Lexus RX grinding brakes problems

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca. 92591. (951)365-6834. I scheduled an appointment for repair on 1/26/26. They rejected making the repair because my vehicle DID NOT have any codes in the computer OR any lights on the dash. They did in fact, confirm the brake actuator noise. I reject that concept because WHO could know ahead of time if a part experiences a (1st time) total failure without throwing codes and turning on dashboard lights? As I read the symptoms of severe problems experienced in a higher level of failure by brake actuators, I would not want to have to experience a crash accident in which the actuator would operate correctly in a hard stop condition or have ABS failure and brake lockup occur. Personal harm and property damage should not have to be an indicator if I can have the manufacturer cover a repair. Please advise What I should do to increase the response in the direction of getting this known problem repaired. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

The vehicle hesitates with apparent gear dragging and audible whining or grinding noises. The condition worsens when driving uphill and includes occasional sudden increases to high RPMs during normal acceleration. A slight burning odor is sometimes present after driving, along with lower-than-expected fuel economy in city and highway driving. The transmission exhibits harsh shifting, hesitation, and loss of smooth acceleration, negatively affecting drivability and raising safety concerns. Dealer inspections have not resolved the issue and claim the condition is normal.

Filed Jul 19, 2025 · PA

I was driving and pressed the button to close the sunshade on the panoramic sunroof when I heard this like a grinding noise. The cloth sunshade stopped moving. Then I heard a pop noise, and the sunshade came down, and it hit me more on the back of the neck. Then I heard something fall on the floor behind me in the back seat area. I couldn't pull over right away, stopped at a store, and there was a black, plastic and metal piece that was on the floor in back. The sunshade itself was partly hanging off the ceiling where it came from. It didn't hurt but of course it startled me. This happened on Friday going to work 7/18/2025. I haven't used the sunroof for a while because it has been too hot but Friday I wanted some natural air, and opened it up. Researching I see that it is supposed to be all one piece, and everything which includes the entire panoramic sunroof to be replaced which is close to $3,000. I found online that a lot of people have the same problem for years 16-22 on the RX. I found out where the dealers are telling people excessive heat melts the glue holding these adapters in place, and it eventually give way and break. Most people including me park outside, I don't have a garage, and it's summer, this is defective, and it should be covered my Lexus. Since it just happened yesterday, the vehicle wasn't inspected by nobody, there were no warning signs that this was happening either. The safety issue is when it hit me on the back of the neck while I was driving. Thank you for your time.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Wheels · TX

While driving, the front driver's side tire and wheel detached from my vehicle, causing significant damage. My vehicle was last serviced at dealer on September 2024. During this service, significant maintenance and repair work was performed, including machining rotors, wheel alignment, and tire rotation. I am concerned that either a malfunction or an improper connection of the wheel has led to this incident. Since service, I have driven approximately 2,000 miles and have not had the car serviced by any other provider. My driving has been limited to general day-to-day use, with no long road trips or encounters with curbs or potholes. The evening prior to the incident, I noticed minor steering wheel shaking while driving over 60 mph and a slight grinding noise. I decided to make an appointment for service on the next day. Unfortunately, while en route to the service appointment, the entire driver side wheel and tire detached as I was making a right turn to enter the highway.

Filed Oct 8, 2024 · Brakes · CA

I am writing to raise a serious concern regarding a issue with my 2018 Lexus RX450hL involving the brake actuator. Since purchasing the vehicle at 63,000 miles, I have noticed hissing, clicking, and squeaking noises when applying the brakes. As the mileage increased to 83,000, these noises have worsened, becoming unbearable. In addition, I am experiencing a shaky driver-side mirror and a rusting hood latch, both of which present safety concerns. For a vehicle under 5 years old , I believe these problems do not reflect the quality I expected, particularly given the premium price I paid. According to Lexus' Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #L-SB-0032-23 Rev, issued in October 2023, which addresses squawk or knock noises from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is pressed or released, affecting models like the RX450hL. My vehicle exhibits symptoms similar to those described in the TSB. The vehicle was regularly maintained by the previous owner at Lexus of Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills. Despite this, the major part like brake actuator has failed prematurely. Given Lexus' reputation as a luxury brand, it is unacceptable that such a critical component would fail before the vehicle is 5 years old or has reached 100,000 miles. The combination of the brake actuator defect, the shaky mirror, and the rusting hood latch is disappointing, especially for a vehicle of this caliber. When I initially contacted Lexus Customer Service, I was also dealing with rusting parts and a failing brake booster. Lexus of Cerritos provided a repair estimate of around $5,000 for brake actuator. I was advised to reach out to Lexus Customer Service after my request for a good faith repair was denied due to the inability to obtain the complete maintenance history. However, I have since confirmed with the previous owner and Lexus that the vehicle was regularly serviced. I am also aware that Lexus has issued brake actuator-related recalls for several models.

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Brakes · 141,090 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2014 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated that occasionally while depressing the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal or while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the brake actuator. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty brake actuator. The dealer recommended replacing the brake actuator assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number and would respond within 72 hours. The failure mileage was approximately 141,090.

Filed Aug 24, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 138,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and made an abnormal pumping and grinding sound. Additionally, an unknown beeping and buzzing alarm sounded. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with both feet. The ABS, traction control, and the stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Dec 24, 2022 · Brakes · CA

Brakes make a squeaking sound when brakes applied. They are loud, this sound is not coming from brake pads or rotors. They are alarming and cause anyone to become startled and could cause crashes.

Filed Apr 2, 2022 · Steering · TX

The Power steering had started to feel hard and squeaking some time ago. I was driving day before yesterday and I noticed a few times that the steering was very difficult to turn which could have been dangerous. While doing some research I found that this has happened to some RX models. I went to the dealer and they told me that there is no recall for this issue and any fix would be out of pocket.

Filed Aug 22, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · LA · crash

Was driving into the garage (coasting) very slowly and as I was preparing to step on brake the car revved forward unsuspectedly - I have a video on my ring door bell and you can hear the engine then the squealing of the automatic braking system. I destroyed the adult 3 wheel bicycle that was stored along the wall but that helped the vehicle from crashing through the bricks - I remember shouting “what the hell is happening”. After much research as I knew I did not depress the accelerator in error - I found that this has been a common occurrence with Toyota and Lexus products. I am a very careful driver and I have replayed the incident in my head over and over. I presently dont have the insurance and repair information Readily available