RoadVitals

2023 Lexus Rz 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.
10
Latest Mar 24, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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.
1

What this page shows

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

  • Electrical426.7%
  • Powertrain (other)213.3%
  • Driver assistance16.7%
  • Engine16.7%
  • Exterior lighting16.7%
  • Other / unspecified16.7%
  • Steering16.7%
  • Suspension16.7%
  • Airbags16.7%
  • Visibility16.7%
  • Body & structure16.7%

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle, a 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, has been out of service for over 30 days due to an unresolved HVAC system failure affecting cabin heating. The issue significantly impacts the safe operation of the vehicle, particularly in cold weather conditions where adequate heat is necessary for driver visibility and occupant safety. Despite the vehicle remaining under the manufacturer’s warranty, the dealership has been unable to provide a diagnosis completion or estimated time of repair. The vehicle was brought in for service on February 20, 2026, and has remained at the dealership since that time. During this period, no clear resolution timeline has been provided, and communication from both the dealership and manufacturer has been limited to general status updates with no substantive progress. The lack of heating functionality raises safety concerns, especially given the vehicle’s reliance on electronic systems for climate control. A loaner vehicle has been provided; however, the extended delay without repair or replacement raises concerns about potential defects in the HVAC or related electrical systems. The inability to resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe suggests a possible systemic defect that is affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. This complaint is being submitted to document the prolonged repair delay, lack of resolution, and safety implications associated with the loss of heating functionality in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11726598 · filed Mar 24, 2026

The charger fails to charge. Nothing happens when it is plugged into the vehicle. The dealer has confirmed the vehicle can be fully charged using the dealer’s level 2 charger. I am able to fully charge the vehicle using the level 1 charger supplied with the vehicle. Enel X Way has discontinued support. Even though I still have one year warranty left on the charger the support page indicates support is no longer provided and Enel X is no longer accepting claims.

NHTSA ID 11659322 · filed May 6, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle, a 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, has been out of service for over 30 days due to an unresolved HVAC system failure affecting cabin heating. The issue significantly impacts the safe operation of the vehicle, particularly in cold weather conditions where adequate heat is necessary for driver visibility and occupant safety. Despite the vehicle remaining under the manufacturer’s warranty, the dealership has been unable to provide a diagnosis completion or estimated time of repair. The vehicle was brought in for service on February 20, 2026, and has remained at the dealership since that time. During this period, no clear resolution timeline has been provided, and communication from both the dealership and manufacturer has been limited to general status updates with no substantive progress. The lack of heating functionality raises safety concerns, especially given the vehicle’s reliance on electronic systems for climate control. A loaner vehicle has been provided; however, the extended delay without repair or replacement raises concerns about potential defects in the HVAC or related electrical systems. The inability to resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe suggests a possible systemic defect that is affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. This complaint is being submitted to document the prolonged repair delay, lack of resolution, and safety implications associated with the loss of heating functionality in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11726598 · filed Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RZ 450. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle failed to shift out of park after multiple attempts. The vehicle eventually shifted into drive(D) and as the contact began to drive the vehicle, the vehicle began to hesitate as the brake warning light appeared on the instrument panel. Once the contact reached her destination and parked the vehicle, she attempted to straighten out her vehicle as the tail end was sticking out in the road. While straightening the vehicle, the brake warning message returned on the instrument panel as the vehicle then surged forward at a high rate of speed. The vehicle ran over four garbage bins before crashing into a parked vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact attempted to exit the vehicle after the crash but all the doors failed to unlock from the inside. The contact screamed for help as neighbors heard the commotion outside and assisted the contact out of the vehicle. Police were called but no assistance arrived. The contact did not sustain any physical injuries and did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the matter and stated that they would review the vehicle's black box. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,400.

NHTSA ID 11629706 · filed Dec 9, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RZ 450. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle failed to shift out of park after multiple attempts. The vehicle eventually shifted into drive(D) and as the contact began to drive the vehicle, the vehicle began to hesitate as the brake warning light appeared on the instrument panel. Once the contact reached her destination and parked the vehicle, she attempted to straighten out her vehicle as the tail end was sticking out in the road. While straightening the vehicle, the brake warning message returned on the instrument panel as the vehicle then surged forward at a high rate of speed. The vehicle ran over four garbage bins before crashing into a parked vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact attempted to exit the vehicle after the crash but all the doors failed to unlock from the inside. The contact screamed for help as neighbors heard the commotion outside and assisted the contact out of the vehicle. Police were called but no assistance arrived. The contact did not sustain any physical injuries and did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the matter and stated that they would review the vehicle's black box. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,400.

