Lexus NX engine problems

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus NX 250. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated or messages displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 14,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Lexus NX-300H. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant leaking into the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,755.

NHTSA complaint #11755344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving, my vehicle's check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode without warning. It would not exceed 25 MPH and was stuck in 2WD, displaying the message "reduced engine power – take vehicle to nearest dealer." This created a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle could not maintain safe speed in traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The Lexus dealer diagnosed trouble codes P219C00, P160500, P030027, and P0301300 — cylinder #1 air/fuel ratio imbalance, rough idling, random misfire, and cylinder #1 misfire. Through active injector testing, the technician confirmed the cylinder #1 direct (high-pressure) fuel injector has failed, and recommended replacing all four direct injectors at a quoted cost of approximately $6,600. The dealer's inspection report also cited Lexus service bulletin L-SB-0007-21 for possible worn exhaust valve guides, a separate documented defect in this engine that produces these same misfire codes and limp mode, with a repair (cylinder head and valve replacement) that can exceed $10,000. Lexus has known about these failures in the 8AR-FTS engine since at least March 2021, when it issued L-SB-0007-21 covering 2018–2021 NX 300 vehicles. The bulletin acknowledges affected vehicles enter limp mode. Despite this, Lexus has not issued a recall, and owners whose vehicles fail shortly after the warranty period expires are left paying thousands of dollars for a known defect. My warranty coverage lapsed shortly before this failure occurred, and Lexus corporate declined meaningful assistance. A vehicle that suddenly cannot exceed 25 MPH on public roads is a crash risk to its occupants and surrounding traffic. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this defect for a potential recall.

NHTSA complaint #11748823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The message “Electronic Fuel System Failure” was displayed, and the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone, and the contact was informed about the fuel system failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in an extended warranty coverage associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA complaint #11747682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump and related fuel system sensor failed, resulting in a sudden loss of engine power. The failure was confirmed by diagnostic trouble codes retrieved by an independent mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost power and became inoperable, leaving me unable to accelerate or maintain speed. This created a dangerous situation with surrounding traffic, including a truck traveling behind me, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or crash. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and related sensor. A dealership acknowledged the issue but was unable to reproduce the problem at the time of inspection because the codes had cleared. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealership after being towed. No police or insurance inspections were conducted. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no significant warning signs prior to the sudden loss of power. The failure occurred unexpectedly while driving. Diagnostic codes were retrieved immediately after the incident but were no longer present during the dealership inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11730281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2016 Lexus NX200t with approximately 157,000 miles experienced sudden engine stalling, loss of acceleration, and the check engine light illuminated while driving. The loss of power created a dangerous situation because the vehicle was unable to accelerate normally in traffic. These symptoms are consistent with the defective low-pressure fuel pump recall affecting certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles that can cause engine stall and loss of power. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall even though my vehicle is experiencing the same safety defect. I am requesting that this issue be investigated to determine whether additional vehicles, including my model year, should be included in the recall due to the risk of sudden engine stall while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11723586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving at interstate highway speed at approximately 70 mph in heavy rush hour traffic, the vehicle suddenly made a popping sound and immediately lost all engine power. The accelerator became unresponsive, and the vehicle rapidly decelerated without warning. I was forced to coast across lanes to the shoulder to avoid a collision. The engine shut down completely and the vehicle would not restart. This created a serious risk of injury or death due to loss of power in high-speed traffic. The vehicle had to be towed and is currently undrivable. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had a long history of repeated engine misfires. Spark plugs were replaced twice, and a fuel line repair was performed. Despite these repairs, the misfires continued. The sudden engine shutdown occurred without warning.

