115 of the
1,281 complaints filed about the Lexus RX
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2024.
(1)The original 12-V battery was replaced by the dealership on XXX (after 5-week and 120-mile usage) with a new one, model: 00544-MFH50, S/N [XXX], 540CCA and 100 RC. (2)Upon double-checking with the 2026 Lexus Owner’s Manual for RX450H+, on Page 605, it clearly stated that when replacing the battery, its case size should be the same as the previous one (LN3) ……. with a performance rating of CCA of 603A or higher. (3)The dealership indicated the 00544-MFH50 was the right battery based on the VIN number per Lexus internal database. The database also showed another battery model: 28800-31572. (4)However, according to the battery information at [XXX], both 00544-MFH50 and 28800-31572 are listed as “Does not fit” the 2026 RX450H+ vehicle. (5)The other battery, model 00544-21171LXPR, is listed as the HV 12-V battery for the 2026 RX450H+ at [XXX]. (6)Also on the Lexus parts website, this 2026 RX450H+ VIN number is recognized as RX350h (Base Trim), a totally different vehicle. It may be possible that the Lexus 2026 RX450H+ Owner’s Manual (published in [XXX], 2026, for the North American market) and [XXX] have been updated with the correct 12-V battery information, while the internal Lexus database was not. It was not clear whether factories in [XXX] or elsewhere, and [XXX] dealerships, still use the possibly outdated and conflicting information for initial battery installation and replacement when needed. The discrepancies between Lexus internal information (manufacturing and dealership) and publicly available information from the owner’s manual and official Lexus website caused significant confusion about which battery is the right one designed for this vehicle in 2026. Details please see attachment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11764261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The 12-V battery of a brand-new Lexus RX450h+ died suddenly without any warning, only about 5 weeks into regular driving, with ~120 miles on the odometer. Lexus Roadside Assistance was called in to jump-start the battery, and the vehicle was driven directly to the dealership (about 5 miles away) for service. The dealership service checked the battery and indicated it “passed” all tests and is in "good" condition. However, the service technicians could not identify or suggest any reason for such a sudden death of virtually a brand-new battery (5-week new, 120-mile usage). The dealership indicated that there is nothing they can do for the battery because Lexus warranty protocol would not allow them to replace it. The Lexus Engagement Center was also contacted, and they indicated that, per Lexus protocols, they could not do anything about it, except documentation on the battery failure and file it for future reference. The customer considered this suddenly “failed” battery as a serious safety concern, because it is completely unknown how and why it happened suddenly in the first place. The customer repeatedly discussed and/or emailed such concerns to both the dealership and Lexus Engagement Center staff on the same matter, only requesting to replace the “failed” battery with a new one. Both dealership and Engagement Center concluded no replacement can be done, only “continued monitoring” of the failed battery, citing Lexus protocols. However, the dealership service department also acknowledged there is no way for any customer to monitor this 12-V battery with either onboard displays or Lexus APP, as the 12-V battery condition is not being monitored by the existing Lexus software. Only another unfortunate incident or even fatal accident due to this “dead” battery could be the outcome of such “continued monitoring” and documented “repeated” failure. After that, they may be able to involve Lexus field engineering team to investigate it further.
NHTSA complaint #11763681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2026 Lexus RX 350h Luxury AWD Hybrid. Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V BATTERY, DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC LOCKS I am experiencing a severe and persistent 12V parasitic battery drain on my 2026 Lexus RX 350h. The vehicle's auxiliary 12V battery drains completely to a dead state if left parked and unused for only two to three days. This is an ongoing manufacturing or software defect that prevents the auxiliary battery from maintaining an adequate charge, resulting in routine vehicle failure. Safety Risks and Incidents: This parasitic drain introduces several critical safety hazards: 1. Emergency Entrapment and Lockout Risk: Because this vehicle relies entirely on electronic door latches (e-Latch), a completely depleted 12V battery causes the exterior and interior electronic door release buttons to fail completely. This creates an immediate risk of vehicle entrapment or leaving passengers locked out in dangerous environments if they are unfamiliar with the secondary manual emergency release overrides.Stranding Hazards: The rapid, unpredictable nature of the battery depletion regularly leaves the driver stranded without warning in remote locations, dark parking areas, or during extreme weather conditions.Loss of Connected Safety Features: When the battery voltage drops severely before dying completely, critical connected vehicle safety systems—including automated emergency crash notifications, location tracking, and roadside assistance connectivity—are entirely disabled, presenting a severe risk in an emergency.Despite dealer awareness, battery replacements, and attempts to mitigate the drain, the manufacturer has not yet provided a permanent software or hardware fix to resolve this electrical defect. Yesterday, 8/31/2026 I took a 30 mile trip after fully charging the 12 V battery to 100%. Upon returning, I installed my battery maintainer. The maintainer stated 53% charge. The vehicle was not adequately charging while I drove. Vehicle software is malfunctioning.
NHTSA complaint #11761410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus RX 450h+. The contact stated that while occupying the vehicle, the battery lost power, causing the power door locks to fail to disengage and leaving the contact trapped inside the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact located the manual emergency release, unlocked the door, and exited the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact of the manual emergency door release. The following day, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11759957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Battery drains which locks car unexpectedly. No warning, even with car FOB inside car which creates a safety issue if child or someone is in the car. All doors lock and with no access to FOB cannot open the door with manual key. Also, safety issue if this happens at night or in a parking lot etc. Cannot open doors at all - There is obviously an issue with the battery draining after only a few days. Dealer solution - plug in a battery maintainer - problem if you are parking the car at an airport for multiple days. No place to plug the car in... Lexus needs to figure out what is draining the battery or some fix to stop this from happening - I drive my car several times a week 30 miles at least - still happens. Have had to replace battery twice so far.
NHTSA complaint #11759669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.