RoadVitals

2023 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.
55
Latest Aug 3, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 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

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.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

when driving on the highway and i let up the gas the engine surges. this is an ongoing issue. makes me apply the brakes or take action scary. it happens all the time. took it to lexus and they say this is normal. to me it is a safety driving issue. it surges for some time with no gas applied.

NHTSA ID 11748178 · filed Jul 3, 2026

My 2023 Lexus RX350 with 67,000 miles displayed a check engine light along with a Drive-Start Control Malfunction warning. The vehicle was brought to a Lexus dealership where it was diagnosed with fault code P25B372 — Turbocharger Wastegate A Actuator Stuck Open. The dealership confirmed the wastegate actuator has failed and requires replacement. The part is currently on backorder with over 800 units backordered nationally, indicating this is a systemic issue affecting multiple vehicles. Toyota has issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0084-23 covering this exact fault code on the same 2.4L turbocharged engine used in the 2023 Lexus RX350. The bulletin states the repair is covered under the Federal Emission Warranty for 96 months or 80,000 miles. However, the Lexus dealership has declined warranty coverage citing the absence of a Lexus-specific bulletin, despite the identical engine and fault code. The failure puts safety at risk as the Drive-Start Control Malfunction warning indicates loss of traction and stability control systems. The problem has been confirmed by the Lexus dealership. Warning lamps appeared on the dashboard prior to the visit. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID 11740958 · filed May 29, 2026
All 10 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

had transmission replaced 2 times and update to transmission. this is a brand new car purchased in 2023. first transmission replaced at 20,963 miles, 2nd replaced at 33,543 miles, 35,221 miles transmission update. It was cumulative 33 out of service. We feel this vehicle is unsafe to drive. Even after all the transmissions replaced om the is vehicle had 2 more incidents. One was loss of power in traffic and another was on a highway transmission would not shift into higher gear. This is not new there have been hundreds of people with the same exact problems. Lexus has internal TSB L-SB-0059-23 detailing these problems.

NHTSA ID 11754621 · filed Aug 3, 2026

On July 21st, 2026 while stopped at a red light and upon turning green stepped on the accelerator to transition from stop to start, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power. The engine failed to respond to accelerator input, leaving the vehicle stranded in active traffic. This created an immediate rear-end collision hazard in a busy intersection. I was forced to coast the vehicle out of traffic to the side of the road, cycle the ignition off, and reset and temporarily regain powertrain functionality. Also on July 25th, 2026 I lost the power to accelerate on the highway when I was cutoff. I put the car in neutral and then back in drive to get power back to accelerate. These are the most recent, But I have had 2 transmission replacements. At separate times and then a re flashing to upgrade computer information another time. All within a 7 month period. This is a known issue by Toyota Motor Corp and has been circulated by the company under TSB-L-SB-0059-23.

NHTSA ID 11754128 · filed Aug 1, 2026
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2023 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, it suddenly accelerated without warning. While driving in a parking lot, the vehicle again surged forward approximately 20 feet. The contact was able to swerve to avoid striking a pedestrian. The vehicle became uncontrollable, and the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle ultimately crashed into a dumpster fence, which fell onto the vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to her mouth, including cuts to the inside and outside of her mouth, and medical attention was provided by a plastic surgeon. The fire department responded to the scene. The air bags did not deploy during the crash. There was no fire, and a police report was not filed. The fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer has not been notified. The failure occurred at approximately 18,000 miles.

NHTSA ID 11723281 · filed Mar 10, 2026

2023 Lexus RX350. Subscription expiration caused a total screen freeze that prevent other functions ( i.e. rear view camara) to work as the screen just go blank and hang forever unless you reboot. Big safety issue!

NHTSA ID 11722074 · filed Mar 4, 2026
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.

NHTSA ID 11734180 · filed Apr 27, 2026

Car stopped running during turn. Then started creeping along ,then after a bit ,started working normally. Happened a few times after. Then later car wouldn’t start in garage, had to get jumpstart. Took to Lexus dealer and found out the 12 volt battery was shot.they replaced it. Very frightening experience. Could have had an accident.

NHTSA ID 11729355 · filed Apr 6, 2026
All 9 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This submission is a supplement to a previously filed complaint. Original complaint number: 11719553." In my previously submitted complaint, I incorrectly stated that the vehicle remained stationary until delivery. The actual situation is: the sunroof glass shattered while the vehicle was parked, but the day after the incident, I drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. I am providing this supplement to clarify the vehicle’s status in the original report. The incident occurred while the vehicle was completely stationary, with no external forces or driving involved.

