that I need to be stopped to change stuff. I believe Lexus should scrap their GPS system and buy the one from Acura. If they aren't willing to go this step they should at least give a way to override this "feature".

Bought new ES350 in July 2008 Salesman explained lots of details to me but neglected to mention stupidity of not being able to use Nav system 'en route'. I was pissed once I figured that one out. It cost a couple grand that I might well not have spent had I known. In fact, may well have bought an Acura as it was a very close second in my buying decision.

Agree with about everything on your web site. I live in a neighborhood where there are lots of Lexus, BMW, Mercedes autos. Those of us with new Lexus models complain ALL THE TIME about the useless navigation. It drives me NUTS to have to stop in order to push the restaurant button while I'm onthe interstate to find a place to eat. I just don't do it because I don't think it is safe (and as one of your writers mentioned, may even be illegal). I would NOT buy a Lexus with navigation again unless this issue is fixed. It's a waste of money now the way it is.

I did not realize I was getting an inferior navigational system when I purchased my 2007 ES 350. I feel that I am hampered by this defect in the system. I will not purchase another Lexus vehicle with navigation if it too has this archaic system.

It's irritating enough having to press "I agree" everytime I start the car, much less having a useless GPS. Even my 1st generation Magellan 700 is infinitely better than this piece of crap. I actually selected the GX470 over the Cayenne with one of the main reasons that the Lexus navigation is touch screen while that of the Cayenne isn't.

I own a Prius, Same trouble

Why? Why? Why?

I have bought 3 or 4 cars prior at my Lexus Dealership (Hendrick) and love them dearly. Best people (Sales & Service) in the industry. I just wish I had understood this limitation BEFORE making the purchase. My previous car (BMW 5 Series) would allow you to twist and turn and bump and grind the "wheel of death" at 110Mph. While that might not be the best idea... shouldn't it be MY choice? What's next, a "governor" if vehicle exceeds certain speeds?

It just makes my navigation virtually unusable and, contrary to what Lexus believes, more dangerous...am I supposed to pull over on the shoulder of a busy highway if I need to find an address?

that's bullshit they can't unlock it ...it's a software ...you can modify anything ....I'll never get another lexus.

This is a really shitty thing to do, I might as well go get an aftermarket crap and have my center console customized

the nav system was one of the reasons I bought the vehicle. I already had a garmin but gave it to my husband to use in our other car. It's ashame I'll have to go buy anyother one. This is ridiculous!!!!!!!!!

I have an LX w/ 3.1 Nav version. I need the new maps, so I preordered the 8.1 update due out next week! I am pissed the override will be removed! I already paid!

I "upgraded" from an Acura TL to an IS 350. The navigation function of the TL was one of my favorite things about the car. Only after I signed the deal did I find out about this ridiculous restriction, and had I known beforehand I would NOT have bought the car. As it is, I'm going to tell everyone I know who might be looking at a Lexus vehicle who wants navigation to skip it and go to another brand.

Absolutely ridiculous. When did a car maker become the law.

I leased a 2007 GS350 with nav....I've had 2 other Lexus's....an LS & a 2000 GS300....all of which had navigation. I almost got into a SERIOUS accident 2 weeks ago after pulling off the road (with a passenger) to re-input nav info! If they dont handle this, I will not be leasing another!

The fact that 2008 navigation system(s) cannot be manipulated (or overridden) by even the front seat PASSENGER during motion is extremely annoying. Perhaps Lexus should connect it to a weight sensor in the passenger seat (similar to passenger seat belt systems) to facilitate this option...

It is frustrating if you can not use the Nav or telephone if a passenger.

We bought 2 lexus at the time of purchase. My GS350 and a RX350 for my mother. I would honestly not have bought the cars if I knew the screen locked everytime the car was rolling. I talked my way out of 2 tickets from pulling over on the highway.

The DVD system doen't work when the car is moving. My kids would like to watch DVD on the road. How can I do it? Also my wife wants to use the GPS to guide me, how can we do it? I am surprised that after reading this website, we can't!!!! Do I still to have to uswe my plug in DVD and my garmin GPS?? Crazy!!!

wish i could set a destination while in motion. to do it motion now takes a lot more steps than the usual way but at least i can do it while i'm driving. the new lx570's supposedly lets you set destinations while driving through voice command. however, voice recognition is terrible and is very frustrating. also, nav routes are not very accurate. my lx 470 has more nav route accuracy.

i hate the lockout i just want the passenger to do the directions but the passenger cant that sucks bad

It seems funny that I have to carry a $300.00 Tom Tom in my $78,000.00 Lexus so I can input my destination while driving. I hope someone will make a third party fix.

We love the LS460L except for the navigation system. Everytime we drive the car it is a source of irritation. I purchased a Nuvi to use in the car as the built in unit is useless.

When I purchase a product I should have full control of that product!

GS 350 is a great car, but the fact you can't use the Nav System during driving makes it unuseable. It would have been better to not order the Navigation option and buy a TomTom. Probably would have looked harder at the Infiniti M series knowing this.

If Lexus doesn't fix this I WILL trade this car for a new Acura. We already bought my wife a Acura and love the navigation system on the Acura. We can even locate restaurants while traveling down the interstate without pulling over to the side of the road. Toyota blew it when they made this decision and I share my story with EVERY potential Lexus buyer. Everyone seems to agree this makes the navigation a useless $3,000 waste of money

I paid for it and I want to use it when/how I like within applicable law!

It is dangerous. when i have passengers in the car, I can't even transfer a personal call. (Ed: That's how my friend's wife met his girlfriend!)

very very upset about this just bought a 2009 rx and this really bothers me my mercedes never did this!!!!

I am very dissapointed in the whole situation. The lack of communication on Lexus part to tell people about this. If I had known we would not have purchased this vehicle with Nav.

It Sucks!

The have got to be out of their minds to sell a feature for this much money and disable its use while driving....why not disable the stereo too.

I can't believe that you can not use the navigation system, CD while driving. What a waste of alot of money. I also can not stand that when you turn off the car your phone call disconnects. I feel that Lexus/Toyota should either fix the problem or reimburse all their customers. In this economy Lexus better become more customer orientated and not just thinking that we a stupid Americans. What are they really thinking Liability? Don't they realize that any good attorney can still hold them liable if there is an accident? How about lack of concentration from this TOTALLY USELESS NAVIGATION SYSTEM MUCH LESS A COMPLETE WASTE OF ALOT OF HARD EARNED MONEY. I could continue but for what.

I bought my 2008 GS in a hurry because I needed a car quickly after my son totaled my Acura TL. I love everything about the car except the navigation system which goes brain dead when the car is moving. It ruins the driving experience of the car. Had I known this, I would have bought the RL or 535. Isn't it great pulling over on the interstate to use the navigation system? Unless Lexus addresses this, I will NEVER lease another Lexus.

I spent a huge amount of money to upgrade the NAV/stereo and I find it completely defective sine I can not use it when in motion. The fact that even passengers may not change the settings is upsetting since the car has a passenger seat sensor. Further, I find the limitation quite dangerous in itself as stopping on the side of a narrow road or highway has significant risk in itself. Finally, the voice activated system is a joke. The command set is small and the accuracy is ~20% for a native english speaker. All of our other cars have NAV systems, do not lock out functionality and have stellar voice command systems. Lexus designed a defective product and promoted it in a disingenuous manner. I will not be buying another Lexus.

Would like the override function restored ASAP. Would not have bought a lexus otherwise.

I own a 2007 BMW 335I Convertable, 2006 Ford Explorer, and this 2007 Lexus GS AWD. I bought the car for comfortable road trips. This summer I took my kids on a road trip to the East coast clocking over 3,500 miles (D.C., NYC, Maine, Cedar Point, etc.). I could not have been more irritated that I had to pull over when ever we deviated from the planned destination point, particularly in Manhatten. The wonderful feature that allows you to find gas stations nearly caused me to actually run out of gas trying to move through traffic and typing for the momentary pauses in traffic. Touch screen, cool, but useless if it doesn't work while moving. People have been bashing the BMW I-Drive, I LOVE IT compared to the Lexus piece of crap. Lexus apparently wants to be the market leader in form over function. Signed, Don't drive the GS much.

