2006 Lexus RX Hybrid: jerking or lurching

Filed Feb 24, 2014 · Brakes · 118,000 miles · DC

Slowing the vehicle at a stop sign from about 20mph. Constantly applied brake pressure. At about 15mph the brake pressure involuntarily released and the car accelerated forward. My foot was never on the accelerator and continued to apply pressure to the brake throughout the acceleration. Approx. 1/4 second after the acceleration, the brake came back on and continued to apply at the same constant pressure. The entire sequence of events lasted about 1/2 a second but caused the vehicle to lurch forward while braking. This happens about once a week.

Filed Feb 3, 2013 · Brakes · PA

I own a lexus rx400h 2006. On several occasions, the vehicle has lurched forward (I.e. Accelerated) before stopping when I applied the brakes at a red light or stop sign. I went to the wilkie lexus dealership in haverford, pa on january 31, 2013. A technician performed a test on the vehicle and reported normal braking performance. I have found similar complaints on the federal safety agency. Based on these similar reports, I believe my vehicle is not an isolated incident. The brake system on this model needs to be investigated. I will also file a formal complaint with lexus. I have been lucky to not hit a pedestrian or vehicle, however, it seems as if it is only a matter of time. Others with similar incidences have not been so lucky.

Filed Feb 11, 2010 · Brakes · 76,000 miles · MA · crash

I own a 2006 lexus rx400h which I believe has exactly the same flaw as recently reported in the prius. Several years ago I had a minor accident caused by my car lurching forward during breaking which caused me to hit the car in front of me. When I brought my car into the lexus of watertown dealership where I purchased the vehicle I reported that I thought the issue might be related to the transition between the regenerative braking system and the regular brake. It seemed like the regenerative braking system was turned off slightly before the regular braking system kicked in causing a gap in the braking that was perceived by me to be a "lurching forward". Of course, what it was a decrease in deceleration that appeared be acceleration. In any event, the dealer said he checked the brakes and could not find anything wrong. I would say from that time until now I had about one or two instances of this lurching per month. I am very used to hybrids and currently own a prius as well, so I know the idiosyncratic nature of the braking system. However, after the recent cascade of reports on problems with the prius I called my dealer again and told them, you should know that the lexus has the same problem, I have had exactly the same problem with my lexus have there been any other reports of problems. I believe I was told no, however, the wording of the answer was guarded. Today, I had another lurching event. Approaching a stop sign, on a smooth, dry road I lurched forward at approximately 15 MPH. If a pedestrian were crossing the street at the time I would have hit them, causing serious injury, hopefully not death. This is a dangerous situation. I contacted my lexus dealer to relay this issue today and say we must do the right thing. They did not respond, so I am moving forward with this formal complaint before more serious harm is done.

Filed Feb 9, 2010 · Brakes · 30,500 miles · FL

I own 2 2006 lexus rx 400 h hybrid SUV's. From the first week I complained that the brakes would not always engage when you depressed the brake pedal. The car would lurch forward when the brakes did not engage for 1 or 2 seconds. The lexus dealer has dismissed my complaint each time. Now there appears to be a voluntary recall of toyota hybrids and one line of lexus hybrids with the identical problem. But the problem is not just with their new s50 lexus hybrid. It has existed at least as far back as 2006 with my cars.

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · GA

When braking, if a pothole or bump in the road is hit or when either the temperatures are really cold (on occasion) or the hybrid battery charge is close to full, the car's regenerative braking stops and there is a delay in the friction brakes being applied by the system. When this occurs, the car seemingly jerk forward for a second. Dealer stated that there is nothing wrong with the brakes. This behavior has recurred over the last 4 years/60,000 miles. No fix from lexus. Had to learn to expect this behavior and drive accordingly (on occasion having to emergency brake with ABS activated).