NHTSA complaint #11705864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am submitting this complaint to report a significant safety defect in my Lexus vehicle. Without any prior warning or history of mechanical problems, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power while I was merging onto a busy highway. The vehicle rapidly decelerated despite continued acceleration input, forcing me to navigate to the shoulder while surrounding traffic was traveling at high speed. This unexpected loss of power created an immediate and substantial risk of a collision and posed a serious danger to myself and other motorists. Following this incident, I took the vehicle to a local auto shop, which identified diagnostic code P030002, indicating a misfire in Cylinder 2. I then promptly brought the vehicle to an authorized Lexus dealership. Their diagnostic confirmed the same code and attributed the failure to a “Cylinder 2 direct fuel injector leaking.” Lexus has already acknowledged this defect in TSB L-SB-0007-21, demonstrating that the manufacturer is aware of this recurring issue. My vehicle is five years old with fewer than 100,000 miles, yet this defect resulted in a dangerous loss of engine power under highway conditions. The dealership quoted over $3,000 to replace a single injector, and the remaining injectors may fail at any time, further compounding the safety risk. Despite its knowledge of this defect, Lexus has not issued a recall, implemented preventive measures, or offered assistance, citing that the vehicle is slightly outside the 70,000-mile warranty. I have therefore been left with a vehicle that is unsafe for continued highway operation. Given the severity of the incident, the known recurrence of this defect, and the manufacturer’s lack of corrective action, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter, as it presents a substantial and ongoing hazard to consumers and the driving public.

NHTSA complaint #11702843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus NX300. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the message "Check Oil" and the Master Warning Light was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled several times and failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced in April of 2024. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 232,000.

NHTSA complaint #11701875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle: 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid) Odometer at latest event: ~14,600 miles Dealer: Motor City Lexus of Bakersfield (Bakersfield, CA) Lexus Corporate Case #: 250823001008 Complaint Description: While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all electrical power without warning on two separate occasions, causing the instrument cluster to go dark and an immediate loss of power steering and brake assist. I had to coast to a stop—this is a serious crash risk. Timeline of events: • 08/20/2025 – In-motion total electrical blackout with loss of steering/brake assist at approximately [speed] mph. • 08/21/2025 – Dealer replaced the 12-volt battery. • 08/23/2025 – Repeat in-motion blackout with my children in the vehicle; dash went dark, loss of steering/brake assist, coasted to a stop. • After 08/23/2025 (at dealer) – During diagnostic testing, a dealer technician reproduced the same failure (total electrical power loss while moving, dash dark, loss of steering/brake assist). This confirms a repeatable safety defect. • There have also been three additional immobilizations that required Lexus Roadside Assistance on other dates. Current status: Vehicle remains at the dealer for the second repair attempt. I am within the 18-month window from delivery (Mar/Apr 2024). Safety concern / suspected area: Sudden total electrical loss while driving with loss of steering/brake assist. Please investigate potential defects in the 12-V/DC-DC charging system, hybrid/electrical system (inverter/DC-DC/grounding), main fusible link, or related wiring/connectors/grounds that could cause complete power loss while the vehicle is in motion.

NHTSA complaint #11684075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus NX 200T. The contact discovered oil dripping on the surface of her garage floor underneath the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that there was a rear main seal engine oil leak between the engine and the transmission. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11682795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Lexus NX300. The contact stated there was a misfire in the engine and the engine was idling rough. The contact heard a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel while driving at speeds of approximately 10 MPH or slower and when turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: L-SB-007-21; NHTSA ID Number: 11003637 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire. The dealer also diagnosed the vehicle with the front axle failure. The contact was informed that the front axle needed to be replaced. The front axle was replaced; however, the sound persisted. The vehicle engine was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11664791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing issues with my vehicle following repairs performed at Crown Lexus in Ontario. In December 2024, I experienced rough idling, slow acceleration with vibration, fluctuating RPMs, and stalling. The check engine light turned on, and an error message instructed me to pull over and contact a local dealer due to engine/transmission trouble. I promptly brought the vehicle to Crown Lexus, where it was diagnosed with a faulty cylinder head requiring full replacement. The repairs were completed at that time. However, over the past four months, the same issues have reappeared. I returned the vehicle to Crown Lexus, where I was told no problems were found and the car was safe to drive. Unfortunately, just two days later, the issues persisted, and I am now bringing the vehicle back in for a third time with the same engine/transmission symptoms. Given the recurrence of these serious issues and the prior repairs conducted, I kindly request a thorough diagnostic review and a resolution to ensure the vehicle is safe and functioning properly. I would also appreciate documentation of all findings and repairs. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt and effective resolutio