What good is a navigation system that won't allow me to ask it how to get where I need to go? I KNOW WHERE I WANT TO GO - DOES LEXUS?? While I can to some extent understand Lexus' concerns with respect to liability, I think it is ridiculous that my wife, as a passenger, cannot enter information while the vehicle is in motion. Since it takes a specfic set of keystrokes in order to make an override work, why can't Lexus include some kind of a waiver whereby the user of an override acknowledges that by initiating those key strokes they are taking responsibility for anything that happens as a result of those actions. This waiver could appear as soon as the Nav system starts up and require acknowledgement before the car can be put into gear. I have the same problem with the Nav system on my motorcycle, however in that case it makes a whole lot more sense.

Its extremely annoying and unsafe at that times when my wife and I are traveling and we have to pull over saftely or hold up traffic while we try to type into the navigation as quickly as possible to get to our destination. I love that my Acura lets me enter my destination anytime I want. My wife loves this car regardless. I absolutely hate Lexus' navigation system. I was considering getting the high-end Lexus ISF for my next car, looks like I'll have to get back to my research, there is no way I'm going to buy that car if I have to pull over everytime.

Toyota is the only major car manufacturer that treats us high net worth clients are children. It's a slap in the face. I bet you all the high exec. at Toyota have over ridden their navs. somehow. I'm sure the vice-president of engineering has shared some overide information to the president of Toyota. They are probably all laughing at us as we speak !

Using the navigation system and bluetooth while in motion should not be in question. This is a sotware issue that Lexus could/should correct. Friends with bmw or mbenz vehicles are able to use the features safely....what is Lexus thinking. Whenever I wish to use either feature, and have to pull over makes me furious. It is also impossible to either mute or talk privately when a call is received while bluetooth connected! This MUST be corrected soon, or my next car will not be a Lexus

Recent purchase of 2009 RX-350. VERY frustrating to find, by trial and error, that the navi system does not work while car is moving. The Army has many terms to describe this functionality and most are appropriate for the situation. Lexus, it now appears, does feel any sensitivity toward the owners who do not like the system. This system may very well be in TARFU!

I would much prefer to have my $200 portable navigation system. The lexus nav systems has totally ruined the car for me. We regret buying it and after 2 weeks of ownership have decided to never purchase a Lexus again. Also, the salesman is beyond an idiot. The dealership keeps sending pre-recorded voice messages thanking us which I find SOOO insulting. NEVER again.

When i bought my car with navigation, i had complained to Lexus that a portable GPS TomTom can even tell the name of the street and my Lexus navigation only say turn right and left without naming the street name and price that i paid is huge compairing to the TomTom GPS. Horrible!!!

I wish this limitation would have been made clear at the dealership, prior to buying the car

It is so frustrating to not even have a passenger able to enter addresses. Surely with the sensors in seats they can link it to the nav system. "Lexus Navigation System - Go Nowhere"

I've used Acura's nav before and very very disappointed of Lexus'. Wouldn't have bought it had I known.

I am terribly distressed with the lack of ability to get an overide. The salesperson in the Manhattan dealership told me that if I signed a waiver form, I would be able to have the override so I could input telephone calls and Navigation info just as I can change radio stations. After I purchased the car and tried to set up a the change so I could use navigation at my own will, I was told the salesperson was incorrect and I could not have the change made. I went so far as to speak to the Manager of Manhattan Lexus who said he didn't know for certain but would look into it and get back to me. He did get back to me and told me the salesman was incorrect. Now I must pull over at the side of the rode if I am lost and need navigation which is very dangerous and as I stated distressing.

Lexus I am driving this car not you now let go of my navigation system

December 2007 I rented an Opel in Switzerland and fell in love with the integrated navagation. I bought a Garman 360 unit which I also liked. When I bought my $40,000 Lexus ES I was unable to plug in my destination which I just figured out this week would not work until I stopped the car. I would have saved the money and kept my Garmin if I knew that my Navigation would not work while moving. This is a major pain to me. Thanks for trying to help us all.

I owned a 2007 Camry Hybrid that I thought I was trading in for a "luxury" car. Being that they are from sister companies, I thought the ES350 fully loaded would have all the features of my Camry, and more. The loss of the override (which is strangely available on Toyota 2007, but not my 2007 ES) is a major inconvenience for me. Had I known this existed, I would not have purchased this car. I am really, really pissed.

we need to get control of our nav system

yes the override option should had been added, at your own risk. im pretty sure there are more hazords than allowing your passenger to watch a movie while you are driving.

BMW's iDrive annoyed me so much that I dumped my 545. Now the GS Nav system lockout annoys me so much that I want to quit Lexus. Funny how the "minor annoyance" can turn a customer away forever.

It's one the biggest drawbacks to an otherwise decent vehicle.

I am buying a 2007 RX350. This bums me out. Sure hope somebody figures this out - I'm totally cool with an aftermarket override - so let me know immediately when a solution comes available. Thanks!

Using the built in NAV system is useless in motion. Would not have spent the extra $$ for the unit had I known.

I have not bought a new car yet, but this "feature" immediately annoyed me during a test drive. I'll either not take the nav system or go for a totally different car.

I like my BMW 545i because I can look for POI's and input data into the nav computer. I hate my GX because I can't. If I'm going to an unfamiliar city, I take the 545i and leave the larger, roomier, more comfortable GX at home. I would not have purchased the GX if I had known this feature could not be turned off. Heck, even the Garmin I've in my pickup allows you to turn off this feature. It just makes sense.

I've nearly been killed trying to get someplace where I can stop so I could use my navigation. In fact, my passenger was trying to use it so I could drive, and of course he couldn't use it either.

I use my GPS the most when I am traveling with my wife. There is no reason why I should not be able to override and allow my wife the ability to search for POI or addresses. You can buy a portable GPS for a fraction of what I paid for mine and you can work with it at anytime.

I got side swiped standing on the shoulder of I-95 programing the navi. This is a blunder of major preportions. When i asked my sales person about the navigation lock out he answered "I'm sure there is a way. Give one of the tech kids $50 they will reprogram it for you." Never a Lexus again. $80,000 car my ass.

I had a better voice command/navigation system on my 2007 Honda Accord. Unfortunately, I can't afford to get rid of the Lexus yet. The fact that the system loses most of its functionality while driving is ludicrious! I'm surprised they haven't designed cup holders that clamp onto your beverage when you shift to Drive, to keep drivers from being distracted by drinking from their water bottles or spilling hot coffee on their laps. Why don't they just take all distractions away by getting rid of passenger seating. (Surprised they let the driver change the radio).

Lexus completely disregarded my friends and families who sit in the passenger seat. I'm responsible person who knows what to do and what not to do I'm driving.

I love my Lexus, but this issue has ruined the experience for me. I arry a Garmin in my glove compartment just for this reason. How stupid can they get?

I am very annoyed with this void!!!

Lexus is causing a road hazard by limiting access to the NAV/Phone system. They are forcing people to perform unexpected actions on the road, and when an accident happens due to the hurdles drivers are forced to overcome, then Lexus will be liable 100%. It is unfortunate, but I believe a class action lawsuit would be the only way to remedy this situation.

The Nav system needs to be owner controlled just as there is "parental" controls on TVs. S Gardner

This is outrageous. I paid $6000 extra for the navigation with mark levinson sound system and I have to pull over when im on the highway in order to get directions. This is obsurd. Pulling over on the highway is more dangerous than having the passenger use the navi. What if I get stuck in a bad neighborhood? Im sure my luxury car won't draw any attention at all. Im sure if I get seriously injured lexus will take responsibility. They are putting their buyer's lives in danger with this ridiculuos navi lock. If I had known about the lock I would've never gotten the car "fully loaded" My cousin paid significantly less for his Acura and he does not have this issue. I am furious! I want a refund for my limited function navigation.

