43 of the
1,271 complaints filed about the Lexus RX
are about the throttle and cruise control —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
43
Complaints
3%
Share of all complaints
17
Crashes
1
Fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year
The vehicle has exhibited intermittent drivability and safety-related concerns after a prior collision repair. The concerns include delayed acceleration/engagement, abnormal jerking or stopping behavior, and elevated RPM behavior during real-world driving. The most recent documented event occurred on July 27, 2026, while the vehicle was in Drive at approximately 50 mph with cruise/driver-assist indicators illuminated. The tachometer appeared near the 4,000 RPM range. The event was captured by video/screenshot and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue creates a safety concern because delayed acceleration, unexpected jerking/stopping, or abnormal RPM behavior could affect the driver’s ability to safely merge, maintain speed, respond to traffic, or control the vehicle during highway or road driving. The problem has been intermittent and has not always produced an active warning lamp. A Lexus dealer inspected/scanned the vehicle on May 21, 2026 and discussed Eco Mode/Normal Drive Mode, but the symptoms continued afterward. The vehicle has a documented post-repair history involving transmission cooler replacement, transmission-fluid concerns, and prior transmission/powertrain/electronic-control diagnostic code history. Lexus Brand Engagement has also been notified under an active case, but there is currently no clear authorized Lexus repair path. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Based on the symptoms and repair history, the concern may involve the power train, speed control, electrical/electronic control system, or related driver-assistance systems.
NHTSA complaint #11755401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dear Sir or Madam. My name is [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] living in [XXX]. I bought my 2008 Lexus RX400h car, used, in 2014 at a non-Lexus dealership in the [XXX] where I used to live. My Lexus VIN is: [XXX]. I've been satisfied with the car..until today. The car had been running smoothly forever, and this morning while I was driving I came to a stop (red light) and the car suddenly shut down completely, including the loss of lights, and the whole dashboard went dark. Other cars behind me were honking their horns. I could not even turn on the hazard lights. After 1-2 minutes, all of the lights/warnings started coming on one after the other. I started the car again and run around three different errands without having further issues. I checked online to see if other owners had experienced a similar situation, which is the case. One person said that there had been two recalls in 2011 and 2013, both related to the inverter module inside the hybrid system. Although, I called today a Lexus dealership, [XXX], located in [XXX], and I was told there are no recalls for the VIN number that I provided. Another owner said she/he went to a Lexus dealer in [XXX] and she was told it was a defect in the gutter drainage design and that water gets into the hybrid system. This is a dangerous and potentially catastrophic situation if the vehicle suddenly shuts down on a freeway/highway putting passengers in risk of harm, injury, or death. This is a horrific defect which Lexus should correct immediately with a recall before one of us ends up at the cementery. I am glad to know that organizations such as the NHTSA exist, and I will appreciate very much that immediate action is taken on this matter. Sincerely, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11743901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2023 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, it suddenly accelerated without warning. While driving in a parking lot, the vehicle again surged forward approximately 20 feet. The contact was able to swerve to avoid striking a pedestrian. The vehicle became uncontrollable, and the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle ultimately crashed into a dumpster fence, which fell onto the vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to her mouth, including cuts to the inside and outside of her mouth, and medical attention was provided by a plastic surgeon. The fire department responded to the scene. The air bags did not deploy during the crash. There was no fire, and a police report was not filed. The fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer has not been notified. The failure occurred at approximately 18,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11723281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Feb. 10th 2026 I was driving north I405 (Los Angeles). The car suddenly applied emergency breaks in the middle of the freeway, while there was no car in front of me, at least for 100m. I was lucky that the car behind me didn't hit me. It could be a serious multi-car collision.
NHTSA complaint #11717700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2025 Lexus RX
at 106 milesRancho Cucamonga, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2025 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward at a high rate of speed before crashing into the brick wall of an office building. During the crash, no air bags deployed, and the brake pedal was hard when pressed and did not stop the vehicle. Also, the manufacturer's APP indicated a malfunction in the engine and engine throttle during the incident. The driver sustained injuries to the knees, arms, and hips, which required medical treatment. An incident report was filed by the facility Patrol Officer, and the vehicle was towed to the collision center. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. An engineer from the manufacturer was sent to examine the vehicle and reported no trouble found. The contact indicated that upon delivery of the vehicle, several electronic features did not function properly, including the display and navigation screen. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106.
