110 of the 1,271 complaints filed about the Lexus RX are about the electrical system — 9% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2024.
110
Complaints
9%
Share of all complaints
8
Crashes
6
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
my rear windshield shattered - I was not driving - I was not using the rear defrost - I simply put car in reverse and when I looked back my glass was shattered. 08/09/2026
NHTSA complaint #11756335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 139,000. It was discovered that the mileage was 177,000 in 2022. The contact contacted the Police, and the contact was advised to file a civil suit.
NHTSA complaint #11753462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Technical Incident Timeline Suspected Unintended Acceleration Event 2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ (Approximately 96 Miles) Vehicle: 2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ Purchase Date: July 10, 2026 Dealer: Woodfield Lexus Incident Date: July 12, 2026 Approximate Time: 11:30 AM Vehicle Mileage at Incident: Approximately 96 miles ⸻ Event Sequence 1. Vehicle Startup * I entered the vehicle and started the vehicle normally. * The vehicle was in Park (P) at startup. * My right foot was on the brake pedal, as required to start the vehicle. * The accelerator pedal was not intentionally pressed. 2. Immediate Vehicle Behavior After Startup * Immediately after startup, the vehicle produced an unusually loud powertrain noise similar to a motorcycle engine. * The vehicle unexpectedly moved forward with strong acceleration without my intended input. * The acceleration was sudden and unexpected. 3. Loss of Vehicle Control * The vehicle traveled uphill at high speed. * The event occurred so quickly that I did not have sufficient time to react or take corrective action. * The vehicle became difficult to control during this period. * The front wheels climbed up the hill first. 4. Impact With Tree Trunk * The vehicle continued uphill and shortly thereafter struck a tree trunk. * After the impact, the vehicle changed direction toward the right. * The vehicle continued moving at high speed after the impact. 5. Attempt to Stop Vehicle * After the vehicle changed direction and continued moving, I recognized the need to stop the vehicle before it reached a concrete structure with a Jewel-Osco sign. * I applied the brake pedal again. * At this point, the brake responded and the vehicle stopped. 6. Resulting Damage * The collision caused significant damage to the vehicle, including damage to the driver’s side. * No warning lights or dashboard alerts appeared during the event.
NHTSA complaint #11750381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud: The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 96,575. After reviewing an AutoCheck report by Experian the following day, the contact became aware that the mileage was 151,219.
NHTSA complaint #11748807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.
NHTSA complaint #11734180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
*Driver-side entry failure = primary access point compromised * Could trap occupants if internal handle fails or after an accident * Emergency responders rely on driver-side access first * This is not normal wear and tear—it’s a safety-related failure.
NHTSA complaint #11733701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Lexus RX450H. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 116,000. It was later discovered that the mileage was 195,937 upon scanning the vehicle upon scanning the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11730364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus RX 350H. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the door latches locked independently, and the contact and wife were locked inside the vehicle for several hours. The contact eventually remembered to pull the mechanical door latch and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.
NHTSA complaint #11730467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car stopped running during turn. Then started creeping along ,then after a bit ,started working normally. Happened a few times after. Then later car wouldn’t start in garage, had to get jumpstart. Took to Lexus dealer and found out the 12 volt battery was shot.they replaced it. Very frightening experience. Could have had an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11729355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased this vehicle on January 5, 2026, from a family-owned dealership in Broken Arrow, OK. The vehicle was purchased “as-is” with a guarantee of sale and a Carfax report. After purchasing the vehicle, I drove it home and it remained parked until January 8, 2026. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the vehicle experienced an unexpected engine stall while I was driving. At the same time, the slip indicator light and traction control appeared to engage. I contacted the dealership immediately to report the issue, and the vehicle was towed back to JT Wholesale Auto Sales on Friday, January 9, 2026. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that the vehicle had undergone a complete inspection and that no mechanical issues were found. Relying on this representation, I retrieved the vehicle and drove it home. However, after retrieving the vehicle, I continued to have concerns regarding its condition. On Thursday, January 15, 2026, I took the vehicle to Stellar Auto Service located at 2209 N. Yellowood Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012 for an independent inspection. Stellar Auto Service specializes in Lexus and Toyota vehicles. During their inspection, they identified the following issues: • Engine timing chain cover leak • Worn drive belt Stellar Auto Service was informed of the slip indicator light activation and the engine stalling that I had experienced. However, at the time of their inspection, they were unable to identify or reproduce any issues related to the slip indicator light or the stalling concern that I reported. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the slip indicator light illuminated again, and the vehicle stalled while in operation. I was forced to safely pull off the roadway. I turned the car off, waited, restarted the vehicle, and drove home. The same issue occurred again on Sunday, March 8 and 15th, 2026. While driving, the slip indicator light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. I pulled off the road turned the vehicle off, restarted it.
