2022 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 2022 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
- Electrical617.1%
- Fuel system514.3%
- Brakes514.3%
- Driver assistance514.3%
- Tires & wheels411.4%
- Powertrain (other)411.4%
- Engine38.6%
- Exterior lighting12.9%
- Other / unspecified12.9%
- Airbags12.9%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
my rear windshield shattered - I was not driving - I was not using the rear defrost - I simply put car in reverse and when I looked back my glass was shattered. 08/09/2026
The vehicle has exhibited intermittent drivability and safety-related concerns after a prior collision repair. The concerns include delayed acceleration/engagement, abnormal jerking or stopping behavior, and elevated RPM behavior during real-world driving. The most recent documented event occurred on July 27, 2026, while the vehicle was in Drive at approximately 50 mph with cruise/driver-assist indicators illuminated. The tachometer appeared near the 4,000 RPM range. The event was captured by video/screenshot and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue creates a safety concern because delayed acceleration, unexpected jerking/stopping, or abnormal RPM behavior could affect the driver’s ability to safely merge, maintain speed, respond to traffic, or control the vehicle during highway or road driving. The problem has been intermittent and has not always produced an active warning lamp. A Lexus dealer inspected/scanned the vehicle on May 21, 2026 and discussed Eco Mode/Normal Drive Mode, but the symptoms continued afterward. The vehicle has a documented post-repair history involving transmission cooler replacement, transmission-fluid concerns, and prior transmission/powertrain/electronic-control diagnostic code history. Lexus Brand Engagement has also been notified under an active case, but there is currently no clear authorized Lexus repair path. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Based on the symptoms and repair history, the concern may involve the power train, speed control, electrical/electronic control system, or related driver-assistance systems.
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 wife was driving the subject car She intended to come off the road to give a way to on coming car. She got in naghbour's drive way and intended move 10 feet. When she tried to put more gas to move the car was hyper accepting drove 50 feets away and hit naghbour's ion gate and stopped. When she back off it did again and hit street lamp. It did two more time. Ended up damaging 4 corners of the car and all the material that the car hit. I could not understand that she hit the 4 corner of the car. That is why I suspected engine problem. When I tried the same movement nàghbour came out and worry that the car will do the same thing. While I was talking to him. He told me he has security camera and he noticed excess unning of the engine. He sent me the clip I couldn't see the car but certainly I could hear the engine. The end of the report.
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that after refueling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more pronounced while the vehicle was parked in the garage, and the garage was filled with a gasoline odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer approximately 3 weeks later. The contact stated that the battery and charcoal filter were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time, at which time the dealer had not performed a repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH on a rainy day, the brake pedal was depressed; however, there was an abnormal squishing sound coming from the brake pedal, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went through the stop light and up onto a curb before the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred previously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer confirmed the abnormal squishing sound when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had declined to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that both actuators had been replaced previously. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: L-SB-0005-21; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or any special programs. The failure mileage was approximately 31,600.
I am writing to formally express my serious concerns regarding the brake actuator on my Lexus vehicle, which remains unrepaired despite being under warranty. This issue poses a significant danger to both myself and the public, and I am seeking an urgent resolution. I have been a proud owner of my Lexus RX450H 2022, and the vehicle is currently under warranty. Recently, I visited the Lexus dealership in Roseville, California, where it was recommended that the brake actuator be repaired due to its faulty condition. Despite this recommendation and the warranty coverage, the repair has not been carried out. The malfunctioning brake actuator is a critical component of the vehicle's braking system. Its failure can lead to inadequate braking performance, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. This issue not only jeopardizes my safety but also endangers other road users. It is imperative that such a critical safety concern is addressed promptly to prevent potential harm. Vehicle does not stop properly due to defective part. Lexus has replaced two actuators and refuses to replace another one as it cost 3200. This is a serious safety issue that can cause physical harm or even worse death.
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
The vehicle has exhibited intermittent drivability and safety-related concerns after a prior collision repair. The concerns include delayed acceleration/engagement, abnormal jerking or stopping behavior, and elevated RPM behavior during real-world driving. The most recent documented event occurred on July 27, 2026, while the vehicle was in Drive at approximately 50 mph with cruise/driver-assist indicators illuminated. The tachometer appeared near the 4,000 RPM range. The event was captured by video/screenshot and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue creates a safety concern because delayed acceleration, unexpected jerking/stopping, or abnormal RPM behavior could affect the driver’s ability to safely merge, maintain speed, respond to traffic, or control the vehicle during highway or road driving. The problem has been intermittent and has not always produced an active warning lamp. A Lexus dealer inspected/scanned the vehicle on May 21, 2026 and discussed Eco Mode/Normal Drive Mode, but the symptoms continued afterward. The vehicle has a documented post-repair history involving transmission cooler replacement, transmission-fluid concerns, and prior transmission/powertrain/electronic-control diagnostic code history. Lexus Brand Engagement has also been notified under an active case, but there is currently no clear authorized Lexus repair path. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Based on the symptoms and repair history, the concern may involve the power train, speed control, electrical/electronic control system, or related driver-assistance systems.
