Lexus RX brake failure problems

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Brakes · HI

Brake actuator makes a shriek when I engage the pedal. Problem is ongoing and applies to 2015-2019 Lexus RX450 Hybrid models. Problem is getting worse, and I am afraid of brake failure. Lexus has been repairing this problem, gratis, for owners under their Customer Support Program 23LE04. I contacted Lexus and was told that Hawaii-based Lexus Vehicles are part of the Japan Dealer Network and to contact them. I made an appointment and the car was inspected on April 16, 2026. The outcome was that Lexus of Hawaii/Japan will not repair my vehicle unless I pay $4,000 for a new brake booster pump assembly /labor. Lexus of N. America is covering this repair for 10 years or 150,000 miles, but they refuse to honor it here in Hawaii.

Filed May 16, 2026 · IL · crash · 1 injury

Around 11 am on Sat., May 2, 2026, I was sitting in a very long line in Starbuck's drive thru when my 2025 Lexus RX hybrid suddenly and uncontrollably accelerated--like an uncontrollable bucking horse. Brakes didn't work. I couldn't stop my out of control car, and the multiple computer sensors also didn't stop the car. It was like the throttle was engaged because of a computer glitch. In an effort to avoid hitting the car in front of me, I immediately tried to swerve, but still hit the car, then jumped the exceptionally high curb and ended up in the grass below and almost into the busy road ahead of me. It was terrifying. The car in front of me hit the car in front of her. The exact same issue happened to me on June 18, 2025 when my car unintentionally accelerated--also in a very tight space and going at 2 mph. There was no accident at this time because my car's computer stopped me from plowing into the building immediately in front of me after unintentionally accelerating. The next day at the recommendation of the person who sold me the car, I took my new Lexus to the service department. They gave me a loaner and told me to contact Toyota's/Lexus' Brand Engagement department in order to start the review, which I did. The review was conducted and ended around July 9, 2025 . On Mon., May 4, 2026 I took my car back to the Lexus dealer where I purchased, but was not given a loaner, which I requested, and was told I would need to wait several hours to have this inspected. I then took my car to Boyce Body Werks. A State Farm agent examined my car and initially approved almost $24K worth of damages. Boyce Body Werks is saying when they disassembled my car that there was more damage underneath my car. I also notified Toyota/Lexus about the same issue that happened one year prior. They also refused to give me a loaner, and I am now forced to pay my rental fees. Boyce Body Werks--a Lexus certified dealer has multiple pictures of the damage. My car is still under warranty.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Brakes · VA

While trying to leave my driveway my brakes went out almost causing me to go through a pasture fence. On the dash board popped up ABS and VSC warning. Now the module and regulator is making a horrible sound. And clicks

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Engine · CO

Pot affects 2007-2011 RX350/450= 459,285 units. 1. On Friday, [XXX], the oil cooler pipe burst on our 2010 RX350. 2. All six quarts of engine oil were lost in approximately 700 feet while traveling at 70–75 mph on the highway. 3. Massive amounts of smoke poured from the front of the vehicle & through the air vents, causing my wife & daughter to fear for their safety due to risk of a fire & smoke inhalation. 4. No warning lights appeared on the dash, meaning the vehicle could easily have been driven to engine failure had there been no smoke. 5. 2 Colorado Department of Transportation vehicles & a State Trooper stopped to be sure they were ok & monitor the risk of a fire. 8. Towed & Lexus dealership confirmed seen many 3rd gen RXs with this same issue, some with seized engines because no dash warnings were triggered.  9. Lexus updated part from RUBBER to STEE, acknowledging design flaw.  Major Safety Concerns This failure represents a serious safety risk that could have resulted in fire, injury, death, or catastrophic engine/property damage. - Oil spray on hot engine components like the headers & exhaust pipes (700-1100F) poses a legitimate fire hazard considering oil flashpoint (400-700F). - Oil sprayed onto the brakes increased the risk of loss of braking & traction control in sudden/emergency maneuvers. - Engine seizing/stop due to loss of oil could result in an accident if the vehicle stops suddenly on the highway when it seizes, loses control, or the electric steering, braking &/or other safety systems fail. - If this had occurred on a mountain descent from the Rockies into Denver or any other long descent, a fire caused by oil spraying on 700-800F brake rotors or loss of control could have occurred. - Entire underside of the vehicle is coated in oil, contaminating the rear brakes, potentially damaging wiring, solenoids, & other safety-critical components, as well as representing an additional fire risk due to oil on the exhaust pipe.  INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Body, Brakes · CA · crash