User's should be able to disable this "safety" feature via the menu system. I can use google maps from my phone while I'm driving, and that's what I end up doing most of the time which is even more unsafe than using the onboard nav system if it would just work. Lexus, I love the car, but for the love of God, give us the option to make the navigation system actually useful while driving. This has caused me hours of frustration. I would have bought the version of the car without the nav system if I would have known how annoying it would be.

Have had to buy a Garmin. Can't believe how bad Lexus gets hit when I have a passenger in my car and explain that I can't use the Nav System provided by Lexus

I feel everyone should have the right to choose wether to use this feature or not espacially when you have a passenger...

The System sucks. No luxury here.

Give us the option to let Lexus out of liability!!! Anyone who can buy a $50,000 car can make up their own minds!. Other makes don't do this, why would Lexus?

I understand wanting to protect yourself from liability. But let the customer have the choice to override and waive any liability. I will not purchase another Lexus until then.

Disagree with the navigation lock out! We need full use of the navigation or the ability to override it.

Even my passenger cannot operate the system while in motion, this is therefore not a real safetyfeature but a nuissance!

Was not aware of any of these issues. Trying to Navigate is impossible. Have to keep pulling over or stay stopped at lights for longer than they are red...dangerous! I had a garmin before I made the car purchase, but upgraded to the NAV system for the built in luxury NAV....my $200 Garmin sitting on top of the dash inside the lexus WITH NAV is a shame...embarassing, too! Thanks for helping!

Was told an override was available when purchasing vehicle. Now I cannot use nav when I want to. Australia

IF SAFETY WAS AN ISSUE THAN WHY IS THE SYSTEM ALLOWING USE OF NAVI AT STOP LIGHT AND WHEN CAR IS ROLLING?? IT SHOULD OF BEEN DISABLED COMPLETLY IF THAT WAS REALY A CONCERN, BUT THE CUSTOMERS WOULD HAVE NOTICED THAT AS SOON AS CAR IS SHIFTED INTO GEAR. ANOTHER THOUGHT HOW ABOUT USING THE SEAT SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT TO ACTIVATE/DEACTIVATE MOTION NAVI SO THAT THE PASSENGER CAN INPUT INFO AND STILL SELL PEOPLE ON THE SAFE NAVI SYSTEM, BUT THAT WOULD REQUIRE THINKING AND MAYBEE CAUSE A DELAY IN PRODUCTION.

I drive 2000 miles a month and am on the road all the time using the nav. system to get around. It is such a pain to have to stop every time I need to input a new destination.

I have toyota Avalon xls 2007 and I like to get rebate from toyota or lexus just like u did. And I'll donate $500-$600 dollars to ur website. Thanks

this is so dumb i just got the car and i didnt even think to ask. u should never assume but i did considering that my infinity always worked with the car running. if the lexus can sence when someone is in the passenger seat then why cant it let those people control the navi? The navi on my verizon phone works way better.

they lied

This should be a customer chosen option. Go get em.

At first I went to buy the new 2008 Prius but when they told me the navigation system would not override I decided against the buy. After going to my local lexus dealer and asking about the 400h they told me that it was extremely easy to find an unlock code even though they were not allowed to tell me it.

The westside lexus dealer did not tell me most navigation console features do not work while driving. I would have never bought the car if they would not have lied to me by omission. I am very angry about this!!!

I agree. Hertz Neverlost allows renters to select Passenger to use the navigation system. This, I assume, is their legal protection option. But my 2008 Lexus ES350 not being able to adjust on the fly is problematic. Try stopping to redirect in South Central L.A. Would like to know how that went.

i hate that i cannot use the nav while im traveling. how about if i have a passenger to use it. i still cant. i bought a portable one just because of that. also the breaks suck!

It is far more unsafe to find a place to pull over on the expressway than to be able to find a destination (like a resturant or hotel) while driving. Lexus competitors allow it. I have a $150 Garmin that I take on trips for rental cars that allows the owner a choice, lockout or not lockout. I will NOT buy another car (of any make) that does not allow use of the nav system (including setting a destination) while driving. I certainly will not pay over $3000 for a Nav system. A $300 Garmin has more functionality than the Lexus Nav system. Lexus is NOT my mother.

What's the point of a navigation system if you have to pull-over to use it? If I wanted to pull-over, I'd just use a MAP.

It is ridiculous that I have to register for this website in order to lobby Lexus to allow me to use the navigation system I paid for.

I had a 2007 Honda Accord and "upgraded" to a 2008 Lexus LS460. The Accord Nav system and voice response was leaps and bounds better than the Lexus'. The fact that you can't use the features while driving is idiotic and stupid! That is far more dangerous than anything. And don't they think we might have a passenger who can program our destination or dial the phone while we drive? Why even put a DVD player in it? Is anyone going to sit in their parked car and watch a DVD?

This is a rip off,,,,, How stupid people that ride with me think Lexus is when I have my nuvi 760 sitting there guiding us instead of that nice brightly lit map display. it would be safer to use the cars system than the nuvi if it could be accessed while driving because of the large display. This makes no sense at all!!!!

All other nav systems let you use it while driving. My Lexus makes me stop the car and then input all the data. That really sucks.

This auto maker makes a better car than their competitors but their going to lose their customer base by listening to their lawyers instead of their customers. What will their lawyers say when someone sues the company because they were rear ended when they had to pull to the side of the road so they could use their nav.?

I'm sure the people at Lexus can easily remedy this with a simple software update so we can get the full use of our nav systems. It's absolutely ridiculous that a passenger is not able to input information while the vehicle is moving. Some kind of argument usually ensues because you're trying to figure out where to pull over so you can input your new destination. We need to get an override in place immediately!

I just bought the 2008 IS 250 and realize that I got screwed on my first Lexus. I am going to have to drive around with my 3 yr old Magellan that we got at Costco for a few hundred dollars. If I would have known I would have gone with either the Acura or the Mercedes that I was also looking at for my purchase. If anyone figures out an override, please send it out. What a waste of money!!! The voice command is no good either!!

I am trying to talk my husband into helping me with a class action suit. He just retired from the bench and is now doing mediation & arbitration.

I was told for the salesman that I can get my voicemail from the bluetooth phone and the nav system. I ask while traveling down the freeway at 60 mph. The answer was a bold face lie.

this is common feature that was available in all my prior acura model cars that allowed my passenger to work the gps while on route during a trip. very irritating and impossible to use the gps effectively in the current lexus rx400h

I have not upgraded beyond 5.1 because of this issue. My Honda Odyssey and Acura MDX have no similar idiotic issue. Both are newer than my 2004 LS and if this is not fixed by the time I am ready to replace the LS, I will strongly consider another brand even though I have continuosly driven an LS for the last 16 years.

I purchased the IS F a few months ago and I a really annoyed that the navigation and blue tooth dial functions do not work while driving. I owned a 2002 SC430 previously and did not think to ask if this was an issue when I purchased it. I was looking at the BMW M3 as well and this issue may have swayed my desicion. Don't get me wrong, the IS F is a performance beast and I look it. It gives you a disclaimer when the nav starts so why the lock out. The passenger in the car cannot use the nav while I am driving and my kids cannot watch DVD's as well. I have an audio DVD that uses screen functions and I cannot listen to this and change songs while driving. In am 44 years old and spent offer $60,000 on a car. I am a big boy. Let me decide whether to use the Nav while driving.

Some 'messages' still appear on the nav screen and must be read by the driver while the vehicle is moving...this is distracting anyway. The whole 'you can't do this while moving' mindset contains contradictions within the current operating mode of the Lexus nav/audio system anyway!

Same stupid error from Lexus is unfortunately also available in Belgium, Europe... I wish I would have known it before buying the car...