NHTSA ID 11719594 · filed Feb 21, 2026

Vehicle: 2023 Lexus RX350 (Certified Pre-Owned) Ownership Duration: ~3 months Incident Description On February 1, 2026, the sunroof glass of my vehicle shattered inward into the cabin without any collision or known external force. The vehicle was parked on the street next to a residential garage entrance, with no trees or overhead objects nearby. I have photographs documenting the shattered sunroof. No alerts were received on my mobile app at the time. The vehicle remained stationary and was not operated until delivered to the dealership. Around February 2–3, my mobile app indicated vehicle activity, confirming the dealership accessed or connected diagnostic equipment while the vehicle was in their possession. They never disclosed inspection results or technical findings. Dealership and Manufacturer Response February 2, 2026: Vehicle delivered to authorized Lexus dealership; advised to contact manufacturer. February 13, 2026: Lexus North America phone call – warranty/goodwill coverage denied. February 19, 2026: Dealership confirmed repair not covered. Email to service manager requesting inspection findings, diagnostic conclusions, and written denial – no response. February 20, 2026: In-person visit; dealership refused to provide inspection results, stating vehicle was received broken and I could pay for repair or take it unrepaired. Repair Order (R/O) stated: “Probably due to outside influence.” No evidence or technical explanation was provided. Safety Concern The sunroof glass shattered inward, presenting a direct hazard to occupants. The failure occurred within three months of CPO purchase, raising concerns about inspection process and sunroof integrity. This may indicate a broader defect affecting other vehicles with similar sunroof systems. Current Status Vehicle is under repair at my expense despite lack of confirmed cause or documented findings. Evidence Photographs of shattered sunroof Repair Order from dealership Mobile app records

NHTSA ID 11719553 · filed Feb 21, 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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.

NHTSA ID 11734180 · filed Apr 27, 2026

- Uknown: 2023 RX 500H Performance hesitates or stalls when gas is applied to accelerate. When vehicle final start moving after 2-4 seconds, engine revs really high. This is believed to be an issue in the power train and specifically Transaxle issues and ECU programming issues. More on this issue can be found on Lexus service bulletin Record ID #4807268. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. - Yes, with the vehicle stalling out in cross traffic, it has almost caused me, my wife and child to get t-boned on multiple instances. Lexus corporate and the Lexus dealer had been made aware of this concern on multiple occasions. - No, Dealer has not been able to reproduce after multiple reviews. I do have video proof of the car doing this taken after final attempt for Lexus to review. This video has been sent to Lexus corporate and Lexus Dealer. - Vehicle has been inspected by Lexus dealership as a representative of Lexus corporate. My Dealer has looked at it multiple times and can never duplicate and will not help. I worked with Lexus directly and also were not able to help. Lexus corporate has now turned my case over to their Lemon Law department for review on 7/8/24 due to this issue and many more issues with car. I provided requested information to Lexus Corporate Lemon department on 8/12/24 and have not hear back as of 10/24/24. - Unknown: Issue occurs few time a week since purchased the car on 2/4/2023, but do not recall first experience. Issue occurs more after the car has been sitting for a while on a hot day or not drove in a few days, and will stall out mostly on a left hand turn. The issue feels like the battery is dead and the gas engine has to take over for it causing a lag. When the engine does finally take over it seems to rev really high too. After it does it once or in some cases twice at the beginning of the drive it is typically okay the rest of the drive.

NHTSA ID 11621814 · filed Oct 24, 2024

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

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The rain sensing wiper do not work properly. The wiper swipe once then stop. I have to turn them off and on again to get them to restarted. Also once they do start, they randomly stop for no reason. I have had it to the dealer twice. I was told the dealer contacted Lexus who confirmed this is a problem, with NO fix. The dealer also tested all the new RX 350's models, 2023 and 2024 on their lot, and ALL of them had the same problem. This is a major safety hazard that will cause accidents. It was serviced at Thompson Lexus in Doylestown, PA.

