2006 Lexus RX Owner Complaints

Brake system sets a high tone pitch indicating failure accompanied by all Brake, ABS, PS, Traction Control Lights. This is an know failure for Hybrid systems. It can occur completely random, while driving without notice. Complete brake pressure is lost with exception of a hard feel to the pedal that allows some incomplete breaking to occur and can also cause locking of the brakes at slower speeds. We replaced The brake actuator as recommended with factory new in March of 2024 Started much earlier. Problem has returned Summer of 2025.

NHTSA ID

11710717

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

After adding gasoline to the tank, gasoline begins dripping from the left rear of the vehicle to the rear of the left rear wheel well. This happens even if the tank is only filled to 2/3 of a tank. I have stopped filling up since when the tank is filled up a LARGE amount of gasoline leaks out onto the ground. FIRE HAZARD while parked or driving. I have seen HUNDREDS of reports of this problem reported online.

NHTSA ID

11691039

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

Brake calipers continuously seize up making vehicle unsafe to drive

NHTSA ID

11676448

Incident

Jul 26, 2025

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 ID

11666621

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed

NHTSA ID

11648884

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

There are multiple recalls on my vehicle and I am experiencing all of the recalls Inverter Failer vehicle stalls out alot. Crank shaft pulley is leaking oil and belt from the power steering maybe detached causing vehicle to stall. Inverter Assembly causing the vehicle to stall and become non drivable. Floor carpet cover and retention clips. And my brake master cylinder leaking fluid causing major break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have

NHTSA ID

11645809

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

The power steering and hybrid system failed and vehicle completely stopped in middle of busy freeway with no prior warnings or issues before. The safety of my son and I, and others around me during the abrupt stop of the engine. I could not move out of way. The vehicle has been serviced for this exact issue during a recall campaign lasting from 2011 to 2014. Ten years later and it is still happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year

NHTSA ID

11631799

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

Dear manager: I have this 2006 LEXUS RX400H which has CHECK VSC SYSTEM and CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM problems. When I was driving on the highway, the cruise control button is unable to turn on, when at speed of 65 MPH it will suddenly stall in the middle of the road and the READY light will be off and the vehicle has to be stopped by the emergency lane which is REALLY DANGEROUS. I have searched online and found out there were many complains about this issue and LEXUS issued a recall for this type of car and the dealer can change the inverter and ICM free of charge. This recall link is as follows: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf So tonight I am sending this message to see if you can help me to solve this problem.

NHTSA ID

11548538

Incident

Oct 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the ABS warning light illuminated. Upon returning and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle had electrical power but failed to start. The check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V396000 (Hybrid Propulsion System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 227,500.

NHTSA ID

11546428

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

Mileage

227,500 mi

Hello, I had this issue on my Lexus RX400H recently, and it was diagnosed and repaired by a third party auto repair shop at my expense. I want to know if I have any recourse to recover my cost Approx $700. Thanks! VIN Recall Consequence: THE VEHICLE MAY ENTER A FAIL-SAFE/LIMP-HOME MODE THAT LIMITS THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HYBRID SYSTEM WILL SHUT DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall Summary TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND LEXUS RX400H PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2005, THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2006. A MODULE INSIDE THE INVERTER MODULE MAY CONTAIN INADEQUATELY SOLDERED TRANSISTORS THAT DURING HIGH-LOAD DRIVING, MAY BE DAMAGED BY HEAT CAUSED BY THE LARGE CURRENT. IF THIS OCCURS, VARIOUS WARNING LAMPS, INCLUDING THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT, BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, AND MASTER WARNING LIGHT, WILL BE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. Recall Solution TOYOTA/LEXUS MAILED AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION ON JULY 19, 2011 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS RECALL AND THE FACT THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE A FUTURE NOTICE WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. TOYOTA DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HYBRID INVERTER PRODUCTION NUMBER TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE INVERTER CONTAINS SUSPECT TRANSISTORS AND REPLACE THE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

NHTSA ID

11542555

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

I am financing a 2006 Lexus rx400h hybrid and the other day I went out to start it up and the light and everything came on but would not display ready and would not start. Check hybrid system with red triangle was on dash display along with several other warning lights, also when I put the key in the ignition it will release in the ACC position. Where I am purchasing the vehicle will not fix it saying my Vin is not part of the recall list and the lexus dealership to me it was to late to have the recalled parts replaced for free. What do I do?

NHTSA ID

11524097

Incident

May 18, 2023

This vehicle seems to have a well-documented problem with water intrusion that damages the ECU and hybrid battery. The 2006 and 2007 RX400h has the HV battery located under the seat, which is the low spot in the rear section of the car. If water is spilled or the body has a water leak, the water will pool at the center of the battery. Lexus considered this, and added a drain under the battery, but the drain has a filter, presumably to keep insects out, and the filter is easily clogged. This, coupled with a pattern problem of split body seams near the rear hatch strut mount causing a water leak in the rear of the car, has created isolation faults in many of the RX400h SUVs. The condition presents as warnings on the instrument cluster and a no-start condition where the vehicle is inoperable. A search for "lexus ECU water intrusion" brings up my vehicle's exact model and year so this is well-documented.

NHTSA ID

11504233

Incident

Jan 6, 2023

I was running 72mph on the interstate and the whole car shut down - shifter, engine, lost steering, EVERYTHING!

