Owners have filed 52 complaints
about the 2006 Lexus RX with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 26 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the Lexus RX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 60
11.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 27
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
421.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
315.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
210.5%
150,000+ miles
947.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2011peak 6Jan 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Lexus RX
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ10003Opened 16 Feb 2010Closed 1 Mar 2011ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additiona...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Saratoga, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2006 Lexus RX 400h didn't stop even after breaks were applied, it did continue to move forward and slowly push another car for about 15 feet until another car hit a pile of dirt.
NHTSA complaint #11666621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday 9/29/21. Was inspected on 9/30.
NHTSA complaint #11435153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday 9/29/21. Was inspected on 9/30.
NHTSA complaint #11435153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYFire
ENGINE
My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday 9/29/21. Was inspected on 9/30.
NHTSA complaint #11435153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesAbington, MAFire
SEATS
I STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, AND MY SEAT WARMER LIGHT WOULDN'T TURN OFF. THE SEAT KEPT GETTING HOTTER TO THE POINT IT WAS UNCOMFORTABLY HOT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ONLY 5 MI AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL THE BURNING. DURING THAT TIME, THE PLASTIC UNDER MY SEAT BUBBLED AND WAS WITHIN MINUTES OF CATCHING FIRE ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC. THE PREVIOUS MORNING I DROVE INTO BOSTON AND WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC FOR AND HOUR AND 45 MINUTES. HAD THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ONE DAY EARLIER, I HAVE NO DOUBT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE UNDER MY SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10650125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Memphis, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake system sets a high tone pitch indicating failure accompanied by all Brake, ABS, PS, Traction Control Lights. This is an know failure for Hybrid systems. It can occur completely random, while driving without notice. Complete brake pressure is lost with exception of a hard feel to the pedal that allows some incomplete breaking to occur and can also cause locking of the brakes at slower speeds. We replaced The brake actuator as recommended with factory new in March of 2024 Started much earlier. Problem has returned Summer of 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11710717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annandale, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After adding gasoline to the tank, gasoline begins dripping from the left rear of the vehicle to the rear of the left rear wheel well. This happens even if the tank is only filled to 2/3 of a tank. I have stopped filling up since when the tank is filled up a LARGE amount of gasoline leaks out onto the ground. FIRE HAZARD while parked or driving. I have seen HUNDREDS of reports of this problem reported online.
NHTSA complaint #11691039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake calipers continuously seize up making vehicle unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11676448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2006 Lexus RX 400h didn't stop even after breaks were applied, it did continue to move forward and slowly push another car for about 15 feet until another car hit a pile of dirt.
NHTSA complaint #11666621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed
NHTSA complaint #11648884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed
NHTSA complaint #11648884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TX
ENGINE
From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed
NHTSA complaint #11648884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Imperial Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
There are multiple recalls on my vehicle and I am experiencing all of the recalls Inverter Failer vehicle stalls out alot. Crank shaft pulley is leaking oil and belt from the power steering maybe detached causing vehicle to stall. Inverter Assembly causing the vehicle to stall and become non drivable. Floor carpet cover and retention clips. And my brake master cylinder leaking fluid causing major break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have
NHTSA complaint #11645809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Imperial Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There are multiple recalls on my vehicle and I am experiencing all of the recalls Inverter Failer vehicle stalls out alot. Crank shaft pulley is leaking oil and belt from the power steering maybe detached causing vehicle to stall. Inverter Assembly causing the vehicle to stall and become non drivable. Floor carpet cover and retention clips. And my brake master cylinder leaking fluid causing major break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have
NHTSA complaint #11645809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Imperial Beach, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
There are multiple recalls on my vehicle and I am experiencing all of the recalls Inverter Failer vehicle stalls out alot. Crank shaft pulley is leaking oil and belt from the power steering maybe detached causing vehicle to stall. Inverter Assembly causing the vehicle to stall and become non drivable. Floor carpet cover and retention clips. And my brake master cylinder leaking fluid causing major break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have
NHTSA complaint #11645809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
STEERING
The power steering and hybrid system failed and vehicle completely stopped in middle of busy freeway with no prior warnings or issues before. The safety of my son and I, and others around me during the abrupt stop of the engine. I could not move out of way. The vehicle has been serviced for this exact issue during a recall campaign lasting from 2011 to 2014. Ten years later and it is still happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year
NHTSA complaint #11631799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The power steering and hybrid system failed and vehicle completely stopped in middle of busy freeway with no prior warnings or issues before. The safety of my son and I, and others around me during the abrupt stop of the engine. I could not move out of way. The vehicle has been serviced for this exact issue during a recall campaign lasting from 2011 to 2014. Ten years later and it is still happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year
NHTSA complaint #11631799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
The power steering and hybrid system failed and vehicle completely stopped in middle of busy freeway with no prior warnings or issues before. The safety of my son and I, and others around me during the abrupt stop of the engine. I could not move out of way. The vehicle has been serviced for this exact issue during a recall campaign lasting from 2011 to 2014. Ten years later and it is still happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year
NHTSA complaint #11631799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethany, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dear manager: I have this 2006 LEXUS RX400H which has CHECK VSC SYSTEM and CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM problems. When I was driving on the highway, the cruise control button is unable to turn on, when at speed of 65 MPH it will suddenly stall in the middle of the road and the READY light will be off and the vehicle has to be stopped by the emergency lane which is REALLY DANGEROUS. I have searched online and found out there were many complains about this issue and LEXUS issued a recall for this type of car and the dealer can change the inverter and ICM free of charge. This recall link is as follows: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf So tonight I am sending this message to see if you can help me to solve this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11548538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethany, OK
ENGINE
Dear manager: I have this 2006 LEXUS RX400H which has CHECK VSC SYSTEM and CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM problems. When I was driving on the highway, the cruise control button is unable to turn on, when at speed of 65 MPH it will suddenly stall in the middle of the road and the READY light will be off and the vehicle has to be stopped by the emergency lane which is REALLY DANGEROUS. I have searched online and found out there were many complains about this issue and LEXUS issued a recall for this type of car and the dealer can change the inverter and ICM free of charge. This recall link is as follows: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf So tonight I am sending this message to see if you can help me to solve this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11548538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethany, OK
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Dear manager: I have this 2006 LEXUS RX400H which has CHECK VSC SYSTEM and CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM problems. When I was driving on the highway, the cruise control button is unable to turn on, when at speed of 65 MPH it will suddenly stall in the middle of the road and the READY light will be off and the vehicle has to be stopped by the emergency lane which is REALLY DANGEROUS. I have searched online and found out there were many complains about this issue and LEXUS issued a recall for this type of car and the dealer can change the inverter and ICM free of charge. This recall link is as follows: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf So tonight I am sending this message to see if you can help me to solve this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11548538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 227,500 milesPotomac, MD
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the ABS warning light illuminated. Upon returning and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle had electrical power but failed to start. The check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V396000 (Hybrid Propulsion System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 227,500.
