82 of the
1,271 complaints filed about the Lexus RX
are about the body and structure —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2004.
The panoramic sunroof shattered while the car was parked and there were no occupants. Lexus USA refuses to acknowledge this defect and the dealership insists there was an impact that caused this damage. There was no impact. I have asked the dealer for a written report of their determination of the point of impact and to return all broken glass to me. I do not know yet if they will comply with either request. As the car was parked, there were no immediate safety concerns, but due to the risk of additional glass falling onto the driver and passenger seats, the car was not in a drivable condition. Had this happened while driving, the sound of the shattering and the glass falling may well have resulted in a reaction from me causing immediate danger to myself and others on the road. UNKNOWN if problem has been reproduced, but this is not an isolated incident. Vehicle component had not been inspected by manufacturer, police , insurance reps or others. There was no warning or other symptoms of this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11742805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearl White (077) paint is delaminated from metallic car surfaces. The paint appears to be separating from the surface and peeling/cracking, not consistent with normal wear alone. I previously reported this concern to Lexus Corporate.
NHTSA complaint #11733008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was parked, engine off, and unattended. An internal electrical fire originated in the overhead/sunroof wiring area. Damage includes melted wiring harness near the sunroof, burned center console, and soot throughout the interior. The fire originated in a constant-power electrical circuit and spread downward into the cabin. There were no aftermarket modifications, no external heat sources, and no objects in the vehicle that could have caused ignition. Ambient temperature conditions were normal and insufficient to cause this damage. This represents a serious safety defect because the fire originated spontaneously within the vehicle’s electrical system and could have resulted in a full vehicle fire or injury if occupants were present. The failure appears to involve factory-installed wiring/components and is not consistent with normal wear or external factors.
NHTSA complaint #11729838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2023 Lexus RX350 (Certified Pre-Owned) Ownership Duration: ~3 months Incident Description On February 1, 2026, the sunroof glass of my vehicle shattered inward into the cabin without any collision or known external force. The vehicle was parked on the street next to a residential garage entrance, with no trees or overhead objects nearby. I have photographs documenting the shattered sunroof. No alerts were received on my mobile app at the time. The vehicle remained stationary and was not operated until delivered to the dealership. Around February 2–3, my mobile app indicated vehicle activity, confirming the dealership accessed or connected diagnostic equipment while the vehicle was in their possession. They never disclosed inspection results or technical findings. Dealership and Manufacturer Response February 2, 2026: Vehicle delivered to authorized Lexus dealership; advised to contact manufacturer. February 13, 2026: Lexus North America phone call – warranty/goodwill coverage denied. February 19, 2026: Dealership confirmed repair not covered. Email to service manager requesting inspection findings, diagnostic conclusions, and written denial – no response. February 20, 2026: In-person visit; dealership refused to provide inspection results, stating vehicle was received broken and I could pay for repair or take it unrepaired. Repair Order (R/O) stated: “Probably due to outside influence.” No evidence or technical explanation was provided. Safety Concern The sunroof glass shattered inward, presenting a direct hazard to occupants. The failure occurred within three months of CPO purchase, raising concerns about inspection process and sunroof integrity. This may indicate a broader defect affecting other vehicles with similar sunroof systems. Current Status Vehicle is under repair at my expense despite lack of confirmed cause or documented findings. Evidence Photographs of shattered sunroof Repair Order from dealership Mobile app records
NHTSA complaint #11719553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This submission is a supplement to a previously filed complaint. Original complaint number: 11719553." In my previously submitted complaint, I incorrectly stated that the vehicle remained stationary until delivery. The actual situation is: the sunroof glass shattered while the vehicle was parked, but the day after the incident, I drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. I am providing this supplement to clarify the vehicle’s status in the original report. The incident occurred while the vehicle was completely stationary, with no external forces or driving involved.
NHTSA complaint #11719594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The crack initially developed on the passenger’s side near the air bag enclosure and progressively spread across the dashboard toward the driver’s side. The surface of the dashboard was also sticky. The ignition switch was sticky, leaving a residue on the contact's fingers. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: L-SB-0011-15; and the related Warranty Enhancement Program. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that there was no recall coverage available. The contact called another local dealer Westminster Lexus (13590 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683); and was informed that the repairs would be at the expense of the vehicle owner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11718862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving on the freeway at night. This limit the speed to less than 20 mph since the moonroof continued to shatter at a higher speed.