Pain in the arse

It is truly ridiculous that this "feature" cannot be overridden. I do believe it is time for a class action lawsuit (can someone direct me to a class-action attorney site that I can solicit interest?- Thanks. Ed) against Toyota to force them to re-implement the override. They simply need to popup a disclaimer that you need to agree to and then they are legally covered. This agreement can popup every time the car is started for all I care. The solution to the useless multi-thousand dollar navigation should not be that I should use my TomTom instead. Toyota should be embarassed.

Going on road trip with family. Will probably take my wife's car because my Lexus nav. system can't be used by the passenger while the car is operating. Crazy! They should not blame their legal department. How many auto manufacturer's have held liable for having a navigation system that can be operating while the car is moving - none.

We would not have bought this car if we knew of this limitation. It works just fine in my Acura MDX, why can't Lexus let us use it? This makes the Nav system practically useless and not with the money. A $200.00 Garmin can run circles around this thing. Lexus needs to solve this and quickly.

It would be really beneficial to be able to search for POIs while driving and not have to pull over and stop.

Hate the inability to change or add destinations while in motion. Also hate having to accept the caution everytime

Its bullshit

I have a 2006 ES that came with 05.1 map information. Apparently I can't update to 07.1 map data without undergoing a firmware change which REMOVES the ability to override. In my experience an ES NAV disk built from 07.1 map data with 05.1 program files is not workable - while the data is clearly there, not enough of the logic works. I'm stuck back in 2005 - and I can't exactly return the car for a rebate because it really wasn't misrepresented. Two main gripes about Lexus / Toyota navigation: 1. Arcane and insidious approach to the override / lockout situation; 2. Undue cost for initial system and updates. You can buy an aftermarket GPS for every occupant of the vehicle for less than the cost of the inferior Lexus OEM unit. And the Lexus updates are outrageous (not to mention out-dated)! For functionality and intuitive operation I preferred the Accura / Honda NAV units, but I liked the Lexus ride better, so I went that way. No regrets regarding the base vehicle, but next time I will be willing to make some tradeoffs, if for no other reason than I don't like being manipulated. Perhaps some entrepreneurial software development group could produce a third-party NAV application for the Denso hardware, eh? Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

I understand the safety part but I do not understand the liability part. Me thinks that Lexus and their dealerships use the "L" word to shut us down! I do not doubt the intention but like anything else, I think its been designed in an unacceptable way. They should have either had a straightforward menu that turns this feature on and off (we already press the "I agree" button). They should have been smart about letting this Nav system operable when a passenger in the car. My menu would be -Always ON, On with Passenger, Disable when Driving. These are my issues: 1. Having to pullover to type in a simple address. 2. Voice Recognition is useless for all practical reasons. 3. Typically call using a calling card and have to dial using my phone now, instead of the dialpad on the NAV 4. Cannot pick a specific folder on the MP3 CD while driving. Most of the features that come with the NAV package can only be used ONLY when we drive! For god's sake its a car and most of my time in there is spent actually driving it!!! So if the features I paid for cannot be used when driving, why would I pay for it in the first place? Why did the salesperson not explain this "feature" to me before signing on the dotted line? I would have NOT bought this car with the NAV package if I had known this issue. Now that I have this car for a year, I would have not bought a LEXUS ES350 ever if I had known of some of their "other" design specifications that this car comes with!!! Alas, thats another story :)

I'm forced to use a PDA navigation system in my windows smartphone, its complicated and troublesome while driving. I am thinking about legal actions against lexus if it ever causes me any serious trouble on the road.

I feel deceived every day and I'm reminded every day I enter my car. What kind of "luxury" car is this?

I understand that a kit can be purchased from Japan that is a hack that allows the Nav to function in a Non Nanny manner but of course voids your warranty.... But lets keep taking the battle right to the factory. Don't tread on me!

The Lexus ES350 Nav system is USELESS. The touchscreen can only be used when the car is at a complete stop and lacks MANY MANY features. The system is not intuitive and the GPS is terrible. Maps are outdated, route planning and lack of features makes the Lexus NAV system completely worthless and WAAY too pricey.

Doesn't make sense since Garmin, Tom-Tom, etc already allow it.

It's awful. I just came from a BMW X3. I like everything about the RX (No winter yet to judge) with the exception of the NAV system. It is a pain in the a$$!

It's ridiculous to put such restrictions on something that costs so much. Even if the weight sensor in the passenger seat identified a passenger and would allow override - I might be more understanding. But just to remove the functionality completely causes just as much or greater risk to everyone if you have to pull over to activate navigation and then merge on again.

The option of making the NAV change should have been left up to the individual who purchased the vehicle.... and not the lexus dealership. This way the liability is removed from the lexus dealership to the individual for making such a change to overide the Nav system. It clearly states when you start the car... its stipulation for utilizing the Nav system.

It sucks, I paid $45K for a GPS that is crippled and annoying to use with the voice system which is more distracting than tapping the screen. I've used a Garmin GPS for years on my motorcycle without any problems.

It is annoying that my wife sitting in the passenger seat cannot operate the Nav system or phone. We almost got in to accident pulling over.

I am looking for a source, other than a Lexus dealer, for the latest Lexus Nav software for my 2004 ES330

Give me the option to choose. Most of the time, it is the passenger that does the serious street address inputting anyways.

This is very frustrating issue with me. I can take a $200 GPS that has more capabilities than Nav system in my LS 460 that was nearly a $5k option. Why does Lexus view their liability different than rest of the auto industry and GPS manufactures?

This is a real disapointment and problem. The passenger SHOULD be able to input data while moving. I could well be dangerous to stop or to be confused about where to go at any given time. I am a responsible adult. Lexis is NOT my mother.

Override is needed, I just can not function without it. many, many times we, we I mean wife and I, need to find gas station or other needed IO, stopping on the freeway is a lot more unsafe that ask my wife to look for it. Many, many time I need to change destinations 1/2 way to one. Again stopping on a freeway or, on unsafe location is way more unsafe, some locations in town not even the police will stop. 100% support of restoreing the override. we can sign that we will be resosible to not do it ourself but ask the passanger. Thanks

why can't a passenger use the navigation system when the car is in motion?

Not only do you prevent me from making minor changes to my nav programming while moving, you prevent my wife (or anyone else in the front passenger seat from doing the same). This also affects my wife's new RX 400h. I think it stupid. I drove a 2003 LX for five years and never felt that operating the nav system was a distraction. In fact, it says alot that the toyota nav system is so well designed it is easy to use, so much so it is not a major distraction to make a change. What do your lawyers drive? Maybe their just upset that the germans suck at nav systems.

This "feature" is absolutely annoying. I wonder how many people get rear ended because they are not careful where they stop to enter trip info.

please keep me informed if there is a patch found!

Strikes me as very very dumb that Lexus should have put such a limitation on a car this expensive when its competitors haven't. Even much cheaper cars offer full navigation, bluetooth and DVD functionality while in motion. When I was recently in Germany for an international conference, I was picked up from the airport by an Audi A8. Throughout the ride I whiled away the time watching TV.

Very annoying. Hard to believe that some smart Lexus/Toyota owner/computer whiz can't crack the code. Not willing, yet, to rewire the car but I'm thinking about it.

I feel that this is the dumbest thing lexus can do. Its taking my rights as a comsumer to use something i paid for. I don't agree that lexus telling me when and where i can use something that is mine!! My sales rep never informed me of this issue and i have ask the service department to address the issue and they said that " we can't touch it, because its an safty issue". If thats the case why do Garmin, Magellion, and other Car manufactures let their customers use the "In Motion" feature. I would have never bought a lexus if i knew this would be an issue!! At least not with a factory Navi unit. I could have just gotten a $300 Garmin unit, instead i paid $4500 for something i can't even use all the time.

We recently took a 7 hour roadtrip and initialized the navigation at the beginning of the trip. It was ridiculous that we could not search for gas stations, rest areas, or restaurants along the way. Lexus needs to upgrade the priority of this serious matter.

