2017 Lexus RX

There are recalls for 2017 Lexus RX350’s for their fuel filters being faulty. Mine is not on the list. I have taken my car to many mechanics and in the last few months I’ve had my front and back brakes replaced, new struts, new tires and more done on the vehicle and nothing is helping. They have checked my mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensors, spark plugs, transmission and everything they can think of to try and see why it is having such a hard time transferring power to the wheels and being very sluggish. I’ve replaced air filters, done fuel additives and many other things, there are no error codes or any stored codes. I am left to only think it is the fuel filter/system and my vehicle is part of the list affected. I noticed the changes in the vehicle about 20,000 or so miles ago and it’s gotten worse. I’m not sure what else I can do at this point.

NHTSA ID

11755574

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with brake actuator assembly, bleeder plug cap, brake actuator cover, and brake fluid reservoir assembly failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,380.

NHTSA ID

11733292

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

Mileage

59,380 mi

Summary of Issues: 1.On March 3, 2026, I contacted my service manager regarding my inability to open the driver’s side door. I also reported persistent rattling sounds coming from the interior panels and driver’s side door, extending toward the rear of the vehicle that leads to the gas cap door. I was forced to enter through the front passenger door. 2.On March 4, 2026, I dropped my vehicle off at Lexus service department. My service manager got into my vehicle and was unable to exit through the driver’s door. This presents a serious safety hazard. I expressed concern that the issue could be electrical in nature; however, I was advised that new door locks were needed. 3.On March 10, 2026, my vehicle was returned to me after being serviced, with the explanation that both front door locks had been replaced. I questioned why the passenger-side lock was replaced, as I had no prior issue with that door. 4.After picking up my vehicle, I traveled and left it parked at Austin Airport until 3/15/2026. Upon my return, I experienced the exact same issue-the driver’s door would not open. 5.On March 16th, 2026, I returned the vehicle to Lexus service department for further evaluation. This repeated inconvenience has been time-consuming and frustrating. As this is a luxury vehicle. 6.On March 18, 2026, I was notified that my vehicle was ready for pickup and was told the issue was related to the door bezel. Upon retrieving my vehicle, I immediately noticed that the driver’s door lock was visibly missing. I returned to the service department and documented the issue with photographs. I was then informed that the driver’s door panel would need to be replaced. Later that same evening, while attempting to refuel my vehicle, I encountered difficulty opening the fuel door. I again heard the same rattling and popping sound extending toward the gas tank. At this point, I am concerned for my safety and do not feel comfortable operating this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11726231

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

My vehicle is experiencing a mechanical failure of the brake actuator/booster assembly, manifested by a "squawk/bark" noise and abnormal pedal feel during braking. This is a known defect recognized by Lexus under Customer Support Program 23LE04. The dealership technician confirmed the noise is present and recommended a full replacement of the ABS actuator. However, Lexus is denying coverage because the onboard computer has not yet triggered a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). By denying the repair, Lexus is requiring me to operate a vehicle with a confirmed mechanical brake malfunction, which increases the risk of a crash, increased stopping distance, or total brake power assist failure. March 2021 (60k miles): Actuator was replaced under warranty for this exact failure. December 2021 (74k miles): The failure recurred. Lexus and the dealer refused to cover the diagnosis/bleed, forcing me to drive a defective vehicle. February 2026 (110k miles): A Lexus dealer confirmed the part is failing again and quoted $3,000 for replacement. Despite a manufacturer program (CSP 23LE04) existing for this exact part, Lexus refuses to honor it without an electronic code, even though the mechanical failure has been physically confirmed by their own technicians. The component is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11718075

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

Please see attached regarding LEXUS RX450h brake actuator failure concern. Thank you for your support.

NHTSA ID

11716910

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

My vehicle has 39800 miles (64k kms). I have the exact same issue with my driver side heated seat. The lowest setting may take time to warm up then gets scorching hot. Eventually after heating it up, I will turn it off manually to stop heating it, as it burns. My wife also mentions that the passenger side as well doesn’t seem to heat much. At this low of kms, I should not have this issue but saw someone else have the exact same issue. I have not taken it to the dealer yet as I fear they will charge a fee just to verify the problem. I have an old ES300 and I do not have this problem with the heard seat. My trim level is also the ultra luxury.

NHTSA ID

11706357

Incident

Oct 25, 2025

My vehicle, a 2017 Lexus RX 350 with approximately 111,872 miles, experienced a near-total failure of the infotainment/navigation screen approximately five months ago (around June 2025). The system would only display the introductory safety message, backup camera feed, a single radio station, and basic map locator functionality—rendering the navigation, full audio controls, climate integration, and touch interface inoperable. This issue severely impacted the vehicle's usability and safety features, forcing me to seek immediate professional service.

NHTSA ID

11697705

Incident

May 1, 2025

NHTSA Safety Complaint – Seat Heater Defect Vehicle: 2017 Lexus RX 350 Mileage at purchase: 45,430 Purchase date: Feb. 17, 2025 Dealer: Lexus of Tacoma at Fife, WA Description of Problem: The driver’s seat heater does not function properly. It is slow to activate (5–6 minutes), then overheats uncontrollably even when set to “LOW.” On multiple occasions, the seat became hot enough to cause burns through clothing. Defect Confirmed by Dealership Service Staff: Dealership staff confirmed that the driver and passenger seats heat at different rates. This matches a known defect identified in Lexus Technical Service Information Bulletin L-SB-0038-18 (Oct 10, 2018). Additionally, they confirmed that the drivers' seat spikes to uncontrolled high temperatures, even on the "LOW" setting. Despite this, the dealership refused to repair the issue without an extended warranty and suggested using a sheepskin seat cover to prevent further burns, which is prohibited in the vehicle manual. Safety Hazard: •The defect caused burns to the driver. •The driver's elderly mother, who has peripheral neuropathy in her legs, did not feel when the passenger heater was accidentally turned on, highlighting the risk of undetected burns should the heater defect remain unrepaired. •Risk of fire is also present given the uncontrolled heat and inherent electrical issue. Attempts to Resolve: Reported to dealership on 3/28/25. Dealer disclaimed responsibility. Reported again to dealership on 6/25/25. No response. Reported to Lexus Corporate Customer Service on 8/28/25. Summary: The seat heater malfunction is a confirmed manufacturing defect, already documented by Lexus in a TSIB. Not mentioned in the TSIB is the additional problem of uncontrolled heat spikes, which poses significant risk of burns or fire. Request NHTSA investigation and corrective action.

NHTSA ID

11683711

Incident

Mar 17, 2025

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.