2019 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 2019 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
- Driver assistance1223.1%
- Fuel system1121.2%
- Brakes815.4%
- Engine713.5%
- Electrical611.5%
- Airbags35.8%
- Body & structure23.8%
- Powertrain (other)23.8%
- Seat belts11.9%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca. 92591. (951)365-6834. I scheduled an appointment for repair on 1/26/26. They rejected making the repair because my vehicle DID NOT have any codes in the computer OR any lights on the dash. They did in fact, confirm the brake actuator noise. I reject that concept because WHO could know ahead of time if a part experiences a (1st time) total failure without throwing codes and turning on dashboard lights? As I read the symptoms of severe problems experienced in a higher level of failure by brake actuators, I would not want to have to experience a crash accident in which the actuator would operate correctly in a hard stop condition or have ABS failure and brake lockup occur. Personal harm and property damage should not have to be an indicator if I can have the manufacturer cover a repair. Please advise What I should do to increase the response in the direction of getting this known problem repaired. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was dropping my husband off at cardiac rehab. I was stopped and had my foot on the brake suddenly the car launched forward into the back of a car parked in front of me. The other driver got out of the car and said he wasn't hurt. We were able to drive the car home stopping 3 times to pull pieces of the car off that were dragging on the road. We took the car to a mechanic at the end of the road. He scanned the codes for us. Pre-collision 2 ClAll ; Intuitive Park Assist ClAll Front Sensor Comm. Circuit ; Front Recognition Camera ClAll ; Lane Keeping Assist ClAll Front Radar Sensor Incorrect Axial Gap ; BCM B124B Light Source Sensor Open/Short. The insurance adjustor totaled the car and they picked it up today. No warning lights showed up on the dash until after the accident.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
For some unknown reason the car will suddenly display multiple warning lights, check engine, service needed, traction control off/inactive then the car will go into reduced engine power mode which prevents acceleration and causes the car to feel like it’s going to stall or shut off. This has happened several times on major high speed highways causing other cars to slam on their breaks, drive recklessly to avoid my failing car. My daughter has been in the car several times when this happened and it took everything in my power to not collide with another vehicle. We have taken the car to the Lexus dealership every time and they have tried to fix the car over a dozen times but it keeps happening. They don’t seem to know the issue or cause, trying several different solutions. How can a car manufacturer not know what is wrong with their own car not how to fix it? What am I supposed to do, just keep driving it and pray an accident never happens? There is no warning when this happens and no way to keep the car from swiftly decelerating or keep the car from using “minimal engine power” which I’m to,d is to protect the engine but I’m more worried about us. The date below is for the most recent incident.
My vehicle has an intermittent check engine light along with an ICS malfunction code that pops up on the dashboard. The car doesn’t want to turn on after every gas fill up. After taking my car to a couple of independent shops, they determined that the issue with the car was the high pressure fuel pump. The suggested, I take it to the dealer as there was TSB bulletin on it. Furthermore I still had the letter from Lexus stating the issue. The local dealership refused to do the work and suggested other work after charging a huge amount for the car inspection. Lexus Corp wouldn’t help on the matter. There are 4 other complaints on this same issue and the dealers and the Plexus Corp are getting away with not calling this an actual recall because the government hasn’t stepped in.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca. 92591. (951)365-6834. I scheduled an appointment for repair on 1/26/26. They rejected making the repair because my vehicle DID NOT have any codes in the computer OR any lights on the dash. They did in fact, confirm the brake actuator noise. I reject that concept because WHO could know ahead of time if a part experiences a (1st time) total failure without throwing codes and turning on dashboard lights? As I read the symptoms of severe problems experienced in a higher level of failure by brake actuators, I would not want to have to experience a crash accident in which the actuator would operate correctly in a hard stop condition or have ABS failure and brake lockup occur. Personal harm and property damage should not have to be an indicator if I can have the manufacturer cover a repair. Please advise What I should do to increase the response in the direction of getting this known problem repaired. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes making honking sound when applied even when stopped. My brake actuator is failing and has been confirmed by the LEXUS Dealership. Noise and stiff breaks has been going on for a while. There is no recall, but Lexus put out LSB to dealerships May 15, 2023 and revisions earlier. This information should be provided to owners IMMEDIATELY, if the actuator fails, this is a safety issue.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
For some unknown reason the car will suddenly display multiple warning lights, check engine, service needed, traction control off/inactive then the car will go into reduced engine power mode which prevents acceleration and causes the car to feel like it’s going to stall or shut off. This has happened several times on major high speed highways causing other cars to slam on their breaks, drive recklessly to avoid my failing car. My daughter has been in the car several times when this happened and it took everything in my power to not collide with another vehicle. We have taken the car to the Lexus dealership every time and they have tried to fix the car over a dozen times but it keeps happening. They don’t seem to know the issue or cause, trying several different solutions. How can a car manufacturer not know what is wrong with their own car not how to fix it? What am I supposed to do, just keep driving it and pray an accident never happens? There is no warning when this happens and no way to keep the car from swiftly decelerating or keep the car from using “minimal engine power” which I’m to,d is to protect the engine but I’m more worried about us. The date below is for the most recent incident.