NHTSA complaint #11690554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I was trying to park behind a car. Slowed down the car. Just about 20 feet behind the car, the car suddenly started to accelerate. The speed was super fast. I had to step on the brake some hard to stop the car. Fortunately the car stopped just in time. No crash happened.
NHTSA complaint #11653058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I was parking my car 20 feet behind a car by the street , the car suddenly accelerated. I stepped hard on the brake and fortunately stopped the car about 3 feet from the car in the front. No crash happened
NHTSA complaint #11653060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2017 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated while making a left turn exiting a car wash, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated independently and crashed into the commercial building where it came to a stop. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was in full throttle and failed to stop. The air bags did not deploy. No warnings light illuminated. No Medical Attention was needed. During the failure, the contact was the only occupant seated in the vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to the head, black and blue marks on the left side of her leg and shoulder as well as her left knee sustained swelling the right of her bottom was also bruised. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to impound lot by the insurance company and then towed to a salvage lot. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11650124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RX500H. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle surged forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Lexus of Santa Fe (6824 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507) who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. While the contact’s wife was driving and was idling at a stop light, the vehicle lunged forward aggressively. The contact’s wife turned off the vehicle to avoid lunging forward and crashing with oncoming vehicles at the intersection. The vehicle was returned to the first dealer, Lexus of Albuquerque (4821 Pan American Fwy, Albuquerque, NM 87109) who was able to duplicate the failure and stated that the failure might be caused by a software failure. The dealer could not confirm but had assumed that the software update might prevent the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and might be preparing a software update to solve the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11633174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The accident happened when I was using the "BRAKE HOLD SYSTEM". It is designed to use when the needs to stop briefly. When the Brake Hold button is touched while the driver's foot is on the brake pedal, the driver do not need to step on the brake even though the shift lever is in D. After I finished paying for a car wash, I touched the Brake Hold button. Then the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward and ran at a high speed. I was pushing the brake pedal, when I touched the button. I was startled and attempted to stop the vehicle with all my strength by braking the brake pedal. It didn't stop and went over the cub and accelerated even more and it crossed the both lanes and hit the cub on the other side. It climbed up the bank wall and it finally stopped. The police and the ambulance came and took me a hospital. I later found out the vehicle was towed to a nearby junk yard. I believe that the new high-tech system known as BRAKE HOLD malfunctioned and caused "unintended acceleration". I believe that it certainly is extremely dangerous. It has not yet been inspected by the Lexus mechanics. There were no warning signs whatsoever before the unintended acceleration. BTW, I have used the function before i.e. when I used drive throughs.