NHTSA complaint #11698301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passenger’s side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11685317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was at the gas station, in line waiting for one of the three gas pumps to be available. I put my car in reverse to back up and pull around another car in order to go to the open pump in front. When my car was in reverse motion, I stepped on the brake pedal, but the car did not stop. I stepped on the brake pedal numerous times, but the brake did not function. My car backed into the front of the car in line behind me damaging both vehicles. The automatic emergency braking system did not activate, and there was no rear collision warning sound or message. I switched my car from Reverse into Park to stop its movement, but it was too late to avoid the collision. I had a passenger in my car who corroborates this description. Fortunately there were no pedestrians behind my car, so the only damage was to the vehicles. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone since the accident, but will be soon. I have owned this car since April 2021 and previously had a few similar situations when moving in the forward direction. Previously, the brake problem occurred while moving forward at very low speed pulling into parking places. The brake failed to activate, and I had to throw the car into Park to stop it, but this was the first time I had experienced this problem traveling in reverse. When this situation occurs, I am pressing on the brake pedal, but the car is not stopping and the brake pedal seems to go to the floor. On March 5, 2025 I took the car to a Lexus dealer and reported the brake failure problems. They inspected, road tested, and checked for codes, but could not identify the problem. I believe that the collision back up system should have prevented this accident, but it did not function. I suspect that there may be some kind of computer issue that prevents the brake from actuating. The car will be going in for repair soon, and I have requested that a complete diagnostic review be performed of this brake problem.
NHTSA complaint #11684842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon arriving to the residence and parking the vehicle, the front driver’s side door failed to open while pulling on the interior door handle. The contact rolled down the window and was able to open the front driver’s side door while pulling the exterior door handle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Lexus Special Service Campaign Number: 20LC02. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,518.
NHTSA complaint #11677722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On our 2018 Lexus RX 350 L, the left front interior door handle broke and we had to roll the window down and open the door from the outside. I learned that there was a recall - Lexus Special Service Campaign 20LC02 but our Lexus VIN was not listed. Our Lexus Model/year was manufactured in 05/18 and that was within the production period of the recall, April 2015 to September 2018. I believe that Lexus not including our suv's VIN in the recall was an oversight. As a result, I reached out to Smithown Lexus in NY and they did not honor the recall and wanted $219 + tax just diagnose the problem. I also called Lexus Guest Experience Center at 1-800-255-3987 and thety also did not honor the recall. Since, I purchased and installed the door handle. Is there a way I can get get reimbursed for parts and labor of $450?
NHTSA complaint #11675180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am formally submitting a vehicle defect complaint regarding my 2016 Lexus RX 450h, which is experiencing premature and extensive paint degradation, including clear coat peeling, flaking, and fading. This issue is not due to environmental exposure or neglect, but rather a clear indicator of a factory defect related to substandard paint application and adhesion failure. This concern directly aligns with known and previously acknowledged factory paint failures affecting both Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Numerous Customer Support Programs (CSPs) and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been launched by Toyota Motor Corporation to address: •Faulty clear coat adhesion •Improper surface preparation during manufacturing •Delamination and premature degradation of factory-applied paint, particularly in white pearl and other finishes Despite wide acknowledgment of these issues in prior campaigns (such as CSP ZKC and others involving Lexus RX, ES, and LS models), my vehicle’s VIN was not included—despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Given the extensive documentation of these defects, I am requesting the following: 1.A formal investigation into the paint failure affecting my Lexus RX 450h. 2.Written acknowledgment of this known issue and confirmation whether this VIN has been or should be included in past or upcoming CSPs. 3.Immediate corrective action including paint restoration or full vehicle repaint at no cost. 4.Clarification on why Lexus has failed to expand prior paint-related CSPs to include other affected model years and VINs despite continued customer complaints. This message is being concurrently submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for independent review under potential consumer safety, quality compliance, and warranty oversight. I expect a formal response within 10 business days of receipt. Failure to act appropriately will prompt further legal and media inquiries to ensure transparent processing.