NHTSA complaint #11725110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2020 Lexus RX 450h with approximately 129,803 miles. The check engine light came on and the vehicle stored diagnostic trouble code P0A2D, which indicates a failure of the drive motor/temperature sensor circuit that is integrated into the transmission/hybrid motor assembly. According to the Lexus dealer’s diagnosis, the temperature control sensor located on the transmission/hybrid drive unit has failed. Because Lexus designed this sensor as part of the transmission assembly, the dealer has stated the sensor cannot be replaced separately and that the only repair is to replace the entire transmission. Lexus is refusing to acknowledge this as a manufacturing defect and is requiring me, the consumer, to pay the full cost of a complete transmission replacement, estimated at approximately $9,040.03, solely due to the failure of this internal temperature sensor. This is a critical component used to monitor drive motor/transmission temperature. A malfunctioning sensor of this type can lead to improper system operation, possible overheating, loss of power, or unpredictable behavior of the hybrid drive system while the vehicle is in motion, which presents a safety risk to occupants and other road users. This failure occurred during normal use on public roads and not due to any accident, abuse, or modification. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether there is a design or manufacturing defect in the drive motor/transmission temperature sensor and its housing or circuitry on the 2020 Lexus RX 450h (and related Toyota/Lexus hybrid models) that forces owners to replace the entire transmission when this internal sensor fails. This appears to be an unreasonable safety‑related defect and an unreasonable repair burden on consumers.
NHTSA complaint #11723917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owned a 2024 Lexus RX 350H. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, it unexpectedly turned off with the electronic malfunction error message displayed. The vehicle could not able to be restarted, and the contact was unable exit the vehicle due to the failure of the power locks. Roadside Assistance assisted with removing the contact from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained with the dealer. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer attempted to return the vehicle back to the residence. The contact was concerned about the issues with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,624.
NHTSA complaint #11723513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting a recurring electrical and mechanical system failure on a 2024 Lexus RX 350h Luxury. On [XXX], the vehicle suffered a total power loss that rendered the electronic door latches unresponsive to all inputs. Because the occupants were a [XXX] and a [XXX] strapped into car seats, they were physically unable to reach the interior manual overrides. Critically, the mechanical backup key also failed to unlock the vehicle from the exterior, preventing immediate rescue. This created a life-threatening entrapment scenario. The doors only responded after multiple minutes of repeated manual attempts. Once entry was gained, the vehicle would not start and the headlights began blinking rapidly, indicating a total system communication failure. I had to use jumper cables to restore power. This is the second occurrence of this catastrophic failure, documented on Repair Order [XXX] at Lexus of Westminster. The failure of both electronic and mechanical failsafes constitutes an extreme occupant safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
I am reporting a recurring electrical and mechanical system failure on a 2024 Lexus RX 350h Luxury. On [XXX], the vehicle suffered a total power loss that rendered the electronic door latches unresponsive to all inputs. Because the occupants were a [XXX] and a [XXX] strapped into car seats, they were physically unable to reach the interior manual overrides. Critically, the mechanical backup key also failed to unlock the vehicle from the exterior, preventing immediate rescue. This created a life-threatening entrapment scenario. The doors only responded after multiple minutes of repeated manual attempts. Once entry was gained, the vehicle would not start and the headlights began blinking rapidly, indicating a total system communication failure. I had to use jumper cables to restore power. This is the second occurrence of this catastrophic failure, documented on Repair Order [XXX] at Lexus of Westminster. The failure of both electronic and mechanical failsafes constitutes an extreme occupant safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery on car under 6 months old and fewer than 3,000 miles was DEAD after not being used for one week. Weather was not an issue, as car was parked INSIDE of residential garage.
NHTSA complaint #11717884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2024 Lexus RX 350h experienced a catastrophic 12V battery collapse (2.00V), disabling the electronic 'e-Latch' door system and rendering interior handles non-functional for standard use. While a manual override exists, it is not intuitive for emergency egress. Additionally, the electronic parking brake and shift-by-wire systems remained physically locked, preventing the vehicle from being moved to a safe location during the power failure. I am reporting this as a failure of primary safety and fail-safe protocols. Dealer did not consider this a a problem because he said I “needed to read the manual before I ever drove the car”
NHTSA complaint #11715077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers and no information on the instrument panel. As I drove down the street slowly the instrument panel returned to normal. A third incident occurred when occurred as we were driving on the highway. The light on the instrument panel began to darken. My husband was driving and I was in the passenger seat I was able to access the light app on the dash and restore the light to the original setting. This car is not on the recall list. It should be because this is a matter of life or death. The car had 59000 miles on it when we bought it so it is not under warranty. I contacted Lexus and they refused any help until I take it to a Lexus dealer and have it diagnosed. I don’t drive it daily because I have other vehicles but I would like to be able to drive it and have full use of the instrument panel. The problem repeats itself.
NHTSA complaint #11714267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.