2014 Lexus RX Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Lexus RX, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes327.3%
- Fuel system218.2%
- Airbags218.2%
- Tires & wheels19.1%
- Driver assistance19.1%
- Body & structure19.1%
- Powertrain (other)19.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle: 2014 Lexus RX 450h Component: ABS / Brake Actuator System I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related brake system defect in my 2014 Lexus RX 450h. The vehicle experienced ABS/brake actuator failure consistent with a known defect that was previously addressed by Lexus/Toyota through a Customer Support Program (extended coverage program, not a recall). I was never notified of this program. I have confirmed that Lexus mailed notification to an incorrect address (Temple City), despite the fact that my vehicle registration address has never changed and has always been accurately maintained with the DMV. As a result, I was deprived of the opportunity to repair a known safety-related defect within the coverage period. Key facts: - Brake/ABS actuator system failure occurred at approximately 150,000 miles - Lexus had previously issued a Customer Support Program for this known defect - No notification was received by me during the coverage period - Lexus confirmed notices were sent to an incorrect address - My DMV registration address has remained unchanged I raised this issue directly with Lexus Customer Assistance, including escalation to a supervisor. Lexus denied goodwill assistance and stated no remedy is available despite the documented notification issue. This raises concerns regarding: - Adequacy of manufacturer notification procedures for safety-related defects - Potential failure to reasonably notify owners using accurate registration data - Loss of repair opportunity for a known braking system defect due to administrative error Because this involves a braking system (critical safety component), I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the notification process used for this defect was adequate and whether other owners may have been similarly affected. Supporting documentation is available, including proof of DMV address history and evidence of incorrect mailing address used by the manufacturer.
The contact owns a 2014 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated that occasionally while depressing the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal or while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the brake actuator. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty brake actuator. The dealer recommended replacing the brake actuator assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number and would respond within 72 hours. The failure mileage was approximately 141,090.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car stalled in the middle of an intersection. It had to be towed to the Lexus dealer, where it was determined to be a fuel pump malfunction. My car was not subject to the fuel pump recall but it should have been.
When I press on my brakes they make a loud roaring sound right away. Usually when brakes are about to go out its usually a squeaky noise then it will go to loud roaring noise. There has not been an indicator on the dash about any issues with the vehicle. I found it rather odd that the brakes made the roaring noise immediately. It didn't squeak at all. I would like for this matter to be looked into. There is no way there should be a brake system failure right away. The schrader valve has a crack and freon is leaking out of and the air is not blowing cold air.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air bags did not deploy & yes it’s available for inspection. I was in an accident & the vehicle is totaled. Yes, has been inspected & confirmed they did not deploy by VA state police, tow company & insurance company USAA. There were no warnings or other symptoms.
The contact owned a 2014 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while the wife was driving approximately 35 mph a dump truck collided with the passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, the side curtain air bags did not deploy. The front passenger sustained injuries to the head, neck, shoulder, and torso and the front driver sustained injuries to the right foot and chest area. Medical treatment was required for both occupants. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
01-12-2023 side tire blew out, only about 1.5mile drive at 69freeway Sugar land TX 77479. Nice weather , nice road conditions. The tire drove about 10,000.miles with 60,000. Warranty. It is newer tire, less miles because 3years pandemic. 4 new tires ; YOKOHAMA YK740 GTX 105V R19. Invoice cost $784.71 Installed at 12-12-2019 .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I press on my brakes they make a loud roaring sound right away. Usually when brakes are about to go out its usually a squeaky noise then it will go to loud roaring noise. There has not been an indicator on the dash about any issues with the vehicle. I found it rather odd that the brakes made the roaring noise immediately. It didn't squeak at all. I would like for this matter to be looked into. There is no way there should be a brake system failure right away. The schrader valve has a crack and freon is leaking out of and the air is not blowing cold air.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
My front passenger door actuator has failed. This door cannot be locked/unlocked with the remote or by pressing any lock/unlock button. This prevents the driver from being able to lock all the doors or the front passenger from being able to quickly exit the cabin unless the manual unlock switch is known and applied. This is the 5th door actuator that has failed on this vehicle. I'm the original owner and it has 51K miles on it. All 4 doors failed and this is the second time for this particular door since it was replaced some 4 years & 21K miles ago. The problem started a few months ago and is currently intermittent. Being "sometimes" safe is not being safe. I have not had it analyzed at the dealer since I would not bring it there unless I planned to have it fixed. There were no warning signs or lights.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving the car on the highway. The transmission lost power & engine started revving with no movement. It was dangerous because we could have been rear ended. We had car towed to the Peterson Lexus dealer in Boise Idaho. They said that the internal bearing failed & recommend a new transmission.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .