2016 Lexus RX Problems

Both sides of the black wheel guides have popped off causing damage to the front bumper and wheel fenders.

I am formally submitting a vehicle defect complaint regarding my 2016 Lexus RX 450h, which is experiencing premature and extensive paint degradation, including clear coat peeling, flaking, and fading. This issue is not due to environmental exposure or neglect, but rather a clear indicator of a factory defect related to substandard paint application and adhesion failure. This concern directly aligns with known and previously acknowledged factory paint failures affecting both Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Numerous Customer Support Programs (CSPs) and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been launched by Toyota Motor Corporation to address: •Faulty clear coat adhesion •Improper surface preparation during manufacturing •Delamination and premature degradation of factory-applied paint, particularly in white pearl and other finishes Despite wide acknowledgment of these issues in prior campaigns (such as CSP ZKC and others involving Lexus RX, ES, and LS models), my vehicle’s VIN was not included—despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Given the extensive documentation of these defects, I am requesting the following: 1.A formal investigation into the paint failure affecting my Lexus RX 450h. 2.Written acknowledgment of this known issue and confirmation whether this VIN has been or should be included in past or upcoming CSPs. 3.Immediate corrective action including paint restoration or full vehicle repaint at no cost. 4.Clarification on why Lexus has failed to expand prior paint-related CSPs to include other affected model years and VINs despite continued customer complaints. This message is being concurrently submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for independent review under potential consumer safety, quality compliance, and warranty oversight. I expect a formal response within 10 business days of receipt. Failure to act appropriately will prompt further legal and media inquiries to ensure transparent processing.

I am reporting a safety issue with a 2016 Lexus RX350, VIN [XXX], with about 60,000 miles. The vehicle is registered in [XXX] and was being driven to [XXX] when it suddenly overheated on XXX near [XXX]. The warning lights appeared while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed. The driver immediately took the first available exit within about one minute. The failed system appears to be the engine cooling system, specifically the water pump. The vehicle is currently at Kendall Lexus of Eugene and should be available for inspection. This failure created a safety risk because it happened suddenly on a major highway. The driver had to exit quickly and the vehicle became disabled far from home. A sudden coolant-loss or overheating event at highway speed can leave drivers stranded in unsafe locations with very little warning. Kendall Lexus of Eugene inspected the vehicle. Their Service Manager stated in writing that the technician found a leaking water pump, misfires in every cylinder, and a 95% leak in cylinder #6 through the exhaust valves. She stated that the water pump failure caused the vehicle to lose coolant, overheat, and suffer internal engine damage requiring engine replacement. Lexus Customer Relations has been notified under Case #XXX. Whether Lexus corporate has physically inspected the vehicle is unknown. Before the incident, there were no known warning signs. The warning lights appeared five hours into the road trip when the overheating occurred. After exiting, the driver let the vehicle cool for 30 minutes, checked for visible leaks, and tried to continue only briefly around the block. The warning returned almost immediately, so the vehicle was towed. This vehicle has extensive Lexus dealership maintenance history. Lexus quoted about $20,000 for engine replacement. Lexus has issued TSB L-SB-0039-20 / NHTSA ID 10183269 regarding water pump leak inspection and diagnosis, but there appears to be no rec INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Timing Cover gasket leak. Apparently this is very common problem with 2016 Lexus RX 350 due to a bad design by Lexus. Lexus is quoting ~7000 to fix

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from underneath the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Loss of power brake assist. The Lexus dealer diagnosed a failed vacuum pump. This is common with the 2016/2017 RX 350's. Lexus has admitted a manufacturing problem with the pumps and has a service bulletin (L-SB-0010-18) and a safety recall on the 2017's (JLD J2D). The recall should be extended to the 2016's. There are tons of people posting on the internet about failed vacuum pumps and resultant safety issues.

*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.

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.

Upon parking after 20-mile drive, severe leak of transmission oil from transmission oil cooler area, no warning messages/lights or fault codes present. No evidence of leak at starting point for drive, was sudden failure internal to transmission cooler with no evidence of impact/vibration damage or corrosion; failure was perhaps at welds of fins to tubing. Leaking oil creates fire and slip hazard, lack of any kind of warning to driver would have allowed continued driving until transmission failed except for luck that this was short trip. Vehicle has never been damaged in a crash, has been carefully inspected and maintained since purchase new. This is not a wear item and should never fail without external damage or corrosion, certainly not at 45,000 miles. Difficult to believe that this anything other than a manufacturing defect on this early production (VIN ending 002034) vehicle. Repaired by Lexus dealer with Lexus covering half of cost as “goodwill” (cost to me at ~$1,050 incl. towing), although dealer attempted to return vehicle without having reinstalled air duct and lower shroud.

There is oil leak from timing belt casing. Only have 71000 miles on the vehicle.

As I was driving southbound on I five in the state of Washington in Stanwood area 8:00 AM my sunroof exploded, causing me to swerve into other lanes and a distraction for other drivers There were no warnings. The sunroof was in a close position, not being used. The vehicle went into repair today being August 1. We did take pictures. Had there been cars directly on either side of me accident would have occurred.

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the moon roof independently fractured. The contact stated no object had struck the moon roof to cause the fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the moon roof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Car has a continuous gas smell after start up. When a/c or heat is turned off the car cabin smells of gaslione. I have taken to the car to lexus dealership repeatedly and have been advice car operates as intended. There is also a hissing noise coming from the rear driverside tire area near the gas tank.

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from underneath the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The inside driver door handle broken.

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from underneath the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

I brought my vehicle in for damage sustained due to flooding from hurricane Ida. I was told that part of the damage was to 3 tires. I was later informed that the tires need to be replaced due to wear & tear. This vehicle had 18,969 miles of local driving at the time. I’ve never heard of tires being “worn out” on a vehicle purchased brand new with such low mileage. There has to be some kind of defect!