NHTSA complaint #11657565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I saw on the internet while I was looking for new mats this year my Lexus RX 350, 2007, vin [XXX] was recalled for the dashboard until May 2017. During 2013 through 2018; my husband left me for my friend; both my sons were shot in different cities; one in Nashville, and one in Denver Colorado. The one in Nashville, was shot 10 times by his roommate who forgot he had a roommate. Fortunately, he turned around so his laptop in his backpack got the bullet which would have killed him. He was left with a dominant disabled arm. He had just come back from Las Vegas working with Jason Aldean as a cameraman and saw the bloody massacre from the shooters. My oldest lives in Denver. He was shot and killed by the police on a domestic call. They overreacted. My ex-husband would not let me come to the funeral or visit the son in Nashville when he was hurt. I was not able to focus on anything else during that time. When I saw the recall on the Internet this year, I called and requested a reprieve. I was turned down. I wrote a letter to Lexus. Again I was turned down. I am [XXX] and [XXX]. I’m still driving my Lexus 2007 and plan to the rest of my life. I didn’t see the mail about the recall of my dashboard, nor anything else for several years. I only have about 94,000 miles on it. Most of my friends want to drive in my car instead of their new ones. When I saw the recall on the Internet this year, I called and requested a reprieve. I was turned down. I wrote a letter to Lexus. Again I was turned down. I plead with you to extend the time and allow me to replace my dashboard on the recall. Thank you for listening, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11633730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On the Saturday (12/21) before Christmas, my hatch door wouldn’t open with the key fob, push button in the vehicle or push button on the door. And the foot under the bumper opener has never worked for me. Anyways, because I couldn’t get my door to open, I ended up loading my groceries in the back seat. When I got home, it still wouldn’t work with the key fob or other buttons. One family member who tried to help me, pushed the door button and it suddenly opened after all the many attempts before. But then it wouldn’t close back. Just like at the store, it made that beeping sound but that it makes when it’s closing or opening, but it wasn’t closing. The next day on Sunday (12/22) I wouldn’t use it because I was afraid if it opened, it wouldn’t close back. The way we were able to get the door to close, was at least I thought it helped, I kept pushing the key fob and the door would allow my family member to manually push the door down a little at a time until it closed. When the door closed completely, we could hear it automatically lock like always. I had a few more Christmas shopping errands and had to leave home again. I got in the car in my driveway and I shut the door and put the car in reverse and suddenly a loud pop and my entire back window shattered completely over into a trillion little pieces. I couldn’t believe it. I’m taking it into the Park Place Lexus dealership in the morning (12/27th) to see if the malfunctioning door is what caused my window to break. I can’t afford to keep replacing the back window over and over if the door is the issue. We taped the back window over so it wouldn’t rain into my vehicle. When we tried to open the door again, it wouldn’t work. So, I had to crawl through broken glass to cover my back window. Terrible experience. I’ve attached photos. On the left and right side of the windows, notice there are two strange holes there. The large hole is I assume where it popped at. My car is under warranty. I hope the dealership covers it
NHTSA complaint #11632580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
On the Saturday (12/21) before Christmas, my hatch door wouldn’t open with the key fob, push button in the vehicle or push button on the door. And the foot under the bumper opener has never worked for me. Anyways, because I couldn’t get my door to open, I ended up loading my groceries in the back seat. When I got home, it still wouldn’t work with the key fob or other buttons. One family member who tried to help me, pushed the door button and it suddenly opened after all the many attempts before. But then it wouldn’t close back. Just like at the store, it made that beeping sound but that it makes when it’s closing or opening, but it wasn’t closing. The next day on Sunday (12/22) I wouldn’t use it because I was afraid if it opened, it wouldn’t close back. The way we were able to get the door to close, was at least I thought it helped, I kept pushing the key fob and the door would allow my family member to manually push the door down a little at a time until it closed. When the door closed completely, we could hear it automatically lock like always. I had a few more Christmas shopping errands and had to leave home again. I got in the car in my driveway and I shut the door and put the car in reverse and suddenly a loud pop and my entire back window shattered completely over into a trillion little pieces. I couldn’t believe it. I’m taking it into the Park Place Lexus dealership in the morning (12/27th) to see if the malfunctioning door is what caused my window to break. I can’t afford to keep replacing the back window over and over if the door is the issue. We taped the back window over so it wouldn’t rain into my vehicle. When we tried to open the door again, it wouldn’t work. So, I had to crawl through broken glass to cover my back window. Terrible experience. I’ve attached photos. On the left and right side of the windows, notice there are two strange holes there. The large hole is I assume where it popped at. My car is under warranty. I hope the dealership covers it
NHTSA complaint #11632580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The material (most likely) plastic used as a trim on the vehicle is melted or started to melt. This is the trim (b-pilar) between the driver's door and the rear passenger's door. We believe the quality of the material used for the trim is defective and should be addressed by the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11627511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mileage 3445, vehicle age 3.5 months. Car located in home garage with doors unlocked. Car Locked itself making entry impossible. All systems refused to open with “clicker” or mechanical key. Possibly battery issue. Four (4) different tow truck drivers over 4 days could not gain entry. Safety hazard as a child or disabled person could have been locked inside. Tow driver could not “pop” the door lock. Despite pulling up on the inside handle, the door would not open. Towed to dealer. Thus far dealer has no solution. Dealer said they are contacting Lexus. No warning lights, etc. Vehicle is a plug-in hybrid. Drive Battery was at 100%.
NHTSA complaint #11617988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.