I want to be able to enter destination info while car is moving. I hereby promise to ONLY have my passenger enter the info and I will at all times keep my eyes on the road. I hereby release Lexus from any liability herein. EG

Why if the annoying seatbelt reminder can ding to notice that there is someone in the passenger seat- why won't it let them work the computer or phones? I can think of several times I have had to deal with my phone because the phone book screen won't let you do make any calls, so you have to use the phone headset, which I consider more dangerous.

I drive my girlfriends 2007 Camry Hybrid a lot and this drives both of us insane! We like to go on road trips together and there have been many times when I am driving she would like to search for things or input addresses. Unfortunately this must be the same problem (hence it's the same manufacturer) as the Lexus one. Thanks a lot Toyota!

Could get killed by 18 wheeler while parked on side of expressway to set in address -- would have bought my 4th BMW 7 series had I known such a good set of tools would be so totally useless. PLEASE PLEASE FIX THIS MAJOR DEFICENCY. Everything else about the car is perfect -- this takes the car from a 10 to about a 3 -- and My mercedes was a 4. BMWers were always 8-10

It is really annoying. I often have the passenger use the system while I'm driving, but I can't do that!

Not at all happy with this inconvenience. I invariably travel on long journeys with my wife and she finds it infuriating that she cannot input destinations etc in motion as she did with my Garmin. If she is unhappy so am I! We now travel with the Garmin as it is so much more user friendly!

i bought the 400h 2 weeks ago and there was no mention of this even being an issue. i have never owned a lexus before so didnt even know to ask about it. im frustrated because after doing a lot of research on the car i never read even one complaint about the NAV system. to further this cause i think its a good idea for someone to go on many of the review websites and make comments that outline the problem. frustrated and blindsided.

I mistakenly "assumed" that the system would allow navigation on the move...... my bad. I can't understand why the system has to be locked for almost any function of navigation and phone features while the vehicle is moving. A major annoyance. I am stuck with it for now but it will be my last Lexus.

The "I agree" screen is the dumbest thing I have ever seen in my 2004 RX330. No one else, not even newer Toyotas, have it. Then there is the inability to set a destination when moving.... For a high-end car, this is real no-no.

it is important to full control for our GPS and passanger can help to input address as well, then why we have to lose the control of our own GPS?

I have a 2006 IS. The NAV system was not functioning properly so they offered to upgrade it for free. I aked if the disable feature would work and was told it would function the same. Now it does not work.

Ridiculous!!

Every road trip I revisit the anger

Lexus: Making good tools useless!

It really bothers me that the whole system shuts down when I am moving. I now have to look down at my cell to dial a number or pull over to change my nav. system

Let's keep up the pressure. They ultimately yielded on the "Lexus Link is active" announcement even when it wasn't, and on the annoying "I agree" screen when the car is first started. So hopefully they will come up with some compromise solution for the Nav data entry problem. Give me Liberty or give me Death!

What a piece of crap nav system... If I want a useful system, I my Garmin. This is my first Lexus... and my last.

This is truly a major annoyance when driving. Previously owned the Acura MDX and the navigation is a much better product. Lexus should make this right with all of its owners.

This is a deal-breaker. I will not buy the next LS until the override feature is made available again.

Put in a waiver of liability on startup that's they need to do. "Lost in a Lexus"

This is just plain BS. I received a ticket pulling off the road on I95 in FL to change an address on my NAV system on our 2007 Lexus SUV Hybrid. Also, half the addresses I put in do not register but my wifes Acura can find them all. What's UP!!!!

I am getting ready to trade in my 2005 ES330 that has the override for a more luxurious model. My wife and I travel a lot of miles together. I absolutely will not buy any new car that won't let the passenger use the nav system while the car is moving.

This is the most paternalisic car I have ever driven. My 2009 model beeps and alarms at everything. The NAV lockout is definately a safety issue. I had to pull over in a bad neighborhood last week to manually search for a location, because the voice recognition system could not correctly discern my instructions. Arghh!!

This sucks. It is really a bad decision. Give me the choice.

Lexus Navi system sucks and my wife and I are really regretting our purchase of this vehicle!!!

This is egregious and definitely a buzz kill.

I basically don't use the SC430 nav system because it is unusable without the override. I had to buy a clunky dashmounted Garmin uniit to use in my vehicle instead.

Whoah..was comparing cars bmw, acura, and infiniti and had actually almost settled ont he Lexus GS, but now that i see this..um no thx. my wife plays navigator role whenever we are driving, so this is just plain idiotic.

I am pissed! My wife usally drives and as a passenger I can not even operate the navi system. There should at least be an override detection for an ocupant in the passeger seat. My '03 Honda was functionable as a driver. Something needs to happen here to modify the navi system. So many other car makers now offer navi and Lexus has taken a big step backwards.

Don't care for the lack of consideration for my money spent.

I would not have bought the car....says it all. Please keep me informed if someone creates a lock pick.

This is just another example of government interference with people's freedom of choice. By passing laws or imposing fines on manufacturers that are intended to lessen insurance claims due to negligent behavior, the government has started a domino effect that really sucks. So Lexus is really not to blame, the crooked politicians taking money from the insurance companies is the source of the real problem.

When I purchased my 2008 ES I was told that the 5th Generation Navigation System, like its predecessor, had an override feature. Just no one at Lexus was at liberty to tell me how, just the "I could find it on the web". However, after lots of research, I no longer think that such an override exists. I am very disappointed. Please inform me when this has been changed. Al

I am not a moron... The people at Lexus need to pull their heads out of their corporate asses!

I think that Lexus is not my mother sums it up completely.

this is the most annoying feature in the car... you cant seem to do anyhting without being at a complete stop

I am really infuriated by the fact that the NAV cannot be programmed by a passenger while the vehicle is in motion. We rented a vehicle with a nav system in Europe. I was able to program destinations as the passenger. It never occured to me to ask if that was possible on the LEXUS nav system. I think that Lexus dealerships should be upfront about all these defects as people are purchasing defective upgrades. I also think it is very regressive that the CD info is not displayed. It's one thing if it is a CD that has been burned quite another if you have purchased it at the store. Lexus I am giving you a thumbs down for your weak attempt at luxurious technolgy. I personally will not recommend Lexus to any of my friends. The lack of NAV functionality use for passengers and the non-display of CD info is definitely a deal breaker. I would have gone for the AUDI had I known.

I am not a child. I have had a Garmin portable nav for 6 years. That product is much better than the $3k Lexus one.. Why not just have a disclaimer when the system comes on ? Also, the CD track selection also does not work while the vehicle is moving. Can you say BIG BROTHER ???

Too much "big brother" --- I'm responsible enough to decide for myself when I can or can't safely operate my navigation system!

I have a new Garmin Nuvi 760 in my other car. It never occured to me that Lexus would not be as good. Please help allow the Navigation system to be used while moving.

Hate the navigation system. Presently using a Garmin nuvi 760

I simply can not agree with this being a liability issue. Employed with a major law enforcement agency for over twenty years it is far, far more dangerous to stop and work a GPS unit on the side of the road than to simply allow manipulation of the unit while driving (like every over the counter brand allows and state and federal laws allow).

While I would love to have an override for the NAV, I don't really know what the big deal is. My Lexus is the 3rd car I've had with a NAV, and the 6th one I've driven with a NAV and none of the other's ever had an override, and always had limited usage when driving. Like I said, I would love of have an override, but I also understand the reasoning for not having one. Simply put, do you want to be the person killed when a stupid person gets into an accident because they were programming their NAV instead of driving. (Ed: I believe each driver should have the responsibility and the choice to use the system. What about passengers? What were your other cars?)

I have 2008 LS, the maps, POI, etc are outdated. The information is at least one year old. The NAV unit is worthless unless you can program it before you start driving. Heaven forbid you need gas, food, or drink and you had not planned the exact stop. I have a Garmin 750 that makes the Lexus NAV look like an Apple IIe.

