Lexus RX jerking problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · WI

On two occasions, while coasting prior to depressing the brake to come to a stop, the engine spontaneously reved causing the vehicle to lurch forward. At which time I had to dress the brake to keep control of the vehicle.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The transmission is jerking at times and it failed to accelerate at one point after coming to a complete stop. Notified Lexus and still working to fully resolve the issue but they just denied my request to reevaluate the issue.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · AL

The vehicle has exhibited intermittent drivability and safety-related concerns after a prior collision repair. The concerns include delayed acceleration/engagement, abnormal jerking or stopping behavior, and elevated RPM behavior during real-world driving. The most recent documented event occurred on July 27, 2026, while the vehicle was in Drive at approximately 50 mph with cruise/driver-assist indicators illuminated. The tachometer appeared near the 4,000 RPM range. The event was captured by video/screenshot and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue creates a safety concern because delayed acceleration, unexpected jerking/stopping, or abnormal RPM behavior could affect the driver’s ability to safely merge, maintain speed, respond to traffic, or control the vehicle during highway or road driving. The problem has been intermittent and has not always produced an active warning lamp. A Lexus dealer inspected/scanned the vehicle on May 21, 2026 and discussed Eco Mode/Normal Drive Mode, but the symptoms continued afterward. The vehicle has a documented post-repair history involving transmission cooler replacement, transmission-fluid concerns, and prior transmission/powertrain/electronic-control diagnostic code history. Lexus Brand Engagement has also been notified under an active case, but there is currently no clear authorized Lexus repair path. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Based on the symptoms and repair history, the concern may involve the power train, speed control, electrical/electronic control system, or related driver-assistance systems.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I am experiencing ongoing issues with my 2023 Lexus RX500h related to the powertrain/transmission. The vehicle has exhibited abnormal shifting behavior, including hesitation, jerking, and inconsistent acceleration. At times, the vehicle does not respond smoothly when accelerating, which raises safety concerns, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds. The issue occurs intermittently and has persisted despite multiple attempts to diagnose or address the problem. The condition affects the drivability and reliability of the vehicle and has not been resolved.

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

I was just driving regular and the rx350 started to jerk and apply the breaks by itself and slip and go side ways and the car behind me almost hit me because my Lexus started to stop hard and fast .im pressing the gas but it’s not accelerating.the engine wanted to stop and very dangerous I’m scared to even drive the vehicle.i am the 3rd owner and now i know why the otheer people don’t want it .there is a recall for that problem but im new to the car recalls so im not to shure what to do to get the car repaired .i would like this fix especially because it is a recall .thanks

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Electrical · 22,790 miles · GA · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2024 Lexus RX. The contact stated that while idle at a red stoplight, the entire vehicle began to violently jerk back and forth. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a software malfunction, and the failure was replicated. The vehicle was repaired. Medical attention was sought for severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, memory loss, concussion, head, neck, and back injuries. No police report was filed. In addition, the contact stated that after the injuries, she was no longer able to work or drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,790.

Filed Sep 27, 2025 · Steering · CA · crash

While my daughter was driving at about 1:15 PM in a residential neighborhood, the steering wheel suddenly jerked hard to the right and locked while in motion. This caused the vehicle to crash into a parked car. After the vehicle was towed home, the steering wheel remained locked with both front tires pointed sharply right. When I restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel immediately spun right on its own and locked again. It could not be moved manually, and the front tires stayed stuck in the fully turned position. This appears to be a critical steering system failure. It presents a severe safety risk and could easily result in serious injury or death. Note: I had the car towed home immediately after my daughter informed me of the incident. She reported the accident to AAA Insurance at that time, and the adjuster later indicated they wanted to tow the car for evaluation and a possible total loss settlement. However, I would keep the car at my home for inspection and can reproduce the issue if you let me know when you are available to come out. There were no warning signs prior to the failure, and the car had just passed a smog check a few weeks ago. I just made a video but don't know how to attach it.

Filed Jan 14, 2024 · Transmission · SC

It’s the third time that the transmission has hard time to move out of from either 1st or 2nd gear. The car jerks then plunges forward then I could smell burning smell inside the car after 5-15?seconds of the incident. The car only has 33,000 miles.

Filed Dec 29, 2023 · Body · AL

One early morning in November, I opened the rear door on my RX to remove my rollator walker. I am handicapped. I opened the door using the switch under the door handle. The door opened normally, and I reached in to remove the rollator and the door jerked down about a foot then continued to close with several jerking drops. It scared me, but I was able to jump out of the way of the door as it dropped. The temperature that morning was in the lower 40’s which was perhaps the lowest early morning temperature we had seen this fall. I feel that the low temperature may have contributed to the problem. I opened the door again with the switch. The door opened fully but closed again in a similar manner as described above. I was able to hold the door up with one hand and removed my rollator with the other, which was rather difficult due to my limited strength. Later in the day, after the temperature rose, the door opened and stayed open as it should. I discussed the problem with my local Lexus dealer, and they felt that the problem was most likely due to worn shocks which are used to hold the door open. I am familiar with this problem. I owned a 2002 Lexus RX and had a similar rear door shock problem after about 175,000 miles on the car. The rear door on that car was manually operated. If the door didn’t stay up on a manually operated door it was more of a poor-quality issue than a safety issue since it was readily apparent if the door was not going to stay open. The situation with an electrically operated door is quite different. The person opening the door completely relies on the door to stay up when it is opened. In addition, the door could be operated by a child who may not be able to react to the falling door. I had the shocks on the door replaced by the dealer at a cost to me of slightly more than $400. I discussed the safety issue with the dealer and followed up with a reply on a satisfaction survey they had sent. In the repair writeup the dealer