HI, I purchased a brand new 2022 Lexus RX350 from Hendrick Lexus of Charleston SC. Since day one I had dangerous issues below: 1. The transmission shifts up and down so hard, I've almost gotten rear ended due to the car and not braking. This I was told by two separate Lexus dealers I'm feeling a hard "transmission gap"-whatever that means. To add fuel to this dangerous defect is my autistic son would need to be specially medicated to ride in the car b/c he panics and tries to jump out. 2. The car also is equipped with a "rear kick sensor" that never worked, The service manager in Charleston kicked my bumper and swore at the car. I had another Service tech on video for minutes unable to open it. 3. The car, scarily, will not start on me or recognize the key. I've been 3 hrs from home and nearly stuck in a grocery store parking lot with my autistic son freaking out again. This is documented on video. 4. As if there could even be more, the car is equipped with rear collision warning. An example of this, is backing up in a grocery store parking lot and it senses someone walking and auto stops the car if I'm not already breaking. Well, last Sept I was moving, had my autistic son's anxiety super high, and hit a POD for moving in my driveway doing maybe 2 miles per hour. But, and the big but is why did the pre-collision not kick in. This little bump cost insurance over $15k and yet Hendricks is saying its not the car! The mysognostic behavior I've been privy beyond demeaning and offensive. 5. The big kicker is the car went to Hendricks Collision as I wanted a certified Lexus dealership to fix it and do my 30k service. They would only do the 30k service, service writer-again another mansplainer didn't capture all my three continuous problems properly, filled the RO out days after I dropped the vehicle last Nov of 2024-yes, a YEAR AGO. Lexus refuses to address my three warranty items and ran my warranty. No car in a YEAR. Please advise. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
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
See attached document for compliant.
See attached document for complaint.
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
The vehicle has exhibited intermittent drivability and safety-related concerns after a prior collision repair. The concerns include delayed acceleration/engagement, abnormal jerking or stopping behavior, and elevated RPM behavior during real-world driving. The most recent documented event occurred on July 27, 2026, while the vehicle was in Drive at approximately 50 mph with cruise/driver-assist indicators illuminated. The tachometer appeared near the 4,000 RPM range. The event was captured by video/screenshot and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue creates a safety concern because delayed acceleration, unexpected jerking/stopping, or abnormal RPM behavior could affect the driver’s ability to safely merge, maintain speed, respond to traffic, or control the vehicle during highway or road driving. The problem has been intermittent and has not always produced an active warning lamp. A Lexus dealer inspected/scanned the vehicle on May 21, 2026 and discussed Eco Mode/Normal Drive Mode, but the symptoms continued afterward. The vehicle has a documented post-repair history involving transmission cooler replacement, transmission-fluid concerns, and prior transmission/powertrain/electronic-control diagnostic code history. Lexus Brand Engagement has also been notified under an active case, but there is currently no clear authorized Lexus repair path. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Based on the symptoms and repair history, the concern may involve the power train, speed control, electrical/electronic control system, or related driver-assistance systems.
The vehicle hesitates with apparent gear dragging and audible whining or grinding noises. The condition worsens when driving uphill and includes occasional sudden increases to high RPMs during normal acceleration. A slight burning odor is sometimes present after driving, along with lower-than-expected fuel economy in city and highway driving. The transmission exhibits harsh shifting, hesitation, and loss of smooth acceleration, negatively affecting drivability and raising safety concerns. Dealer inspections have not resolved the issue and claim the condition is normal.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My wife was driving the subject car She intended to come off the road to give a way to on coming car. She got in naghbour's drive way and intended move 10 feet. When she tried to put more gas to move the car was hyper accepting drove 50 feets away and hit naghbour's ion gate and stopped. When she back off it did again and hit street lamp. It did two more time. Ended up damaging 4 corners of the car and all the material that the car hit. I could not understand that she hit the 4 corner of the car. That is why I suspected engine problem. When I tried the same movement nàghbour came out and worry that the car will do the same thing. While I was talking to him. He told me he has security camera and he noticed excess unning of the engine. He sent me the clip I couldn't see the car but certainly I could hear the engine. The end of the report.
I have a 2022 Lexus RX350 F Sport. There are many complaints for this problem with this era of Lexus that happen daily. When pulling out into traffic the vehicle stutters or hesitates; this could cause a serious accident with injuries or death. I think it is a problem with the transmission shift programming. In an attempt to be fuel efficient, Lexus created a serious safety problem in my opinion. My car is under warranty, I brought it to the dealer and they said that is normal and a known issue with that era of Lexus; there is no fix or repair. Despite being under warranty, I paid to have the transmission system reset to learn my style of driving. The reset had no effect positive or negative. There were 750,000 Lexus RX's made between 2016 and 2022. Nearly all are affected by this problem. Note: Lexus RX450 hybrid uses a different transmission and likely does not have this problem. Please force Lexus to find a fix for this likely injurious, potentially deadly issue. Gemini AI reports this as a very common problem with this generation of Lexus RX. https:XXX I know it may have been helpful to have had a crash, injury, or fatality to help bolster my argument, but isn't the point to avoid that? Please don't let a numbers game cause more injuries or deaths. This is a known wide-scale problem that Lexus is not fixing. Thank you for your consideration. 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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers and no information on the instrument panel. As I drove down the street slowly the instrument panel returned to normal. A third incident occurred when occurred as we were driving on the highway. The light on the instrument panel began to darken. My husband was driving and I was in the passenger seat I was able to access the light app on the dash and restore the light to the original setting. This car is not on the recall list. It should be because this is a matter of life or death. The car had 59000 miles on it when we bought it so it is not under warranty. I contacted Lexus and they refused any help until I take it to a Lexus dealer and have it diagnosed. I don’t drive it daily because I have other vehicles but I would like to be able to drive it and have full use of the instrument panel. The problem repeats itself.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The seatbelt install will not stay tight, the seatbelt slips easily out of the lockoff. This happens in all seating positions in this vehicle but does not happen in our other vehicles.
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
Making a left turn at night going about 10 mph I was struck by a car with no lights. He hit the right front of my vehicle going about 55-60 mph. He hit my front strut and headlights and grill and radiator. My airbags did not deploy, the other vehicle’s airbag did. The police told me I should call Lexus and report the problem. The insurance company totaled my vehicle..
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 .