Electrical System Problems of Lexus RX - part 1

Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.

See all problems of the 2023 Lexus RX 🔎.

*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.

See all problems of the 2016 Lexus RX 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2013 Lexus RX 🔎.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2024 Lexus RX 🔎.

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).

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Lexus RX 🔎.

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”.

My Lexus 2019 Rx450h is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: mc-10245447-9999) brake squawk/knock noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had not!. Temecula valley Lexus, 42081 dealer drive, temecula, CA. 92591. (951)365-6834. I scheduled an appointment for repair on 1/26/26. They rejected making the repair because my vehicle did not have any codes in the computer or any lights on the dash. They did in fact, confirm the brake actuator noise. I reject that concept because who could know ahead of time if a part experiences a (1st time) total failure without throwing codes and turning on dashboard lights? as I read the symptoms of severe problems experienced in a higher level of failure by brake actuators, I would not want to have to experience a crash accident in which the actuator would operate correctly in a hard stop condition or have abs failure and brake lockup occur. Personal harm and property damage should not have to be an indicator if I can have the manufacturer cover a repair. Please advise what I should do to increase the response in the direction of getting this known problem repaired. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2019 Lexus RX 🔎.

If we don't drive the car for 4 or 5 days, especially in cold weather, the car will sometimes not start due to a drained 12v battery. We've spoken to Lexus of rockville, MD and Lexus roadside assistance, who are aware of the issue but say the 12v battery is "healthy. " online research shows this is a widespread known issue with Lexus Rx350h and Rx500h vehicles from 2023 onward: [xxx] [xxx] . A simple software update to ensure that the high-voltage hybrid battery charges the 12v battery to a greater extent when the vehicle is parked should solve the problem, but Lexus has so far not addressed this problem. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Lexus RX 🔎.

The 2023 Lexus Rx-350 has had complete 12 volt battery failure twice in the last year. The hybrid battery charging procedure for the 12 volt battery is insufficient. Twice I have been stranded. The frequency and duration of the hybrid battery charging is not sufficient. A more powerful 12 volt agm battery is needed. The dealer says I am not taking sufficiently long trips to charge the battery. Last Saturday I took two 30 - 40 minute trips but the battery had only 11. 8 volts requiring a 100% charge. There should be a recall to fix this problem.

Car left us stranded 12 v battery completely dead had a lot of difficulty trying to get it started. The unfortunate part is I got rid of a 2023 Lexus Rx 350 h for the exact same problem could not get resolved after installing five batteries. Now we’re going down this road again.

See all problems of the 2025 Lexus RX 🔎.

On at least 7 occasions the driver was trapped inside the vehicle. The car failed to start and the doors and windows locked. If the driver had not had a cell phone to make an emergency call he would have been locked inside until someone discovered the problem. Had this happened in phoenix, az in the summer, there is a very good chance the driver would have been dead before he was rescued. The last time was December 11, 2025. We replaced the starter battery for 2nd time in 2 years and 40k miles.

I was dropping my husband off at cardiac rehab. I was stopped and had my foot on the brake suddenly the car launched forward into the back of a car parked in front of me. The other driver got out of the car and said he wasn't hurt. We were able to drive the car home stopping 3 times to pull pieces of the car off that were dragging on the road. We took the car to a mechanic at the end of the road. He scanned the codes for us. Pre-collision 2 clall ; intuitive park assist clall front sensor comm. Circuit ; front recognition camera clall ; lane keeping assist clall front radar sensor incorrect axial gap ; bcm b124b light source sensor open/short. The insurance adjustor totaled the car and they picked it up today. No warning lights showed up on the dash until after the accident.

The car battery goes dead when car not used in 14days, or not driven on freeway long enough to top off battery. We've had to jump it for being in a cool garage for a couple of days, and the battery is only 2yrs old. The car needs a stronger battery.

I bought this vehicle last Thursday, the new Lexus we only drove it three times, but all power down. The first time we were about to go to work, the whole vehicle no power, so I checked the battery, it was 10 volts, so I used my crv battery turned on Rx350, it's working, second time, when I arrived my work place, I turned off the new vehicle, the whole power down again, after I checked the battery, it showed 12 volts, after I checked the battery, the power came back. The third time, after working, I got totally locked outside the Rx350, I tried so so many times, the whole power was gone again, so I broke the handle and used the key get into the car, and checked the battery, still 12 volts, after my checking battery, the power back again! so I am sure it's not only the battery problem, but also power management module something wrong with it, or a module named 89690-0e011 is damaged , I am very sure the new Rx350h needs very very professional technician repair, this vehicle has serious safety hazards and poses a threat to life and safety.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Lexus RX 🔎.

I entered then attempted to start my Lexus on November 11, 2025. The car would not start - the dashboard lights fleshed briefly, then the car was completely dead. There was not a light on anywhere. The doors would not open and the windows would not roll down. I was trapped. Fortunately I had my cell phone so I was able to call my wife who was inside of our house. She could not open the door with the manual key, she called aaa. The tech hooked up some power device under the hood and the car started and seems ok. This was frightening. I was trapped in the car and running out of air. I could have suffocated.

The contact owns a 2024 Lexus Rx350h. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the doors failed to unlatch, and the key fob failed to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the failure had occurred while the contact and her husband were occupying the vehicle. The contact stated that luckily the weather was not cold, or a baby was not in the vehicle during the failure. Aaa was contacted and provided a jumpstart to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 16,342.

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.