I will not buy another Lexus, when it gets time to change car I will buy German

What were they thinking ... it is ridiculous that one cannot change the navigation destination during motion--that is sort of the entire point of using navigation--if I always knew where I was and where I was going I wouldn't need a nav. system. And not being able to search for food and gas? Unbelievable. Does Inifiniti limit the navigation system like this?

I had a2007 Infinity M45 Sport prior to my 2008 Lexus GS460. The Infinity had its drawbacks, but the Lexus nav system is the WORST !!! I thought I was upgrading to a Lexus. What a mistake. I can't believe that the nav system is making me hate a car that I thought I loved. I spend a lot of time in the car. If I have to pull over every time I need something, I'd never get anything done. If someone has to plan their entire trip before they leave their driveway, inclusive of rest stops, and food breaks, then they wouldn't need the nav system in the first place. The voice commands are even stupider. Who the hell needs a voice command to turn up the radio volume or raise the temp. When trying to use the voice command to find a POI, I might as well be speaking Greek, because the Lexus system doesn't understand a word I say. There are enough things in operating a car that could distract someone ....the radio....putting on makeup whil driving.... eating with both hands... etc. etc. I've seen it all. If Lexus thinks that they are doing the world a safety service, they are dead wrong. All they're doing is frustrating the hell out of us !! I wish I knew more about this befor I bought this car. It's costing me more money then my previous car, and I'm going crazy. What a combination.

When I bought my 2007 es350 I could use the override feature. I had trouble with the map and they upgraded to the next version. Now, I am stuck, it does not work while moving and they will not do anything about it. Yes, I feel this is a very critical issue and would stop me from buying Lexus in the future.

Have a 2005 RX 330 Would love to implement a new system, both for the music (something like a hard drive based system like Sonos) and the Nav. I also own a Garmin, which I use in my Lexus (that really frosts my nuts....) because the $300 unit is WAY BETTER than the $3000 Lexus one. The big screen is where I attach the suction cup to hold my Garmin.

I think it is absurd that I must pull over to the side of the road (or take an offramp and pull over) to get what I paid for!

it is very frustrating to now not be able to use the override feature. I had been using it (or my passenger would use) for a year, without any problems, then I upgraded to latest maps and the feature was gone. My mother and father both have other nav systems that allow simultaneous driving and using the system, and now I am considering another make car when I buy again.

I've tried just about everything. I use my old Garman most of the time to avoid the frustration. I guess "big brother" is here riding with my wife and I in our new Lexus.

This is simply a big mistake. I've had friends in my car that said they would never buy a Lexus because of this lockout feature. Tell the legal department to get busy with something else and get out of the car design aspect of your business. Very poor decision making in this lockout of a feature that costs 10 x more than aftermarket. On top of this, they put out a high-res screen less than 3 months after I bought my car. Not a good way of making your customers happy.

I choose to ensure my safety by managing the input by: 1. if alone in the car, I will pull over at rest area, gas station or off main highway to do inputs. OR 2. Have my passenger do the inputs while I drive on. For a safety comparison, I ride a motorcycle with my Garmin portable GPS and haven't fallen off nor hit a tree yet! Gee, I must be an adult! One problem is really annoying, how am I to use the Find feature to find a gas station if I have to get off the highway to use the system. This has taken away the usefulness of the system. Is Toyota/Lexus really this dumb? Apparently so. Won't get another Lexus. I'm going back to Ford or GM with the Garmin unit.

We need the override feature reinstated. Also, why can't we have as many features that many of the $250 hand held gps devices have? Why did Lexus choose not to show elevation, etc. ?

I had a 2005 Honda Accord prior to purchasing my Lexus IS250. The Honda allowed be to use ALL navtigation as well as ALL controls for climate control and audio while my car was in motion. I would expect a car that is $10,000 more to have a more advanced navigation system and one that does not limit my use when I need it most...WHILE I AM DRIVING! It is also stupid that a passenger is not allowed to use the navigation system while the car is in motion.

Very inconvenient! Not very well thought like one comes to expect from Lexus.

It is my nav system, I bought it. I do not want to carry my hand held unit jst to get where I want to go! They could interface it to the passenger seat sensor and allow the passenger access to functions, or just find the darn thing. It is practically not usable at all. Voice recognition is horrible and the dealer cannot fix it, I was told to play with different tones of voice to find the right pitch...... What a bunch of idiots. My 200 dollar Lowrance works better. Of course, the dealer did not mention that the navigation would not work while moving. I wonder why?

VERY disturbing that I have to totally stop the car to find where I need to go. Wish the salesman would have been more forthcoming!

Not all happy with not being able to use nav or phone while moving. After paying 50K plus for the vehicle, iI feel I've been swindilled.

In retrospect, my dislikes for the Merc's front seats is very small in comparison to the Nav system in the SC430. This will make me look seriously at other cars before I buy another "Designed by lawyers because we think you are too dumb to drive" car. I just want to know if Toyota/Lexus remembers what happened to Oldsmobile?

I was surprised to find out after purchase that the navagation system didn't work on the move. I have tried to find a fix but to no avail. I am very unhappy with the high price and limited useability of the system. I will look for a different manufacturer next time.

Why wasn't I told about having to stop to change guidance to the system. I'm pissed!

This feature makes the car less safe rather than more safe as it becomes a constant distraction. We should be able to turn this feature off at our own discretion!!!

This is sooo frustrating! The straw that broke the camels back occured today. I bought the IPOD adapter with installation at my local lexus dealer - and im unable to view the songs of each individual folder while driving. I feel like tearing out this gadget which just cost me a thousand dollars. ughh!

Really disgusted to have paid 50k for a lexus and find that they treat you like a boob. I really didn't want the nav, and now I'm sorry that I DID get it, since there are so many after market kits that are cheaper and user friendly.

I do not enjoy being locked out of the Nav System especially if there is a passenger with me. I think that the Lexus Navigation Syetem is junk. I am very unhappy that Lexus does not have the "Text to Speech" capability and is unnecessarily complicated to operate.

MY WIFE CAN NO LONGER GET DIRECTIONS WHILE I DRIVE, I would have NEVER gotten the navigation update RIPOFF if I knew this would happen. I'm tempted to rip the thing apart and ruin the warranty, or just put my fist through the screen.

I think it should have been smarter. While I agree that it defintely is not safe considering how far the console is and how long you have to take you eye away from the road. However, a car that can detect a passenger to turn on and off the air bag could use the exact same mechanism to turn on and off the navi system (DVD pay should still be disabled during drive)

I hate the damn car mostly because of the nav system

I believe a fair compromise would be to allow access to the navigation and other audit features if a passenger is in the front of the car. The sensor is already there, so it should not be a complicated technology enhancement.

I don't understand why they the Lexus are so stubborn , every Lexus owner I talked to is frustrated with their Nav system, is Lexus the only ones worried of getting sued. I also was misinformed by the sales man, he told me I can overide it. Bullshit .

This is really stupid why my passenger can't use the NAV while the vehicle is moving. It was not this way on my Honda. I will be looking at a different Manufacturer when it is time for a new vehicle.

I hate the navigation system on my 2008 ES350. No input while driving and no routing to unverified areas. These areas you are left to get out on your own. The system becomes a map only rather than a useful tool. Maps are 2.00 and these stupid systems are 2650.00. I want my money back or my Acura TL back.

got duped

I sent the following to Lexus today - I test drove a GS350 AWD last week. I really like the car and I had decided to buy one when my lease is up in 2 months. I'm currently driving an Acura RL. Then, a friend of mine who owns a Lexus told me about this: http://www.lexusoverride.com/There's no way I could buy the GS after reading this site. I'll be test driving the M45x tomorrow as a result. Please do not respond to me with a standard BS answer about using voice commands. I don't like using voice commands in my RL and won't use them in my next car. You guys need to remove the override, period. Let me know that you've done that and you'll have one less GS in inventory. Its completely unacceptable that this is an ongoing issue

That is a total paternalism by Lexus. I have also a Mercedes and my wife drives an Audi. I can not imagine that german manufacturers would behave like that. Shame on Lexus for that! Please release the Override procedure for 2007 cars asap.

