2026 Lexus RX

I was pulling into a parking space slowly when the vehicle suddenly and violently lurched forward over a cement parking barrier, over a curb , then into a tree at an upward angle, which stopped it. The engine continued running and revving into the tree after impact, even after I tried to shut it down. I somehow got it to shut down, then had to climb out and downward out of the vehicle. A kind young man helped me, climbed up into the car and was able to back it down and out for me.

NHTSA ID

11776637

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

On two occasions, while coasting prior to depressing the brake to come to a stop, the engine spontaneously reved causing the vehicle to lurch forward. At which time I had to dress the brake to keep control of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11775699

Incident

Nov 3, 2026

While driving my 2026 Lexus RX350h, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not respond to the accelerator. After coming to a stop, pressing the gas pedal did nothing. I had to shift to Park, press the brake, and press the Start button to get the vehicle moving again. A short time later, while making a right turn, the vehicle lost power again while still moving, forcing me to repeat the Park–Brake–Start sequence in the middle of the turn. This is a serious safety issue because the hybrid system appears to shut down unexpectedly, causing loss of propulsion in traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated the battery was “good,” but no cause was identified. This needs investigation because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power and require a restart while driving.

NHTSA ID

11773204

Incident

Oct 21, 2026

There is an extreme dark shadow or cutoff line on the driver-side headlight

NHTSA ID

11770680

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

The factory-installed front spindle grille and bumper assembly on this brand-new 2026 Lexus RX 350 suffered severe thermal material failure, resulting in extensive warping, bubbling, and physical melting under normal, predictable outdoor ambient daylight parking conditions. This thermal deformation poses an immediate safety hazard because the deformed exterior structure directly houses the vehicle’s critical front-facing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This includes the pre-collision safety radar sensors, pedestrian detection cameras, and proximity sensors located right behind the front Lexus emblem and grille assembly. The physical distortion of the plastic mounting housing can cause sensor misalignment, resulting in unexpected automatic emergency braking, failure of the pre-collision warning systems, or sudden blind-spot radar failure while operating the vehicle at highway speeds. Lexus Corporate (Case #260917000986) officially inspected the vehicle and explicitly denied all warranty and goodwill safety repairs, formally stating the vehicle's body components are melting due to a "solar event" concentration. Furthermore, the authorized Lexus dealership service management explicitly stated that this is a widespread, "common issue" that takes only 5 minutes of outdoor sunlight reflection to cause catastrophic component melting. The vehicle remains in its exact original factory configuration with under 2,000 miles. It is a severe safety defect to manufacture a modern premium passenger vehicle with safety sensor housings that melt and lose structural integrity under normal outdoor sunlight exposure. The manufacturer is actively refusing to correct this material hazard, leaving the safety radar systems compromised.

NHTSA ID

11767853

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Push brake to start. Displays car not ready low battery. Seat memory not retaining setting. Windshield wiper speed will not remove water fast enough

NHTSA ID

11767025

Incident

Sep 25, 2026

(1)The original 12-V battery was replaced by the dealership on XXX (after 5-week and 120-mile usage) with a new one, model: 00544-MFH50, S/N [XXX], 540CCA and 100 RC. (2)Upon double-checking with the 2026 Lexus Owner’s Manual for RX450H+, on Page 605, it clearly stated that when replacing the battery, its case size should be the same as the previous one (LN3) ……. with a performance rating of CCA of 603A or higher. (3)The dealership indicated the 00544-MFH50 was the right battery based on the VIN number per Lexus internal database. The database also showed another battery model: 28800-31572. (4)However, according to the battery information at [XXX], both 00544-MFH50 and 28800-31572 are listed as “Does not fit” the 2026 RX450H+ vehicle. (5)The other battery, model 00544-21171LXPR, is listed as the HV 12-V battery for the 2026 RX450H+ at [XXX]. (6)Also on the Lexus parts website, this 2026 RX450H+ VIN number is recognized as RX350h (Base Trim), a totally different vehicle. It may be possible that the Lexus 2026 RX450H+ Owner’s Manual (published in [XXX], 2026, for the North American market) and [XXX] have been updated with the correct 12-V battery information, while the internal Lexus database was not. It was not clear whether factories in [XXX] or elsewhere, and [XXX] dealerships, still use the possibly outdated and conflicting information for initial battery installation and replacement when needed. The discrepancies between Lexus internal information (manufacturing and dealership) and publicly available information from the owner’s manual and official Lexus website caused significant confusion about which battery is the right one designed for this vehicle in 2026. Details please see attachment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764261

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned and is it available for inspection upon request? Component/System: Brake-by-wire hydraulic fluid loop, master cylinder assembly, or stroke simulator system on a 2026 Lexus RX 350h (VIN: [XXX]; 2,450 miles). Cash-purchased new in XXX. Weak, unrestricted hydraulic pressure. The brake pedal depresses to within 1 inch of the floorboard, bottoming out against the physical mechanical extension rod limit. A Reserve Distance Measurement confirms the vehicle fails to meet the minimum Lexus safety standard of 86 mm (3.39 inches) of pedal reserve distance. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Safety Hazard: Operating at less than 1 inch of pedal clearance instead of the factory-mandated 86 mm (3.39 inches) violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) regarding pedal reserve margins. Imminent Risk: This drastically increases the risk of a catastrophic front-end or multi-fatal high-speed collision. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer Visit: Park Place Lexus in [XXX] on XXX (at 2,450 miles) for low hydraulic pressure. No dealer dismissed Despite violating the 86 mm (3.39 inches) factory specification, the service department refused to perform internal examinations 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspections: Inspected exclusively by Park Place Lexus Plano. confined to a private garage to prevent a public safety incident. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No dashboard warning lamps, appeared XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763946

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Global Techstream+ (GTS+) ECU flash reprogramming procedures and outlines the use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard+ (CUW+). To ensure the correct ECU software is installed, ECUs will require a Security Signature before the ECU initializes the flash reprogramming sequence.

A new head unit software update (version 2300) is available via OTA or USB for 2022 – 2026 model year LX 600, NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h; 2023 model year LS 500; 2023 – 2024 model year UX 250h; 2023 – 2025 model year ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, LS 500h, RZ 300e, and RZ 450e; 2023 – 2026 model year RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h; 2024 – 2026 model year GX 550, LC 500, LC 500c, LC 500h, LS 500, RX 450h+, TX 350, TX 500h, and TX 550h+; 2025 model year UX 300h; 2025 – 2026 model year LX 700h; 2026 model year IS 350, RZ 350e, RZ 450e, and RZ 550e vehicles equipped with Lexus Multimedia versions older than 2300. This Software Update includes the following improvements: •User Interface •Cloud Navigation •Bug fixes Vehicle operators can perform this update directly by accepting the on-screen notification advising that the software update is available, or by locating the software update from the Settings menu and initiating the available update. The release message below will be displayed to the customer: “This software update includes improvements for User Interface, Cloud Navigation, and Bug fixes.” If it is necessary to perform the software update for a customer, follow the software update procedures in this bulletin. This is a phased rollout, which means that as time progresses, more vehicles will receive the update notification and ability to update the head unit. This timing will vary by location and may not display for every vehicle in one location at the same day/time.

OBSOLETE NOTICE Month ##, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0018-26

A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life. These conditions include storage period, temperature, parasitic drain, and battery load. Because of these factors, battery inspection and maintenance are required in order to ensure proper operation and optimal battery life.

OBSOLETE NOTICE June 18, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0017-26.

During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce conditions such as pulling or drifting. If the wheels are replaced or refinished before vehicle delivery, it is important that the tires remain on the vehicle in the same location and in the same direction of rotation.