NHTSA ID 11629706 · filed Dec 9, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RZ 450E. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID 11596995 · filed Jun 26, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I have had my 2023 RZ450e for two years and at 53,000 miles, the driver side daytime running light went out. Another owner on a Facebook Lexus RZ450e group reported the same identical thing happening to them in October 2024. With the headlight assembly being LED, these should not fail early on in ownership and should last quite a while. My vehicle has been inspected by Lexus dealership at the service intervals, most recently May 8, 2025 and there was no mention of DRL on driver side being out from the service advisor. No warnings were available. I found out through the reflection of being behind someone when stopped. Having one functional DRL can be a hazard especially in the rain.

NHTSA ID 11661895 · filed May 19, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving at 45 mph during a sunny day with normal traffic flow. The right rear tire had suddenly exploded. It almost caused a major accident. Upon inspection, the tire was totally blew out. Only the rim was left. The tire expert at Northside Lexus dealer in Houston said he had seen hundreds of blow out tires on Lexus like that. He didn't want to alert NHTSA. The tires were made by Dunlop in 2023. My car had only 20,000 miles on it. Please consider to recall this kind of Dunlop Sport Maxx tires before another accident or fatality happens. Thanks.

NHTSA ID 11696241 · filed Oct 29, 2025

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

While driving slowly in a parking lot and without striking any object, my 2023 Lexus RZ 450e experienced a catastrophic front right suspension failure. The suspension failure caused separation of the CV axle, detachment of the front right wheel assembly, and an immediate loss of steering control. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. Fortunately, this occurred at low speed and no injuries occurred. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. No injuries occurred due to the low speed at the time.

NHTSA ID 11711518 · filed Jan 16, 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

While driving slowly in a parking lot and without striking any object, my 2023 Lexus RZ 450e experienced a catastrophic front right suspension failure. The suspension failure caused separation of the CV axle, detachment of the front right wheel assembly, and an immediate loss of steering control. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. Fortunately, this occurred at low speed and no injuries occurred. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. No injuries occurred due to the low speed at the time.

NHTSA ID 11711518 · filed Jan 16, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

When the passenger side radiant heat is on, it makes a toxic smell that smells like plastic or glue melting. It has happened in our RZ and also in a loaner RZ (VIN [XXX] ). Lexus has done nothing that we are aware of to ensure that this smell is not affecting passenger side airbags or the integrity of the cars. They’re also hiding in their notes that they have experienced the smell. I took the Service Manager Jon Howell on a drive in both cars and he smelled the melting smell and agreed he understood why I was describing it as melted hot glue or plastic. However, those drives are not documented in the service notes. I am concerned this is a flaw in the car for which the impact of safety is unknown. Further testing must be done to ensure these cars are safe after the radiant heat is used and the smell has occurred. The smell is constant any and all times the radiant heat is engaged. We have experienced the smell at least ten times in our car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11559847 · filed Dec 13, 2023

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle, a 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, has been out of service for over 30 days due to an unresolved HVAC system failure affecting cabin heating. The issue significantly impacts the safe operation of the vehicle, particularly in cold weather conditions where adequate heat is necessary for driver visibility and occupant safety. Despite the vehicle remaining under the manufacturer’s warranty, the dealership has been unable to provide a diagnosis completion or estimated time of repair. The vehicle was brought in for service on February 20, 2026, and has remained at the dealership since that time. During this period, no clear resolution timeline has been provided, and communication from both the dealership and manufacturer has been limited to general status updates with no substantive progress. The lack of heating functionality raises safety concerns, especially given the vehicle’s reliance on electronic systems for climate control. A loaner vehicle has been provided; however, the extended delay without repair or replacement raises concerns about potential defects in the HVAC or related electrical systems. The inability to resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe suggests a possible systemic defect that is affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. This complaint is being submitted to document the prolonged repair delay, lack of resolution, and safety implications associated with the loss of heating functionality in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11726598 · filed Mar 24, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

It is two problem with Lexus Rz. First the Glass Roof is not UV protected and My husband and I are getting burn on our head and my phones over heat because of the strong sun beating on us. Second is the Electric range supposed to be 220 mile range and in reality I am getting 150-160 range. we are misrepresented by Lexus. On Oct.13 Lexus inspected the car and Please see the attached file. The guy says that this car cannot be in highway or freeway. He says that Avoid relying on the displayed possible driving distance. I paid close to $80000 including warranty and they took my car for 29900. I want my money back or they have to give a car that would not be like this.

NHTSA ID 11552917 · filed Oct 31, 2023

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 .