I was at the gas station, in line waiting for one of the three gas pumps to be available. I put my car in reverse to back up and pull around another car in order to go to the open pump in front. When my car was in reverse motion, I stepped on the brake pedal, but the car did not stop. I stepped on the brake pedal numerous times, but the brake did not function. My car backed into the front of the car in line behind me damaging both vehicles. The automatic emergency braking system did not activate, and there was no rear collision warning sound or message. I switched my car from Reverse into Park to stop its movement, but it was too late to avoid the collision. I had a passenger in my car who corroborates this description. Fortunately there were no pedestrians behind my car, so the only damage was to the vehicles. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone since the accident, but will be soon. I have owned this car since April 2021 and previously had a few similar situations when moving in the forward direction. Previously, the brake problem occurred while moving forward at very low speed pulling into parking places. The brake failed to activate, and I had to throw the car into Park to stop it, but this was the first time I had experienced this problem traveling in reverse. When this situation occurs, I am pressing on the brake pedal, but the car is not stopping and the brake pedal seems to go to the floor. On March 5, 2025 I took the car to a Lexus dealer and reported the brake failure problems. They inspected, road tested, and checked for codes, but could not identify the problem. I believe that the collision back up system should have prevented this accident, but it did not function. I suspect that there may be some kind of computer issue that prevents the brake from actuating. The car will be going in for repair soon, and I have requested that a complete diagnostic review be performed of this brake problem.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · GA · crash · 1 injury

3 months before the accident the power steering light came on twice and went off. The day of the accident the brake light came on when I started the car that day. It disappeared when I was put in drive. I was entering onto the highway to merge with the traffic. Another car waiting for the light to turn green so he could enter also. My car didn’t stop because my brakes failed and the collision avoidance system didn’t work either. No sounds nor warnings. I have photos of the message that was displayed on the dashboard. Tried sending photos but it didn’t work.

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Brakes · FL

Hydraulic brake booster pump abs actuator has been on a service bulletin around 2015 with a definitive timetable. I have had numerous notifications with warning lights that are indicative of the booster pump failure for more than 10 years and every time I bring it to the Lexus dealer they said it is my battery. They replace the battery and reset the computer and it repeats itself over and over. My main concern as this should have been a recall and not a service bulletin; an abs brake failure is a significant defect with possible fatal outcome. The problem has been well documented with numerous Lexus and Toyota customers hybrid vehicles going back to 2005. My vehicle is 2007 Lexus RX 400h with 78,000 miles. I am afraid to drive the vehicle with the issue unresolved.

Filed Oct 4, 2024 · Tires · CA

Driving on freeway, sudden blowout causing loss of braking ability. Barely managed to pull to shoulder sidewall completely shredded.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Brakes · IL

While driving in local conditions (traveling 20 mph) the brakes stopped working partially (about 90% of braking power was lost) and a message on the dash board show check vsc, after pulling aside it turning off the engine. I inspected the brakes in the engine and at the wheels for leaks. no leaks. upon restarting the car all was normal again.

Filed Sep 30, 2021 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · UT · crash

The contact owns a 2019 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while his wife, was reversing in the driveway she hit the retaining wall. The driving alarms failed to engage and alert. The driver depressed the brake pedal however failed to respond and was depressed to the floorboard. The emergency brake failed to engage. The vehicle rolled down the hill and crashed into some unknown objects in the driveway. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, police report or fire. The vehicle was drivable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.