NHTSA complaint #11660901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle slowly lost automotive power and decelerated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle to continue driving normally. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, and Service Soon warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11650192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Air fuel imbalance. Air fuel ratio Imbalance. Rough idling. System too rich bank 1. Requires cylinder head removal. Other VIN#'s recalled; however, my vin # was not accounted for though experiencing the exact issues and codes.

NHTSA complaint #11646777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The message "Reduced Speed" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,283.

NHTSA complaint #11646690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My lexus 300NX2018, received a dashboard random warning signal; take vehicle to get service while i was driving. Had my vehicle towed to Lexus of Cherry Hill, point of care for my vehicle services. Explained via text messaging with the Lexus Advisor (Jamie)the issue of vehicle (1) the sudden dashboard signal to get to service dealer soon, movement of my vehicle pressing gas oppose a serious safety risk to me where i had to stop several time for safety, vehicle stalled, idle hesitating , forcing me to pull over for safety. Vehicle never showed any smoke, nor unusual noises, driving performance affect my safety in concern. I request Lexus advisor to have a diagnostic done because it had not been driving smoothly. Advisor Jamie message me saying Tech had basically check the vehicle, system pressurized as it should be so if there were leaks they would be visible, basically Tech wasn't getting no read to the problem. I suggest to have him test drive and she said he Tech would drive vehicle and get back. I researched recalls with my vehicle and saw Fuel Pump customer support program for failing fuel pumps recall as with my Lexus 300NX. I told Advisor about the recall and sent her the recall notice online. Advisor looked into the fuel pump recall in our telephone conversation, confirmed the fuel pump was recall n would be replaced. I told her i saw where the failing fuel pump with my Lexus online described what my vehicle was doing. Advisor now said car coolant fans/etc needed to be replace, I didn't understand this when I didn't have a cooling problem before coming there. Advisor tried to pressure me into the coolant fans/ module issues before doing my failing fuel pump, suddenly. I felt they were now lying about fans . I told her i would be in the next day, get a loaner. Next day, i was team up on at lexus by 3 Reps minus the Advisor who was there. Denied me the free fuel pump replacement, pressure to let them fix fans/module 1st , I refused, felt deception practice.

NHTSA complaint #11621595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle has 119285 miles on it. I have started to see oil leak from the transfer-case/transmission. I called lexus back in August 2023, they were aware of certain vehicle developing oil leak problems. They issued recall on certain vehicles and issued a TSB for oil leak repair. I called lexus today and took the vehicle to the dealership. There is an understanding that my vehicle won't be covered under recall even though the problem is known to lexus. This issue may lead to unexpected breakdown of the vehicle and lead to loose of control of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11620638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Left work for work in the morning and as I turned off my street to get onto a main street, I drive a block and the Check Engine Light appears and message appears on my console State "AWD System Malfuction." See Dealership Service. Drove to the dealership to drop off my care, and after 3 days of inspecting my car, the service specialist messaged me with a service summary of a list of items that need to be repaired to have my car run safely again. The total service totaling over 10k, which included repair head cylinder, valve guides, gasket, valve exhaust, cylinder head gasket cover. After speaking to the Service Specialist, he told me the issue is what they refer to "engine wrap" where the cover to the engine distorts (due to heat and time) and messes with the engine itself. He informed me this is a known issue that can occur with the 2015 NX200t.

NHTSA complaint #11611724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.