While driving, the instrument panel went blank. I believe it is not safe to drive with no instrumentation or knowledge of your vehicle or speed. The dealer confirmed it needed a software update and performed this yesterday. We were not advised of this needed update, no recall or no communication from the manufacturer. We should be advised when something this critical is needed.

The contact owns a 2024 Lexus Rx. The contact stated that while idle at a red stoplight, the entire vehicle began to violently jerk back and forth. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a software malfunction, and the failure was replicated. The vehicle was repaired. Medical attention was sought for severe depression, anxiety, ptsd, memory loss, concussion, head, neck, and back injuries. No police report was filed. In addition, the contact stated that after the injuries, she was no longer able to work or drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,790.

Was pulling into parking spot when car went haywire and started accelerating on its own. It would not stop until it has hit 5 cars and crashed into a cement wall. The brakes did not stop the acceleration. This occurred at the exact same time there was an incoming call which was not answered. The airbags did not deploy. The car appears to be totaled and has been towed to a state farm affiliated auto yard. There were no indicator lights that something was wrong but the Lexus app showed 5 warnings that came in to my text messages same day. These 5 alerts are indicative of exactly what occurred.

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California. ?the repair was performed brodie's tire & automotive?address: 1276 petaluma blvd n, petaluma, CA 94952?phone: [xxx] after the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • the intake manifold melted after the fire?• the engine became “not repairable”?• the fire occurred shortly after their repair?• they offered to “fix it for free,” which indicates awareness of responsibility the fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This incident presents a serious safety hazard because the fire happened shortly after a repair that involved components near the engine and fuel system. Improper or unsafe repair work may cause similar fires for other consumers. This incident is already under active investigation • California department of insurance (cdi) – complaint #xxx• California bureau of automotive repair (dca/bar) – case xxx I am reporting this to NHTSA because the fire and melted engine components indicate a dangerous defect tied to improper repair work, which may pose a risk to other drivers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2005 Lexus RX 🔎.

The electronic screen on dashboard that displays map, hvac, etc. Turns pink then black and disappears for several minutes. One then has no control over the various functions displayed on the screen. I've done a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for several minutes. . . To no avail. Thank you.

My 2021 Lexus Rx 350 (mileage approx. [19,000], has developed a severe mold contamination issue caused by hvac condensate drain failure. This issue is a known design defect covered by Lexus technical service bulletin l-sb-0020-21, which identifies blockage or poor drainage in the hvac system that allows water to enter the cabin. As a result, water intrusion under the carpet has led to mold growth, making the vehicle uninhabitable and unsafe to drive. The cabin now contains visible mold and musty odor, raising serious health and air quality concerns. I brought the vehicle to Lexus of route 10 (whippqny, NJ), who acknowledged the water intrusion but have refused to repair it under warranty or goodwill. Instead, they are pressuring me to file a personal insurance claim, even though the issue stems from a known factory defect. The vehicle has now been out of service for weeks, and I am driving a loaner vehicle while mold continues to worsen in mine. Lexus corporate stated that they "no longer goodwill" these repairs, despite the ongoing safety and hygiene risks. There has been no recall or warranty extension, and I believe other owners may be similarly affected by this unresolved defect. This is a serious safety issue due to the potential for mold-related health problems, interior air contamination, and possible electrical damage from long-term moisture. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether this hvac defect poses a broader consumer risk, and whether Lexus is avoiding its responsibilities to repair or disclose this issue to other drivers.

See all problems of the 2021 Lexus RX 🔎.

Brand new vehicle 12volt battery failed after 3 months of operation. Please note same exact scenario occurred with a 2024 Rx450 in December, 2024… Lexus repurchased that vehicle via the lemon law.

This car is a hybrid. It is 15mos. Old w/13500 miles. I've had two 12v battery failures which resulted in 1 time being locked out of car, and 1 time locked in.

3 months before the accident the power steering light came on twice and went off. The day of the accident the brake light came on when I started the car that day. It disappeared when I was put in drive. I was entering onto the highway to merge with the traffic. Another car waiting for the light to turn green so he could enter also. My car didn’t stop because my brakes failed and the collision avoidance system didn’t work either. No sounds nor warnings. I have photos of the message that was displayed on the dashboard. Tried sending photos but it didn’t work.

See all problems of the 2017 Lexus RX 🔎.

The engine shuts off for a second while driving.

See all problems of the 2012 Lexus RX 🔎.

My car powers off while driving and then cuts back home within a second. It also has electrical issues the lights so flash during the night when you’re driving and then the front and shakes so bad that it shakes you just about off the road when you hit the brakes.

Battery completely dead. Unable to unlock doors, close windows during rain storms or start vehicle. No electrical power at all! dissatisfied.

The vehicle would not start. It is a known problem with this phev that if car is not used for a couple of days the 12v battery becomes depleted and the car cannot be started and all systems of the car are dead.

Put key into ignition port and heard and felt a klunk. Key was then freely moving and connecting to nothing inside the ignition chamber. So vehicle would not turn over at all. Had towed to town closer to home. And currently having towed to mechanic shop for further evaluation. The only symptom the car was having previously was a mysterious scratching sound coming from what sounded like the right side of the hood near the firewall. Took to mechanic and he drove the car and heard the sound but could not pin point it, said nothing was scrubbing the fan or anything else he could see. And to bring it back if it got worse. Never did we think it was the starter nor the ignition chamber. The only way to know now. . . . Is to replace it and see if that noise is still there. There were no other warnings. The danger in this is being stranded. Still needs to be evaluated by mechanic.

See all problems of the 2007 Lexus RX 🔎.