NHTSA complaint #11623542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. At [XXX] on [XXX], I was pulling into my gym's parking lot, when I stepped on the break to park my car, instead of stopping, the car accelerates rapidly and crashed through the other side of the sidewalk where there were light pole and cement walls, throwing me forward and backward with seat belt on, I was in total shock! 2. My insurance sent a field inspector to the body shop 2X in hope to repair my car but ended up declaring it a Total Loss. 3. Lexus said they would send a field tech to get the EDR (Event Data Recorder) data from my 2018 Lexus RX350 within 30 days, but the results won't be available for 30-45 days after that. Lexus's slow response to this accident concerns and disappoints me b/c it was a serious crash that Lexus should treat it seriously and promptly. 4. The disbelief of a 'young' car with only 12297 miles could have issues like this puzzled me and drove me to do a lot of online research, then I came across this site [XXX] which contains an article titled '10 Common Problems of A Lexus RX350'. Problem #5 described exactly what had happened to me: 'ONE RECURRING PROBLEM THIS CAR HAS IS THAT THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS SEVERELY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENES WHEN THE DRIVER IS TRYING TO PARK THE VEHICLE. REPORTS PAINT THE SAME PICTURES REPEATEDLY: THE DRIVER IS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THEY PUSH THE BREAK PEDAL, AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR ACELERATES RAPIDLY, WHICH RESULTS IN A CRASH." Based on this article, it seems that Lexus should have issued a recall, but no! 5. The strange thing was that NO airbags were exploded/activated, yet the vehicle was damaged to beyond repair, it makes me wonder if there was an issue with the airbags too. If this incident had occurred at an intersection, I dare not imagine the outcome...I could have been killed or critically injured along with other innocent people on the road. I am very traumatized by the whole experience and sadly, the feeling seems to have gotten worse as time goes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
NHTSA complaint #11621427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Codes P219C & P0301 have continuously came on , these lights MIL have made the vehicle go from AWD to 2 wheel drive while in motion. [XXX] vehicle was taken to Bay Ridge Lexus. In brooklyn NY. They over looked this issue and stated it was something else. This has been confirmed via multiple diagnostics machines. Lexus of Edison has also decided not to cover this repair under warranty . The danger of going from 4 wheel drive into 2 wheel drive while in motion is extremely dangerous . These warning lights/MIL once activated has also caused the vehicles sonar to fail cause a serious safety issue. My vehicle is available to be inspected as needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11587176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I put my 2008 Lexus in reverse and had my foot on the brakes the entire time as I was on an incline. Suddenly , without provocation, the car propelled backwards and as much as I pumped the brakes, the car continued to hurl backwards full speed. I crashed into another car in my driveway, and finally got the car to stop after suffering a lot of damage. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11576347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2013 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was parking her vehicle the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and crashed into a tree. The contact was not sure how fast the vehicle was moving. The contact crashed into the tree head on and crushed the center of the bumper and grill. The contact stated that the air bag had not deployed. The contact stated she did not notice any warning lights. The contact was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The contact suffered lacerations on her hands and face. The contact stated that the police arrived after she had been transported. The vehicle was not repaired and was declared a total loss by her insurance provider. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11568826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
October 20, '23 Our recent DEAD STOP! Whistle blower! Did you know that when the alternator goes out on a Lexus, that the car draws down energy from the battery to keep the car going? That's only for about a mile or so, then the car shuts down! You can't steer and THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING and you have no power as you come to a dead stop, whether on the freeway, or one lane mountain pass road, where we would have been later. What would we have done? Scary! Luckily, our Lexus stalled on a city street nearing our on-ramp to the freeway. (needing to be towed.) Lexus has a serious engineering-defective-design-flaw that probably is responsible for accidents. Thanks, [XXX] . Pass it on please! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11551111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2010 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that she had taken her son's vehicle to the car wash. The contact stated while at a complete stop, in the carwash drive-through, the vehicle accelerated independently and the driver's side of the vehicle crashed into the wall on the left side of the carwash bay. Heavy metal structures fell on the vehicle. As a result, the windshield was shattered and the ceiling of the vehicle was bent. The air bags failed to deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact sustained two large contusions below the knee of her left leg. The injured area later became swollen and bruised. The contact sought medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V305000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would send a field inspector to retrieve the Event Date Recorder (EDR) in order to determine the cause of the failure. A case was opened; however, the manufacturer had not followed up with the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I just picked My Car up from Bakersfield Motor Ciry Lexus . My engine was replaced with a engine at this location with 65k . I have now notice my car jerk during acceleration from a stop position or uphill possibly from the transmission . I respectfully requesting a claim be opened on this issue as I didn't have the issue until engine replacement. I am also requesting a courtesy evaluation and stress test on the transmission at my home dealership Newport Beach Lexus. Ever since engine replacement the car has been bucking during acceleration 0 to 45.
NHTSA complaint #11493983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car displaying parking brake malfunction and and cruise control malfunction intermittent when using the parking break, seem that TSB (T-SB-0168-19) was open for Camay from 2018 to 2020 exhibiting the same issue but not for this car. This a safety concern since parking brake becomes disable, this issue resets after restarting the car again.
NHTSA complaint #11466703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.