NHTSA complaint #11546428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello, I had this issue on my Lexus RX400H recently, and it was diagnosed and repaired by a third party auto repair shop at my expense. I want to know if I have any recourse to recover my cost Approx $700. Thanks! VIN Recall Consequence: THE VEHICLE MAY ENTER A FAIL-SAFE/LIMP-HOME MODE THAT LIMITS THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HYBRID SYSTEM WILL SHUT DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall Summary TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND LEXUS RX400H PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2005, THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2006. A MODULE INSIDE THE INVERTER MODULE MAY CONTAIN INADEQUATELY SOLDERED TRANSISTORS THAT DURING HIGH-LOAD DRIVING, MAY BE DAMAGED BY HEAT CAUSED BY THE LARGE CURRENT. IF THIS OCCURS, VARIOUS WARNING LAMPS, INCLUDING THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT, BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, AND MASTER WARNING LIGHT, WILL BE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. Recall Solution TOYOTA/LEXUS MAILED AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION ON JULY 19, 2011 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS RECALL AND THE FACT THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE A FUTURE NOTICE WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. TOYOTA DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HYBRID INVERTER PRODUCTION NUMBER TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE INVERTER CONTAINS SUSPECT TRANSISTORS AND REPLACE THE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA complaint #11542555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am financing a 2006 Lexus rx400h hybrid and the other day I went out to start it up and the light and everything came on but would not display ready and would not start. Check hybrid system with red triangle was on dash display along with several other warning lights, also when I put the key in the ignition it will release in the ACC position. Where I am purchasing the vehicle will not fix it saying my Vin is not part of the recall list and the lexus dealership to me it was to late to have the recalled parts replaced for free. What do I do?
NHTSA complaint #11524097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
I am financing a 2006 Lexus rx400h hybrid and the other day I went out to start it up and the light and everything came on but would not display ready and would not start. Check hybrid system with red triangle was on dash display along with several other warning lights, also when I put the key in the ignition it will release in the ACC position. Where I am purchasing the vehicle will not fix it saying my Vin is not part of the recall list and the lexus dealership to me it was to late to have the recalled parts replaced for free. What do I do?
NHTSA complaint #11524097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am financing a 2006 Lexus rx400h hybrid and the other day I went out to start it up and the light and everything came on but would not display ready and would not start. Check hybrid system with red triangle was on dash display along with several other warning lights, also when I put the key in the ignition it will release in the ACC position. Where I am purchasing the vehicle will not fix it saying my Vin is not part of the recall list and the lexus dealership to me it was to late to have the recalled parts replaced for free. What do I do?
NHTSA complaint #11524097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
POWER TRAIN
This vehicle seems to have a well-documented problem with water intrusion that damages the ECU and hybrid battery. The 2006 and 2007 RX400h has the HV battery located under the seat, which is the low spot in the rear section of the car. If water is spilled or the body has a water leak, the water will pool at the center of the battery. Lexus considered this, and added a drain under the battery, but the drain has a filter, presumably to keep insects out, and the filter is easily clogged. This, coupled with a pattern problem of split body seams near the rear hatch strut mount causing a water leak in the rear of the car, has created isolation faults in many of the RX400h SUVs. The condition presents as warnings on the instrument cluster and a no-start condition where the vehicle is inoperable. A search for "lexus ECU water intrusion" brings up my vehicle's exact model and year so this is well-documented.
NHTSA complaint #11504233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle seems to have a well-documented problem with water intrusion that damages the ECU and hybrid battery. The 2006 and 2007 RX400h has the HV battery located under the seat, which is the low spot in the rear section of the car. If water is spilled or the body has a water leak, the water will pool at the center of the battery. Lexus considered this, and added a drain under the battery, but the drain has a filter, presumably to keep insects out, and the filter is easily clogged. This, coupled with a pattern problem of split body seams near the rear hatch strut mount causing a water leak in the rear of the car, has created isolation faults in many of the RX400h SUVs. The condition presents as warnings on the instrument cluster and a no-start condition where the vehicle is inoperable. A search for "lexus ECU water intrusion" brings up my vehicle's exact model and year so this is well-documented.
NHTSA complaint #11504233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Johns, FL
ENGINE
I was running 72mph on the interstate and the whole car shut down - shifter, engine, lost steering, EVERYTHING!
NHTSA complaint #11495233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cambridge, MA
STEERING
The Rack and pinion is leaking and needs to be replaced causing the steering to lock
NHTSA complaint #11448330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.