2023 Lexus Rx Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Lexus Rx carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering column and display function. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Powertrain loss of motive power, shudder, and shifting abnormality.” Lexus follows Toyota's service rhythm: oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20 synthetic, plus an interim 5,000-mile visit for tire rotation and inspection. Hybrid models (UX 250h, NX 350h, RX 350h/450h+) add long-interval hybrid-specific items — inverter coolant and hybrid-battery cooling-duct checks — while shedding brake wear thanks to regeneration. Modern Lexus engines are chain-driven; there is no timing-belt service on these models.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:COLUMN

Campaign #25V040000 · Jan 29, 2025

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #25V744000 · Oct 30, 2025

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #26V162000 · Mar 18, 2026

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB02 and 26LA02.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Lexus Rx.

Reported to NHTSA

Powertrain loss of motive power, shudder, and shifting abnormality

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2026-08

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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754128
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.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754621
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.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11621814

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Sunroof and panoramic glass spontaneous shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 NHTSA complaints · 2023-07 → 2026-03

The sunroof of my 2023 Lexus SUV had a defect and shattered/exploded outwards due to a defect in the tempered glass while driving on the highway. The glass shards fell from the sunroof and cut my face while driving. I had to have a nurse remove the glass shards from my face.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11610669
While we were driving, our sunroof just exploded! There was no-one around us. There was a loud bang, glass was flying and the wind was so loud we couldn't hear each other. If my wife would have been driving, we probably would have wrecked because she screamed and through her arms…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693983
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.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719553
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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11533330

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12V battery drain and no-start with door lock entrapment

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-11 → 2026-04

On at least 7 occasions the driver was TRAPPED inside the vehicle. The car failed to start and the doors and windows locked. If the driver had not had a cell phone to make an emergency call he would have been locked inside until someone discovered the problem.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707085
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.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698992
If we don't drive the car for 4 or 5 days, especially in cold weather, the car will sometimes not start due to a drained 12V battery. We've spoken to Lexus of Rockville, MD and Lexus roadside assistance, who are aware of the issue but say the 12V battery is "healthy."
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710076
The 2023 Lexus RX-350 has had complete 12 volt battery failure twice in the last year. The hybrid battery charging procedure for the 12 volt battery is insufficient. Twice I have been stranded. The frequency and duration of the hybrid battery charging is not sufficient.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711016

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Vehicle surge or unintended forward movement at stop

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-03

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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723281
The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle surged forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633174
Unintended acceleration. After complete stop at signal light behind another car electric motor was keep pushing car forward with feet on break and no feet on accelerator. Car was at complete stop and then after complete stop car started moving so press breaks more harder…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638963
We have encountered 2 instances of Unintended Acceleration. Lexus has inspected the vehicle and states they could not find anything wrong. In both instances the car jumped forward without notice. No warnings were given. The first time it occurred there was over $8,500 worth of damage.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11599191

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Engine RPM surge when accelerator is released

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09 → 2026-05

When driving, the car engine will randomly accelerate or race. The car does not physically go faster, but the engine revs at a high speed which is very scary. It will continue to accelerate while your foot is off the gas until you either press back down the gas pedal or come to a full stop.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616276
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.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748178

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Rain-sensing wiper system inoperative

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2026-08

The rain-sensing wiper system in my 2023 Lexus RX has been inoperative since I purchased the vehicle in May 2023 (current mileage: approximately 55,000 miles). The automatic wipers consistently fail to activate in response to rain, requiring manual operation while driving…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11757460
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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580281

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ADAS malfunction disabling lane departure and collision warning

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-07 → 2024-09

Within 2-3 weeks, the vehicle started issuing alerts that parts of the ADAS were malfunctioning, and therefore the vehicle was disabling the entire ADAS. This warning would come on while driving, and even after clearing the warning, it would pop back up within seconds.
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534865
When driving Lexus 2023 RXH with all safety except lane assist features, it suddenly veers to the right under specific conditions below - Have enabled ProActive Driving Assist - The car is travelling on a straight road, and has line markings (yellow left side, white right side)…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11604149

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter Change

Every 10,000 mi

Replace every 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20 full synthetic. Severe service (repeated short trips, extensive idling, dirt roads): 5,000 miles per the Lexus guide.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (5,000-Mile Visit)

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate every 5,000 miles — the interim Lexus service visit. Heavy hybrid SUVs are hard on front tires despite gentle brake wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect at each 5,000-mile visit. Hybrids: pads can last 60,000+ miles from regen braking, but rotors corrode from disuse — inspection catches surface rust before it pits.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace roughly every 3 years / 30,000 miles. Hybrid brake actuators are expensive — clean fluid is cheap protection.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles; inspect at 15,000 in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Iridium plugs at 120,000 miles per the Toyota/Lexus schedule — among the longest plug intervals in the industry.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Transmission / Hybrid Transaxle Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Labeled lifetime fill (Toyota WS), but Lexus specialists commonly recommend a drain-and-fill around 60,000 miles — including the hybrid transaxle, whose fluid cools the motor-generators. Toyota WS fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace every 15,000 miles. Behind the glovebox on UX, NX, RX, and IS — one of the easiest DIY jobs on the car.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine + Inverter Coolant

Every 100,000 mi

Toyota Super Long Life coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Hybrids have a second, separate inverter coolant loop on the same schedule — make sure a shop services both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Hybrid 12V batteries are small AGM units that die quietly — the car won't 'ready' even with a healthy hybrid battery. Hybrid-battery cooling ducts (under/behind rear seats) should be checked for dust at service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Lexus Rx reflects Lexus's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.