RoadVitals

2015 Lexus RX Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest May 28, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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

  • Engine522.7%
  • Steering418.2%
  • Driver assistance418.2%
  • Powertrain (other)313.6%
  • Interior & seats14.5%
  • Body & structure14.5%
  • Tires & wheels14.5%
  • Brakes14.5%
  • Electrical14.5%
  • Fuel system14.5%

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

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

First, We are a victim of fraud and scam and are distressed since day one and loss of thousands of dollars. After searching and reviews, we bought a 2015 Lexus RX350 for family use from a seller who had owned this vehicle for over five years but the seller never disclosed and represented in the sale of this vehicle that It was rebuilt and had engine front cover timing gasket leak! They said it was clean title and didn’t have any issues. Plus the blind spot sensors had issues. The same day these problems were recovered after we bought it and from the same first day we tried to return the vehicle and used all other option legally from day one till now to resolve it with the seller, but they didn’t want to resolve neither return it or fix the problems with vehicle but they kept denying. Vehicle been sitting in parking lot since the first day of bought and never able to register and it’s been over 8 months. Also found out, these year models like mine 2015 RX350 timing cover leak were common problem back then. I’m desperately asking to issue a fix remedy by Lexus or Toyota therefore, please help with this.. thanks in advance!

NHTSA ID 11630709 · filed Dec 14, 2024

Engine cut out suddenly while driving 45 MPH, followed by Battery Light, Check Engine Light, and Power Steering Light forcing hazardous emergency stop. Engine would no longer crank, and car had to be towed to nearest Lexus Certified Repair Facility. Technician scanned the system and found four Codes: P0335, P1603, P1604, P1605. After bore-scoping front three cylinders, technician tried to turn motor by hand and was unable to. The motor turned in reverse, but not forward. Technician removed oil pan to find pieces of valve spring broken and pieces of the piston rings and piston fragments from one of the rear three cylinders. Motor will need to be replaced or completely rebuilt after only 133,458 miles and regular servicing.

NHTSA ID 11620473 · filed Oct 17, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Lexus RX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was shaking and vibrating, and it was loose. The vehicle was taken to a local independent dealer who replaced the control arms, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 118,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11722042 · filed Mar 4, 2026

2015 Lexus RX450H with less than 60,000 miles Electronic Power Steering Motor needs repair or replacement. The Electronic Steering Motor has an internal 3 piece star-shaped green plastic gear in between two metal pieces used as a bushing/damper. That green plastic gear has become dry, hard, dehydrated, and has crumbled inside the electronic power steering motor. Diagnostic indicators include rattling and vibrations emanating from the steering column that sounds like something is broken inside the steering assembly. Which it apparently is. Moreover, I am particularly concerned about the implications of this denial. The faulty component in the electronic power steering system poses a significant risk, including the potential for complete loss of steering control. This not only jeopardizes my safety but could also lead to further damage to my vehicle or even bodily injury. Given these circumstances, I believe it is imperative that this matter be addressed with urgency.

NHTSA ID 11618262 · filed Oct 5, 2024

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Blind Spot Warning. Available for inspection Warning Monitor goes on and off on a regular basis and light on dash identifies this problem No, not confirmed No, not inspected warning light on dash, message states failure

NHTSA ID 11707346 · filed Dec 28, 2025

First, We are a victim of fraud and scam and are distressed since day one and loss of thousands of dollars. After searching and reviews, we bought a 2015 Lexus RX350 for family use from a seller who had owned this vehicle for over five years but the seller never disclosed and represented in the sale of this vehicle that It was rebuilt and had engine front cover timing gasket leak! They said it was clean title and didn’t have any issues. Plus the blind spot sensors had issues. The same day these problems were recovered after we bought it and from the same first day we tried to return the vehicle and used all other option legally from day one till now to resolve it with the seller, but they didn’t want to resolve neither return it or fix the problems with vehicle but they kept denying. Vehicle been sitting in parking lot since the first day of bought and never able to register and it’s been over 8 months. Also found out, these year models like mine 2015 RX350 timing cover leak were common problem back then. I’m desperately asking to issue a fix remedy by Lexus or Toyota therefore, please help with this.. thanks in advance!

NHTSA ID 11630709 · filed Dec 14, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transfer case spontaneously fractured,mounting point on transmission broke. Unable to drive Repair cost approximately $13,000

NHTSA ID 11735659 · filed May 4, 2026

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 ID 11725110 · filed Mar 17, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Lexus RX. The contact stated that while opening the hood to check the oil, the hood failed to stay open, fell, and struck the contact on the head. The contact sustained injuries to his head and headaches but, medical attention was not provided. The local dealer was contacted and informed the parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ID 11449159 · filed Jan 27, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

One early morning in November, I opened the rear door on my RX to remove my rollator walker. I am handicapped. I opened the door using the switch under the door handle. The door opened normally, and I reached in to remove the rollator and the door jerked down about a foot then continued to close with several jerking drops. It scared me, but I was able to jump out of the way of the door as it dropped. The temperature that morning was in the lower 40’s which was perhaps the lowest early morning temperature we had seen this fall. I feel that the low temperature may have contributed to the problem. I opened the door again with the switch. The door opened fully but closed again in a similar manner as described above. I was able to hold the door up with one hand and removed my rollator with the other, which was rather difficult due to my limited strength. Later in the day, after the temperature rose, the door opened and stayed open as it should. I discussed the problem with my local Lexus dealer, and they felt that the problem was most likely due to worn shocks which are used to hold the door open. I am familiar with this problem. I owned a 2002 Lexus RX and had a similar rear door shock problem after about 175,000 miles on the car. The rear door on that car was manually operated. If the door didn’t stay up on a manually operated door it was more of a poor-quality issue than a safety issue since it was readily apparent if the door was not going to stay open. The situation with an electrically operated door is quite different. The person opening the door completely relies on the door to stay up when it is opened. In addition, the door could be operated by a child who may not be able to react to the falling door. I had the shocks on the door replaced by the dealer at a cost to me of slightly more than $400. I discussed the safety issue with the dealer and followed up with a reply on a satisfaction survey they had sent. In the repair writeup the dealer

NHTSA ID 11562627 · filed Dec 29, 2023

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

225/60R18 100H Mileage on car when tires purchased 33,410(11/4/2021 mileage when tire failed 40,702.(6/8/2023) These tires have a 50K warranty. At 40,846 (6/26/2023) two more tires failed. I was told tread separation was issue. This dealer put my family at Risk! When the car went in for shaking they said the tire was defective. They replaced it and charged me $214, the tire only cost $150 new. I asked if the other tires were OK, the girl I paid said "the bad tire was from a different batch than the three remaining tires and they were OK." 2 weeks later 2 more tires go bad, putting us back in the car with defective tires put my family at risk. This dealer is dishonest and Dangerous. They charged me for 4 new tires total cost $492.35 when the set only cost $600 new and we only received 15% of the use of the tire, before they went bad. 1 tire going bad is unfortunate, 3 tires same problem is a Defect and they should have been replaced NO Charge. Anyway you need to get these tires off the road before someone has a serious accident or possibly already has.

NHTSA ID 11530702 · filed Jul 6, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11725110 · filed Mar 17, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11725110 · filed Mar 17, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving car came to an abrupt stop and stalled. (ABS) Had to engage brake to restart car. Noticed abnormal shifting while driving in NC mountains.

NHTSA ID 11572615 · filed Feb 18, 2024

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

Data on this page last refreshed .