I hate it.

I have a 2005 RX330 and was about to upgrade to a new model. I use the navigation ssystem religiously and will not purchase a new Lexus since I found out about the disabling if this feature.

Interested in software solution to fix the problem. Thank you, Kenneth

I HATE the Lexus Nav system! The voice recognition does not work. I was never told about the system locking out while moving.

If a passanger is detectected in the front seat, all of the nav and phone functions should be available without an over-ride code.

I HAVE A REAL PROBLEM WITH LEXUS' NAVIGATION SYSTEM. WHEN I WAS BUYING THE VEHICLE, THE SALES AGENT NEGLECTED TO TELL ME THAT THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM COULD NOT BE USED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THIS OUT. EVEN MY PASSENGER CANNOT SELECT POI, OR DESTINATIONS WHILE MOVING. LEXUS CALLS IT A "SAFETY FEATURE". I CALL IT BS. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH LEXUS' POSITION ON THIS. AS THE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DISABLE THIS "SAFETY FEATURE". EVEN CUSTOMER SUPPORT LIED TO ME. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A CANADIAN GOVERNMENT LAW THAT REQUIRED FEATURES ON A NAV SYSTEM TO BE DISABLED WHILE MOVING. I DID RESEARCH ON THIS AND FOUND OUT THIS IS NOT TRUE. ALL OTHER NAV SYSTEMS ALLOW THE PASSENGER TO SELECT DESTINATIONS AND POI. I WAS A LIFETIME LEXUS BUYER BUT I GUARANTEE THAT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AND/OR RECOMMEND ONE (UNLESS LEXUS RESOLVES MY PROBLEM - FAST). AS A MATTER OF FACT, I AM CONSIDERING GETTING RID OF MY LEXUS BECAUSE THE NAV SYSTEM THAT I PAID OVER $8000 FOR IS COMPLETELY USELESS.

The inability to use the Nav system while in motion is just the most annoying of the nanny features on the car. Lexus should have more faith in its users, and not treat us like children. At the very least, we should be able to sign something that absolves them of liability and allows us to use the features we paid for.

I don't have a Lexus. I own a Toyota Camry Hybrid. It has exactly the same issues. You should expand this site to include ALL Toyota brands... Not just Lexus. I am so MAD about this issue I am ready to sue them my self!

Its really annoying and never had this problem with my old acura and infiniti.

This issue is very frustrating for a lot of people I know.

i feel that it is the decison of the consumer to use the navigation when it is safe and if all of the owners of the other makes of car can use it while the vehicle is in motion, than lexus owners should also be more than capable.

I specifically ask my Service person about the Override when I upgraded and was not told the truth.

Consumers should have the right to full options of their Nav system if agreement in writting is provided by the consumer releaving Lexus of any concerns.

This is the worst navigation system I have ever seen. It does not increase safety, but rather is extremely dangerous as I have no sense of direction and am constantly having to pull over on the highway or in less than desirable neighborhoods to reconfigure and figure out where I'm going! Not being able to use the screen to access directions, music, etc. is incredibly frustrating. It's a great car, but I don't think I will buy it again as this bothers me way too much! Ridiculous! Why doesn't Lexus just make us sign a waiver or something that we take responsibility for out own safety and let us use our technology the way we think it should be used? It's degrading and demeaning that they have put the "child lock" on us. Paid too much for this limited access.

Major annoyance. Could this site provide links to third party solutions?

I wanted to get rid of the Garmin stuck to the windscreen - its back - As a safety feature its a JOKE - it causes Road Rage - You end up furiously punching the screen to try and get some response from the screen.

We have enough of "Big Brother" watching over us making sure we don't hurt ourselves. This is absolutely ridiculous. Lexus - you are way out of bounds on this and need to provide a programming option to make the system function as it should. Your competitor's have it figured out and are laughing all the way to the bank with increasing sales due to this poor decision by Lexus. I am in sales and have a number of executives in my car every week. Once they see that I have to find a place to stop before I can operate the NAV system. They easily see the limitations that Lexus has imposed and they are all turned off. I wonder how many Lexus sales have gone to other manufacturers due to this simple idiotic decision?

The NAV lockout on my wife's 08 RX-350 is truly frustrating. I just purchased a Honda Ridgeline, and it's NAV is far superior to the Lexus. Once I hit the button that I will be a responsible operator, the NAV system lets me do everything I need. On the RX-350, I have to pull over and enter the changes - extremely frustrating. I wish we had settled for the non-Nav version and stuck with the Tom-Tom! I hope you have success getting Lexus (Toyota) to see the light and stop this ridiculous policy.

I am willing to sign a liability waiver to protect Lexus. But this is MY vehicle now, not theirs. It is far less safe to use my cell phone to dial while responding to important pages on the road. I often find myself in more unsafe conditions by having to pull over to use the NAV or the cell phone. I do not understand the hardline attitude on this issue by Lexus. Just make me sign a waiver, whats the problem? I love my car, but find this to be a huge annoyance. I purchased all this technology, but end up being treated like a moron who does not know what's best for hismelf. Please give me access to my own vehicle controls.

I was lied to by the Lexus salesman... he said the override still existed.

I bought my Lexus GS350 two months ago. While I like the car in and out, definitely I would have not bought it if I would have known. I truly hate it now because of this nonsense approach Lexus has taken on the Nav overwrite. Count on me if you want to joint forces to go to Lexus HQ and complain . I am sure 500+ Lexus owners can make a difference. XXXXXXX@verizon.net

I have been completely misled during my buying experience with Lexus. This is just one of a dozen other reasons that I will never buy another Lexus again. I plan on trading in my 08 IS within the next year two.

I think for a $60K car, the voice system has always sucked and the override was what made the nav system useful while on the road. Now I'm back to where I started before I found the override sequence a few years back. *sigh* BAD LEXUS!

Think it would be much easier to make calls by utilizing the car system rather than having to keep looking, and scrolling through my cell phone. I have been able to use the voice commands pretty decently for the nav but would be MUCH easier if I could just input the destination. Have to concentrate more to use the voice commands than I do just putting info in the system. I do love my Lexus though....feature for feature for the cost paid it beats the cars listed above....if money was not an object would go with Mercedes, however you would be looking at no touch screen with that...their nav is pretty cheesy if you ask me...lets move in to the 2000's.

Unbelievable that you pay this kind of money for what is actually a really great car, only to find out that you can't input a GPS address while driving? Which is more dangerous, cautiously punching in a few numbers or pulling off into an unknown area with my kids in the back seat so that I can find my way out of some area I'm lost in. Thanks Lexus. My other car is an Audi. Pretty much everything on my Lexus I like better than on my Audi. But if they don't change this, I'll happily buy another Audi. Hey Lexus, I'm a big boy, I can make decisions all on my own!

This is a very dangerous feature. This feature makes the nav system a joke while traveling.

I cant beleive the limitation of the car (when driving)...what fun is left in driving when you can ONLY drive. Maybe they should also take away the right to change the radio station since they dont even let you browse your mp3 folders when the car is moving. In fact, why dont they sell the car with just the speakers installed so that we can install a real system which does what we want.

I think it is borderline fraud for this practice to be taking place. This is an insane feature that should be removed immediately. This makes it very tempting to look at other vehicles as the navigation system is useless on the road.

What the hell are they thinking ! It is obvious that disabling the NAV features, phone and Audio/CD info while car is moving is breach of safety itself. It actually forces me to try and input info while stopped at red light and/or stop sign, and pulling off the highway / freeway here in my area is a NO NO ! Lexus has to be feeling the heat on this issue and needs to make a change. What next ? Cell phones do have GPS ! Maybe the cell company's can hire Toyota / Lexus lawyers and disable all input to a cell phones while in motion.........including passengers.

