Lexus RX door locks problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Body · TX

On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] PM, I was reversing my 2024 Lexus RX 350 out of my garage when the left rear passenger door (the door behind the driver) popped open while the vehicle was moving. The door struck the frame of the garage door opening and was damaged so badly that it will not close. Before I started reversing, the door was closed. There were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard, and no audible warnings sounded when I put the vehicle in reverse or while it was moving. The vehicle has approximately 12,000 miles. The same day, [XXX], I took the vehicle to Westside Lexus Certified Collision Center, 11960 Wickchester Lane, Houston, TX 77043. My insurance claim number is [XXX]. The estimator, Jesse Price, told me he had seen this before and quoted approximately $5,000 for the repair. When I asked whether there are known defects related to this type of event, he did not respond. I am concerned that the rear door latch may be defective and could allow a door to open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, which is a safety risk to passengers and others. I request that the federal safety agency review whether other owners have reported similar incidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Electrical · PA

2026 Lexus RX 350h Luxury AWD Hybrid. Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V BATTERY, DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC LOCKS I am experiencing a severe and persistent 12V parasitic battery drain on my 2026 Lexus RX 350h. The vehicle's auxiliary 12V battery drains completely to a dead state if left parked and unused for only two to three days. This is an ongoing manufacturing or software defect that prevents the auxiliary battery from maintaining an adequate charge, resulting in routine vehicle failure. Safety Risks and Incidents: This parasitic drain introduces several critical safety hazards: 1. Emergency Entrapment and Lockout Risk: Because this vehicle relies entirely on electronic door latches (e-Latch), a completely depleted 12V battery causes the exterior and interior electronic door release buttons to fail completely. This creates an immediate risk of vehicle entrapment or leaving passengers locked out in dangerous environments if they are unfamiliar with the secondary manual emergency release overrides.Stranding Hazards: The rapid, unpredictable nature of the battery depletion regularly leaves the driver stranded without warning in remote locations, dark parking areas, or during extreme weather conditions.Loss of Connected Safety Features: When the battery voltage drops severely before dying completely, critical connected vehicle safety systems—including automated emergency crash notifications, location tracking, and roadside assistance connectivity—are entirely disabled, presenting a severe risk in an emergency.Despite dealer awareness, battery replacements, and attempts to mitigate the drain, the manufacturer has not yet provided a permanent software or hardware fix to resolve this electrical defect. Yesterday, 8/31/2026 I took a 30 mile trip after fully charging the 12 V battery to 100%. Upon returning, I installed my battery maintainer. The maintainer stated 53% charge. The vehicle was not adequately charging while I drove. Vehicle software is malfunctioning.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Electrical, Locks · 1,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2026 Lexus RX 450h+. The contact stated that while occupying the vehicle, the battery lost power, causing the power door locks to fail to disengage and leaving the contact trapped inside the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact located the manual emergency release, unlocked the door, and exited the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact of the manual emergency door release. The following day, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Electrical · 17,500 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2024 Lexus RX 350H. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the door latches locked independently, and the contact and wife were locked inside the vehicle for several hours. The contact eventually remembered to pull the mechanical door latch and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Locks · TX

Summary of Issues: 1.On March 3, 2026, I contacted my service manager regarding my inability to open the driver’s side door. I also reported persistent rattling sounds coming from the interior panels and driver’s side door, extending toward the rear of the vehicle that leads to the gas cap door. I was forced to enter through the front passenger door. 2.On March 4, 2026, I dropped my vehicle off at Lexus service department. My service manager got into my vehicle and was unable to exit through the driver’s door. This presents a serious safety hazard. I expressed concern that the issue could be electrical in nature; however, I was advised that new door locks were needed. 3.On March 10, 2026, my vehicle was returned to me after being serviced, with the explanation that both front door locks had been replaced. I questioned why the passenger-side lock was replaced, as I had no prior issue with that door. 4.After picking up my vehicle, I traveled and left it parked at Austin Airport until 3/15/2026. Upon my return, I experienced the exact same issue-the driver’s door would not open. 5.On March 16th, 2026, I returned the vehicle to Lexus service department for further evaluation. This repeated inconvenience has been time-consuming and frustrating. As this is a luxury vehicle. 6.On March 18, 2026, I was notified that my vehicle was ready for pickup and was told the issue was related to the door bezel. Upon retrieving my vehicle, I immediately noticed that the driver’s door lock was visibly missing. I returned to the service department and documented the issue with photographs. I was then informed that the driver’s door panel would need to be replaced. Later that same evening, while attempting to refuel my vehicle, I encountered difficulty opening the fuel door. I again heard the same rattling and popping sound extending toward the gas tank. At this point, I am concerned for my safety and do not feel comfortable operating this vehicle.

Filed Mar 7, 2026 · Electrical · CA · 2 injuries

I am reporting a recurring electrical and mechanical system failure on a 2024 Lexus RX 350h Luxury. On [XXX], the vehicle suffered a total power loss that rendered the electronic door latches unresponsive to all inputs. Because the occupants were a [XXX] and a [XXX] strapped into car seats, they were physically unable to reach the interior manual overrides. Critically, the mechanical backup key also failed to unlock the vehicle from the exterior, preventing immediate rescue. This created a life-threatening entrapment scenario. The doors only responded after multiple minutes of repeated manual attempts. Once entry was gained, the vehicle would not start and the headlights began blinking rapidly, indicating a total system communication failure. I had to use jumper cables to restore power. This is the second occurrence of this catastrophic failure, documented on Repair Order [XXX] at Lexus of Westminster. The failure of both electronic and mechanical failsafes constitutes an extreme occupant safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Body · MA

My electronic door handles fail when there is frost and or cold weather

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Electrical, Locks · NV

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. fortunately I had my cell phone so I was able to call my wife who was inside of our house. She could not open the door with the manual key, She called AAA. The tech hooked up some power device under the hood and the car started and seems OK. This was frightening. I was trapped in the car and running out of air. I could have suffocated.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Body · 47,518 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon arriving to the residence and parking the vehicle, the front driver’s side door failed to open while pulling on the interior door handle. The contact rolled down the window and was able to open the front driver’s side door while pulling the exterior door handle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Lexus Special Service Campaign Number: 20LC02. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,518.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Body · NY

On our 2018 Lexus RX 350 L, the left front interior door handle broke and we had to roll the window down and open the door from the outside. I learned that there was a recall - Lexus Special Service Campaign 20LC02 but our Lexus VIN was not listed. Our Lexus Model/year was manufactured in 05/18 and that was within the production period of the recall, April 2015 to September 2018. I believe that Lexus not including our suv's VIN in the recall was an oversight. As a result, I reached out to Smithown Lexus in NY and they did not honor the recall and wanted $219 + tax just diagnose the problem. I also called Lexus Guest Experience Center at 1‑800‑255‑3987 and thety also did not honor the recall. Since, I purchased and installed the door handle. Is there a way I can get get reimbursed for parts and labor of $450?