2023 Lexus Rz 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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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
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.
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 .