This is simply ridiculous. A simple warning acknowledging the risk of using a navigation system while driving and an override setting would do just fine. Helloooo Lexus!

I found your website because I did a search to figure out why my new Lexus GS' navigation system is not working while driving. I figured there was a work-around... there just had to be. I was negotiating with the BMW dealer next door to the Lexus dealer. My GS won me over, but would not have had I known this stupid feature exists. Unbelievable, and I am pissed.

I got a Garmin for Christmas from my wife that I use in my 'other' car. It is 10 times more user friendly than the system in the Lexus.

I was told by a salesman that the lock could be overridden once purchased. I cannot get this done. I was lied to. If they're going to lock out the controls then why leave other options available while disabling others on the same screen. For example, why can I play with the speakers and EQ when driving but I can't change what track my CD's playing on? That's completely retarded. I spent $45K on a car and I expect, unless otherwise restricted by my STATE law (not Lexus' Law), to make decisions on what I want to do with it! Now, give up and let the OWNERS make the decisions on vehicles we're paying LEXUS to own. If LEXUS were paying us to drive their vehicles, then it would be a completely different story. But, WE PAY LEXUS for their cars. I would'nt have purchased the IS 350 if I knew the lock feature was not capable of being disabled. I want some kind of rebate for this ignoratly designed feature.

This is no longer a luxury car. I cant stand the override. if not changed or offer an over ride this will be the last lexus (toyota) I will purchase. Very dissatisfide customer.

I used the override button all the time just so that the passager can navigate to different places for me. Now I am at risk by having to stop to input directions. I almost caused a collision on the highway and almost got a ticket from a police office for stopping on the 405 freeway. When I told him I was checking my navigation system he told me that I couldn't park here and to do it while I was driving. I told him I wish I could and he let me off with a warning and gave me 30 seconds to finish and move my car or he would give me a ticket.

I just turned in my Audi A8L for a new LS460L. I was shocked to find out that with a call to directory assistance, I couldn't just hit "1" while the car is moving to have a text message of the information sent to my phone. The Audi system would warn me to be careful while the car was moving, but it kept the phone and navigation functions enabled. Generally speaking, I really like the LS, but the disabling of these features is infuriating. Honestly, I would have stuck with the A8 had I known. It's that important to me.

This is no longer a luxury car. I can't stand the override. if not changed or offer an over ride this will be the last lexus (toyota) I will purchase. Very dissatisfied customer.

It just does not make sense to lock the navigation and phone while car is in motion. It is perfectly safe for the passenger to use these features. I would think Lexus can assume any Lexus owner paying top$$$$ will have enough sense in how to use any features intelligently.

It is extremely frustrating that my passenger cannot use the navigation while I'm driving, especially when they let you play with all of the other features that are likely more distracting.

I am angry, I feel as though my safety is being compromised. I've been in a situation where I needed to get info from the nav immediately and the only way to do so was to pull off the freeway into a less than desireable area to get the nav to work. I feel I am old enough and smart enough to make a judgement call as to when and if I'll be using the nav when I'm driving. I don't need Lexus to make that decision for me. I truly would not have bought the car had I known that the override function I used daily was no longer available.

just fix this problem, to make a good car better

There is no reason whatsoever to have this lock feature. I am a pilot, and believe me, there is no place to pull over to enter information. Plus, how screwy is it for the blue tooth phone to lock you out. I have to find my phone, and enter the numbers through it, instead of being able to keep my head up on the display. This is a disaster.

Got the upgrade and found the overide feature didn't work. Plan to ask Lexus to remove the new upgrade and give me my $ back. I'll buy another GPS system. It is ridiculous. My husband and I really only use it when we are on long drives or trips and it is annoying as hell that the passenger can't use it while the car is moving. Dawn S_______ Cypress, Tx

This is the most assinine implementation of technology I have ever over paid for. What next? Disable the auto window?

Nearly got killed recently merging back from the highway breakdown lane after I was forced to stop to enter the stupid directions. Whoever thought of this as a "safety improvement" is a moron -- my wife was in the car with me and was completely able to operate the nav systems without me getting distracted, but no!, instead I am forced to pull over in a super congested highway, and then risk my life (and that of my wife and 3 children) merging back. PLEASE SOMEONE PAY ATTENTION.

LEX-SUCKS!

This is ridiculous in a 60k car. My old Mercedes worked much better. If I could get rid of this vehicle I would..... Lexus stop trying to play big brother.

I FEEL THAT THE LEXUS SYSTEM IS JUNK! A PASSENGER CANNOT ENTER OR CHANGE DESTINATIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, TEXT TO SPEECH IS A NECESSARY FEATURE WHICH IS AVAILABLE ON LESSER PRICED PORTABLE SYSTEMS AND THE SYSTEM IS TO DIFFICULT & CONFUSING TO OPERATE. I WISH I HAD KNOWN THIS BEFORE I PURCHASED MY 2008 LEXUS IS-250 AWD VEHICLE. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THE OEM NAVIGATION SYSTEM.

Hasn't somebody hacked the latest version of the software for us to install to put the override back in?

Lexus should give the user the option to override this unneccesary lock out.

Very very upset

This is total crap and NOT a safety issue. Pulling over to the side of a highway is NOT safe. Using the nav on my cellphone and looking at a 1.8 inch screen (which I've resorted too) instead of hearing it said from the car spearker is NOT safe. Having a pressure activated seat belt sensor on the passenger side but not letting the passenger using the NAV is BULLSHIT! I would definitely have bought a car from another vendor had I known this limitation.

It is actually MORE dangerous to have to pull off a freeway to set a destination, especially when a front seat passenger could easily do this as my wife has always done in our BMW's. This is my first (and last Lexus) unless this is changed! Robert P. H_______, MD

i drive around a lot for errands and such. i am a student! i find myself getting lost a lot and cannot even use the darn navigation system! most of the time i'm with a friend and we would both be getting mad about the situation! what's the problem! i mean if the lexus seats can detect that there's a passenger on the darn seat then why can't they use the navigation system! it's high tech enough for that so what the heck. eat it lexus.

It is ridiculous that a passenger cannot make entries into the Navigation system while moving!!!!! I have a Nuvi stand alone GPS navigation device that works while moving...my friend's BMW works while moving. I can't imagine that Lexus is more concerned than the other manufacturers about frivolous lawsuits. Please get rid of the lockout feature.

I hate this navigation system. I've been in the Honda and Acura and it is much more helpful to have the passenger use the system while in motion.

I almost purchased the M 45 Infiniti. If i had I would not have this problem. We rented a Mercedes Benz to go on a trip when I have a 08 GS 460 they cant tell me where to go.

I am really bothered that you can not manipulate the blue tooth as well as the navigation why'll the car is in motion. It becomes time consuming and sometimes dangerous if I have to pullover on the side of a highway because construction or no near by exists then having to merge back on into on coming traffic. I am deeply bothered by this but I do love my Lexus.

I own a new IS350 2008. I would have never bought the factory install option, instead I would have purchased an aftermarket nav system or better yet - never again consider lexus as a brand to buy.

I was lied to. On this and other issues.

I own a 2007 IS250...Not being able to override sucks....it's stupid, actually. It's supposedly for safety reasons, right? Then why is it okay for people to use portable navigation systems in their cars? Lexus really didn't use their heads when they made this decision. If they don't want to be liable for our safety, they should put a screen that says "By accepting this agreement, you are agreeing that a passenger, not the driver, is inputing the destination."........wouldn't that solve everything? Then it would be our OWN fault if we crash. They are stupid. I hate them. I regret buying my car. AND when I called to ask if I could have my CD changer upgraded to a ML DVD changer...they said "you might as well buy a new car"..........what kind of shit is that? I'm not going to pay another $40k to play DVDs in my car. Lazy bums just don't wanna do it for me.

The nav restrictions are an insult to our driving ability.

this is the worst

My business requires my passenger to input data while I am driving. I need this feature desperately!!!

LexusOverride.com

LexusIsNotMyMother.com

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