On July 21st, 2026 while stopped at a red light and upon turning green stepped on the accelerator to transition from stop to start, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power. The engine failed to respond to accelerator input, leaving the vehicle stranded in active traffic. This created an immediate rear-end collision hazard in a busy intersection. I was forced to coast the vehicle out of traffic to the side of the road, cycle the ignition off, and reset and temporarily regain powertrain functionality. Also on July 25th, 2026 I lost the power to accelerate on the highway when I was cutoff. I put the car in neutral and then back in drive to get power back to accelerate. These are the most recent, But I have had 2 transmission replacements. At separate times and then a re flashing to upgrade computer information another time. All within a 7 month period. This is a known issue by Toyota Motor Corp and has been circulated by the company under TSB-L-SB-0059-23.
Lexus RX transmission failure problems
48 of the 973 owner complaints about the Lexus RX describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 48
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $4,016
- typical mileage
- 96,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 6Won't shift 4Stalling 3Jerking 3Check engine light 3Sudden acceleration 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0A2D 1
What owners say
I own a 2020 Lexus RX 450h with approximately 129,803 miles. The check engine light came on and the vehicle stored diagnostic trouble code P0A2D, which indicates a failure of the drive motor/temperature sensor circuit that is integrated into the transmission/hybrid motor assembly. According to the Lexus dealer’s diagnosis, the temperature control sensor located on the transmission/hybrid drive unit has failed. Because Lexus designed this sensor as part of the transmission assembly, the dealer has stated the sensor cannot be replaced separately and that the only repair is to replace the entire transmission. Lexus is refusing to acknowledge this as a manufacturing defect and is requiring me, the consumer, to pay the full cost of a complete transmission replacement, estimated at approximately $9,040.03, solely due to the failure of this internal temperature sensor. This is a critical component used to monitor drive motor/transmission temperature. A malfunctioning sensor of this type can lead to improper system operation, possible overheating, loss of power, or unpredictable behavior of the hybrid drive system while the vehicle is in motion, which presents a safety risk to occupants and other road users. This failure occurred during normal use on public roads and not due to any accident, abuse, or modification. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether there is a design or manufacturing defect in the drive motor/transmission temperature sensor and its housing or circuitry on the 2020 Lexus RX 450h (and related Toyota/Lexus hybrid models) that forces owners to replace the entire transmission when this internal sensor fails. This appears to be an unreasonable safety‑related defect and an unreasonable repair burden on consumers.
Upon parking after 20-mile drive, severe leak of transmission oil from transmission oil cooler area, no warning messages/lights or fault codes present. No evidence of leak at starting point for drive, was sudden failure internal to transmission cooler with no evidence of impact/vibration damage or corrosion; failure was perhaps at welds of fins to tubing. Leaking oil creates fire and slip hazard, lack of any kind of warning to driver would have allowed continued driving until transmission failed except for luck that this was short trip. Vehicle has never been damaged in a crash, has been carefully inspected and maintained since purchase new. This is not a wear item and should never fail without external damage or corrosion, certainly not at 45,000 miles. Difficult to believe that this anything other than a manufacturing defect on this early production (VIN ending 002034) vehicle. Repaired by Lexus dealer with Lexus covering half of cost as “goodwill” (cost to me at ~$1,050 incl. towing), although dealer attempted to return vehicle without having reinstalled air duct and lower shroud.
Had so many issues with this car. Transmission went out at 52k (was replaced under warranty), and at 86k, it went out again. Car overheated and won't move in traffic. Had to push and move it to the side. Had a independent shop rebuild the transmission. Notified Lexus, but won't help due to it was not taken into their dealer. Nothing came on the dash, nor showed any symptom prior to the incident. Thanking you in advance for looking into this matter.
Driving the car on the highway. The transmission lost power & engine started revving with no movement. It was dangerous because we could have been rear ended. We had car towed to the Peterson Lexus dealer in Boise Idaho. They said that the internal bearing failed & recommend a new transmission.
2020 Had to replace transmission at 90,000 miles. In Sept. 2021 - Window seals are melting all over the windows. Will have to get them all replaced as a driving hazzard to even see out the windows. Now the tinting is coming off from the windows sticking.
Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle
The hybrid transmission failed at 146k and the light went on. When we took it to the dealership, they said that there was metal bits. The owner of the vehicle when into the dealership asking the dealership to set tire pressures and inspect floor mats for proper installation, they performed an inspection and inflated the tires. The owner went in and stated that the check hybrid system warning light is on. Oil pump range/performance. NOTE: no road test performed. Possible additional work needed. Transmission oil pump inoperable due to metal in fluid shorting the pump. The dealership took a fluid sample. They had found lots of metal particles present in the fluid. They recommend replacing the transmission, oil pump, cooler, cooler hoses, and clamps, flush the metal lines.
1.transmission unexpectedly completely shut down while driving on the freeway. Car jumped forward and completely stopped on the fast lane. I had to call for towing. Transmission was replaced at mechanic shop. Happen in november 2016 2. Oil shooting from the broken hose close to the engine while driving on the freeway. Stopped car and call for towing. Replacement of hose completed at mechanic shop. Happen in 2014. Reimbursed by manufacturer. 3. Random flashing of air bag lights (driver) without any reason. Looks like some sensor/electrical malfunction. Happening now.
Transmission failed.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Lexus RX transmission failure
Which Lexus RX years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (16 complaints), 2000 (15 complaints) and 2001 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Lexus RX?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,016 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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