NHTSA ID

11495233

Incident

Oct 11, 2022

The Rack and pinion is leaking and needs to be replaced causing the steering to lock

NHTSA ID

11448330

Incident

Jan 20, 2022

Engine dies out as per recall but already did recall and still has same problem and code coming. Out took to Lexus Dealer to check they came out to be battery cooling fans being defective. Got estimates and was crazy amount told them don't repair suv. After talking to Dealer they state the fans has nothing to do with recall and warranty is over.

NHTSA ID

11439933

Incident

Oct 31, 2021

My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday 9/29/21. Was inspected on 9/30.

NHTSA ID

11435153

Incident

Sep 29, 2021

CAR DIES AFTER DRIVING FOR A BIT. WE'VE SPENT OVER $3K FIXING FUEL PUMP, BATTERIES, AND OTHERS. FROM WHAT I'M READING IT SOUNDS LIKE MY CAR SHOULD BE ON THE INVERTER RECALL LIST, BUT IT'S NOT.

NHTSA ID

11374985

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM - INVERTER FAILURE HOW DO WE GET OUR VIN ON THE RECALL LIST? OUR REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED. OUR ISSUE IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED BY THE VEHICLES COVERED UNDER THE HYBRID PROPULSION RECALL (2005-2008) AND OUR 2006 VEHICLE IS A YEAR WHICH IS COVERED MY WIFE WAS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR 4 HOURS BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY SYSTEM WHICH HAS A HISTORY OF FAILING AND HAS A KNOWN RECALL A VEHICLE WHICH HAD NO ISSUES, WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, TURNED INTO A DANGEROUS VEHICLE LOSING POWER ON THE TURNPIKE, BREAKING DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND IS NOW INOPERABLE AND WORTHLESS, IS UNACCEPTABLE IF TOYOTA AND LEXUS ARE REPUTABLE COMPANIES AND STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, I WOULD HOPE THEY STAND UP AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN OBVIOUS FAULTY HYBRID SYSTEM

NHTSA ID

11343528

Incident

Jul 22, 2020

Mileage

169,311 mi

FOUND OUT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS FAILING AND TOLD FROM TOYOTA THEY HAVE RECALLS ON THE ACTUATOR FOR HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND PRIUS HYBRID. LEXUS STATED THEY DO NOT RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE. FEELS UNSAFE WHEN BRAKING AS IT MAKES LOUD NOISE AND GRINDS A BIT. I'VE READ FORUMS ON OTHER SAME YEAR AND MAKES CAUSING THEM TO CRASH. LOUD CHIRPING ON IDLE BRAKING AND WHEN BRAKING HARDER AND SOMETIMES SKIPPING. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330417

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

160,000 mi

THE HEAT CONTROL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE ABRUPTLY BEGAN TO STAY ON LAST WEEK. I BELIEVE I NOW SMELL A CHEMICAL ODOR ISSUING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11301020

Incident

Jan 15, 2020

DRIVING AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS IT DECELERATED RAPIDLY. HYBRID SYSTEM VSC FAILURE ALERT LIGHT ON. VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER!

NHTSA ID

11297184

Incident

Jan 4, 2020

Mileage

33,300 mi

I BOUGHT A LEXUS RX400H BACK IN 2013-2014 AND RECENTLY MY CAR EXPERIENCE SOME SERIOUS ISSUES. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TO TAKE MY SON TO HIS FOOTBALL GAME MY ABS SYSTEM COMPLETELY WENT OUT ON ME ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. I RECENTLY WENT TO LEXUS TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY ACTUATOR. I ASK LEXUS ABOUT A RECALL I WAS INFORMED OF BACK IN 2016-2017 FOR ACTUATOR AND THEY STATED IT NEVER WAS A RECALLED. SINCE I NEVER WAS NOTIFIED AND ONLY HEARD ABOUT IT FROM ANOTHER LEXUS MECHANIC I ASK HIM FOR DOCUMENTS AND HE TRIED TO THROW AWAY THE PAPER THAT SHOWED MY CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE ACTUATOR, MELTING DASH BOARD AND ECONOMIC LOSS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. I NEED HELP FIGURING OUT WHAT I CAN DO TO GET LEXUS TO HONOR THE SAFETY RECALLS ON MY CAR.

NHTSA ID

11287245

Incident

Oct 1, 2019

Mileage

180,000 mi

CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKES AND STEERING.

NHTSA ID

11271327

Incident

Oct 26, 2019

Mileage

83,000 mi

THE BRAKES MAKE A STRANGE CHIRP-TYPE NOISE WHEN I APPLY PRESSURE, USUALLY IT HAPPENS WHEN I AM STOPPED AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. HOLDING MY FOOT STEADY ON THE BRAKE AND IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND OFTEN. I HAD MY BRAKES CHECKED AND THE PADS AND ROTORS ARE FINE; THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE ACTUATOR AND WAS A KNOWN LEXUS PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN A NOTICE FROM LEXUS STATING IT IS A PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

10928159

Incident

Nov 27, 2016

Mileage

151,000 mi

CRACKED DASHBOARD ISSUE (AS PER THE SO-CALLED WARRANTY ISSUE PER CSC-10057809-9406). 10-MONTHS AGO I WAS PROMISED PARTS BY LEXUS OF MONTEREY, CA, AND, I'VE SINCE CONTACTED THEM FIVE OR MORE TIMES...NO PARTS ARE FORTHCOMING. THE LEXUS REGIONAL MANAGER OFFERS NO HELP. WHAT CAN I DO?

NHTSA ID

10920628

Incident

Dec 1, 2015

Mileage

180,000 mi