Codes P219C & P0301 have continuously came on , these lights MIL have made the vehicle go from AWD to 2 wheel drive while in motion. [XXX] vehicle was taken to Bay Ridge Lexus. In brooklyn NY. They over looked this issue and stated it was something else. This has been confirmed via multiple diagnostics machines. Lexus of Edison has also decided not to cover this repair under warranty . The danger of going from 4 wheel drive into 2 wheel drive while in motion is extremely dangerous . These warning lights/MIL once activated has also caused the vehicles sonar to fail cause a serious safety issue. My vehicle is available to be inspected as needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca. 92591. (951)365-6834. I scheduled an appointment for repair on 1/26/26. They rejected making the repair because my vehicle DID NOT have any codes in the computer OR any lights on the dash. They did in fact, confirm the brake actuator noise. I reject that concept because WHO could know ahead of time if a part experiences a (1st time) total failure without throwing codes and turning on dashboard lights? As I read the symptoms of severe problems experienced in a higher level of failure by brake actuators, I would not want to have to experience a crash accident in which the actuator would operate correctly in a hard stop condition or have ABS failure and brake lockup occur. Personal harm and property damage should not have to be an indicator if I can have the manufacturer cover a repair. Please advise What I should do to increase the response in the direction of getting this known problem repaired. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was dropping my husband off at cardiac rehab. I was stopped and had my foot on the brake suddenly the car launched forward into the back of a car parked in front of me. The other driver got out of the car and said he wasn't hurt. We were able to drive the car home stopping 3 times to pull pieces of the car off that were dragging on the road. We took the car to a mechanic at the end of the road. He scanned the codes for us. Pre-collision 2 ClAll ; Intuitive Park Assist ClAll Front Sensor Comm. Circuit ; Front Recognition Camera ClAll ; Lane Keeping Assist ClAll Front Radar Sensor Incorrect Axial Gap ; BCM B124B Light Source Sensor Open/Short. The insurance adjustor totaled the car and they picked it up today. No warning lights showed up on the dash until after the accident.
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
I am reporting a safety-related violation. The dealership told me the vehicle had only a minor accident with no airbag deployment. This was false. Carfax shows the vehicle actually had a major accident with airbag deployment, which they failed to disclose. This misrepresentation affects the safety system, airbag sensors, and the ability of the airbags to function properly in future collisions. This nondisclosure is a serious safety concern and fraudulent practice. I am requesting NHTSA to review this as potential safety fraud involving failure to disclose a prior airbag deployment.
On december 28th , 2022, i was giving a ride to a collegue of mine. She opened the door and got in . I proceeded to get the car out of park and suddenly the car accelerated and i could not get the car under control. I turned the car so it would not hit the structure in front of me. I turned but still could not control the car and the only way was to put the car in to park . It jumped the curb and stopped. The Left side door opened in the process and was open as this happened.
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
Driver side upper frame has cracks start from where driver sits back to rear passenger seat.
On december 28th , 2022, i was giving a ride to a collegue of mine. She opened the door and got in . I proceeded to get the car out of park and suddenly the car accelerated and i could not get the car under control. I turned the car so it would not hit the structure in front of me. I turned but still could not control the car and the only way was to put the car in to park . It jumped the curb and stopped. The Left side door opened in the process and was open as this happened.
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
It’s the third time that the transmission has hard time to move out of from either 1st or 2nd gear. The car jerks then plunges forward then I could smell burning smell inside the car after 5-15?seconds of the incident. The car only has 33,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2019 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was a delay during acceleration. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The failure recurred several times and the vehicle was diagnosed several times however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 17,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was hit by another car. Both cars were totaled. My seatbelt did not lock and my air bag did not deploy. I hit my head so hard against the steering wheel. I got a concussion and now I have daily headaches and my neck is killing me. The seat belt should have locked and the air bag should have deployed.
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 .