NHTSA ID 11580281 · filed Mar 31, 2024

on July 18 2023 I was sitting in my car with airconditioner on around 11.20 am in sunlake arizona suddenly i heard a big bang sound, really scared and went out checked everywhere not find anything, after sometime we drive from there to home rear passenger told some abnormal sound and something is wrong, sudden i pull over the car in a safe place check everything find out that the New RX 350 F sports rear Panoramic moon roof was completly shatterd, and the debris are falling down. how the roof glass break such a way, its so annoying and un imaginable. its a very saftey risk for the rear seat passengers exspecially for kids. why such a reputed company make such a delicate item for the outer side of the car body , please look in to the matter and take appropriate action to avoid any injuries to lexus rear side passengers.

NHTSA ID 11533330 · filed Jul 19, 2023

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My air bags did not deploy with a head on collision.

NHTSA ID 11657632 · filed Apr 29, 2025

The contact loaned a 2023 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control feature set at 65 MPH, the vehicle was rear-ended, hit the median wall, and was then catapulted back into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag did not deploy however all the other air bags did deploy as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver-side seat belt failed to secure the driver during the incident. The contact sustained shoulder, hip, leg, and arm injuries and the front passenger sustained left arm injuries. Medical attention was received via the hospital for both occupants. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

NHTSA ID 11610031 · filed Aug 21, 2024

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

The contact owned a 2023 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, it suddenly accelerated without warning. While driving in a parking lot, the vehicle again surged forward approximately 20 feet. The contact was able to swerve to avoid striking a pedestrian. The vehicle became uncontrollable, and the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle ultimately crashed into a dumpster fence, which fell onto the vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to her mouth, including cuts to the inside and outside of her mouth, and medical attention was provided by a plastic surgeon. The fire department responded to the scene. The air bags did not deploy during the crash. There was no fire, and a police report was not filed. The fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer has not been notified. The failure occurred at approximately 18,000 miles.

NHTSA ID 11723281 · filed Mar 10, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact loaned a 2023 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control feature set at 65 MPH, the vehicle was rear-ended, hit the median wall, and was then catapulted back into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag did not deploy however all the other air bags did deploy as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver-side seat belt failed to secure the driver during the incident. The contact sustained shoulder, hip, leg, and arm injuries and the front passenger sustained left arm injuries. Medical attention was received via the hospital for both occupants. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

NHTSA ID 11610031 · filed Aug 21, 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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Hi. I noticed my vehicle was randomly making a clunking noise in the rear end. Also, on the highway, it would drift and was difficult to steer. I took it to dealership to be examined because it was still under warranty. They showed me that the driver's side rear trailing arm was disconnected. The bolt was not even there. They stated that it was caused by outside influence, possibly from hitting something. But I did not hit anything. The only sign of damage was where the loose trailing arm rubbed against the steering knuckle. They also told me it was too dangerous to drive off the lot. Because they claimed outside influence, they did not cover it under warranty. I took it to my mechanic. He believed the bolt had come loose on its own. He thought this because the trailing arm bolt on the passenger side was very loose and about to fall out. The mechanic replaced the missing bolt and tightened the loose bolt. I would like to document that this happened and see if any other people had reported this problem. Lexus denied that there was an issue.

NHTSA ID 11710520 · filed Jan 12, 2026

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

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Hi. I noticed my vehicle was randomly making a clunking noise in the rear end. Also, on the highway, it would drift and was difficult to steer. I took it to dealership to be examined because it was still under warranty. They showed me that the driver's side rear trailing arm was disconnected. The bolt was not even there. They stated that it was caused by outside influence, possibly from hitting something. But I did not hit anything. The only sign of damage was where the loose trailing arm rubbed against the steering knuckle. They also told me it was too dangerous to drive off the lot. Because they claimed outside influence, they did not cover it under warranty. I took it to my mechanic. He believed the bolt had come loose on its own. He thought this because the trailing arm bolt on the passenger side was very loose and about to fall out. The mechanic replaced the missing bolt and tightened the loose bolt. I would like to document that this happened and see if any other people had reported this problem. Lexus denied that there was an issue.

NHTSA ID 11710520 · filed Jan 12, 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

I entered then attempted to start my Lexus on November 11, 2025. The car would not start - the dashboard lights fleshed briefly, then the car was completely dead. There was not a light on anywhere. The doors would not open and the windows would not roll down. I was trapped. fortunately I had my cell phone so I was able to call my wife who was inside of our house. She could not open the door with the manual key, She called AAA. The tech hooked up some power device under the hood and the car started and seems OK. This was frightening. I was trapped in the car and running out of air. I could have suffocated.

NHTSA ID 11698992 · filed Nov 12, 2025

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 .