2025 Lexus Rz

Beginning in September 2025, I experienced respiratory symptoms, including coughing, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath, that appeared to be triggered when entering or operating my vehicle. The symptoms consistently improved when I was not using the vehicle and returned upon re-exposure. The specific component responsible is UNKNOWN. I suspect a possible cabin air quality, HVAC, or material-related issue, but I am not able to identify a specific failed part. My safety was put at risk because symptoms occurred while driving, including during traffic conditions, which affected my ability to breathe comfortably and concentrate. The issue has been reproducible. The vehicle was inspected by a Lexus dealership and later by a Toyota/Lexus Field Technical Specialist. No warning lights or dashboard alerts were present. The inspection did not identify a cause, but the symptoms persisted. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This report is being submitted to document a potential vehicle safety or air quality concern for further review.

NHTSA ID

11716049

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

While operating my 2025 Lexus RZ 300e at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous propulsion loss when the traction battery reached 0% state of charge. The only advance notice was a single soft audible alert. There were no escalating warnings (visual or audible) and no meaningful low-battery reserve to allow the driver to safely exit traffic or reach a charging location. Within seconds of the single alert, the vehicle entered reduced-power “limp mode,” creating an immediate traffic hazard. This abrupt reduction in speed occurred in active traffic among large trucks, putting my safety and the safety of other road users at serious risk. The lack of progressive alerts and absence of a usable reserve buffer prevented any safe corrective action and increased the risk of a collision or injury. Lexus marketing materials, sales claims, and the owner’s manual indicate that the RZ’s battery management system provides intelligent, progressive warnings and adequate reserve energy to prevent drivers from being stranded. My vehicle did not perform in accordance with these stated safety features. This represents a potential defect in the warning system and energy reserve calibration. The vehicle is currently in the custody of the authorized dealership. I requested that the service department attempt to recreate the incident to determine whether the system functions as designed. They refused, citing an open claim with Lexus corporate. Lexus corporate closed my initial claim without investigation six days after it was filed and has not inspected the vehicle. This failure mode—no escalating alerts, no sufficient reserve, and sudden loss of propulsion—is a clear safety concern that should be investigated for possible noncompliance with FMVSS requirements for driver warnings and vehicle control.

NHTSA ID

11679308

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

OBSOLETE NOTICE October 28, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0035-26

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.

OBSOLETE NOTICE October 14, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0033-26.

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.

Some 2023 – 2025 model year RZ 450e and 2024 – 2025 model year RZ 300e vehicles may exhibit a creaking noise coming from the strut mounting bearing in front suspension when turning. A new part has been developed to address this condition.

Some Customers for the listed vehicles may have complaint of the following: unable to charge the vehicle using the supplied level 1 or 2 charger. Additionally, most will indicate one or more of the LEDs on the charger will illuminate at the time of no charge. Charging at other stations is still possible.