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Lexus RX warning lights comes on

11 of the 972 owner complaints about the Lexus RX describe multiple warning lights, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
11
worst model year
2008
typical mileage
160,875
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2011
    1
  • 2008
    5
  • 2007
    3

What owners say

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

While driving my vehicle on a major road the car suddenly started shaking, all the lights/warnings showed and my speed dropped to 10 miles per hour. I nearly avoided being hit. Had the car towed to a service center who informed me that my code was 20LA01 and my fuel pump was the issue with an active national recall on the part. They told me to tow it to Lexus since it would be covered. Lexus refuses to cover the cost since my VIN is not listed even though my car has the right code , displaying the obvious issues , and agree that is the problem . How do I get my VIN recorded as part of this recall and to help others that might encounter this.

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

Dear Sir or Madam. My name is [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] living in [XXX]. I bought my 2008 Lexus RX400h car, used, in 2014 at a non-Lexus dealership in the [XXX] where I used to live. My Lexus VIN is: [XXX]. I've been satisfied with the car..until today. The car had been running smoothly forever, and this morning while I was driving I came to a stop (red light) and the car suddenly shut down completely, including the loss of lights, and the whole dashboard went dark. Other cars behind me were honking their horns. I could not even turn on the hazard lights. After 1-2 minutes, all of the lights/warnings started coming on one after the other. I started the car again and run around three different errands without having further issues. I checked online to see if other owners had experienced a similar situation, which is the case. One person said that there had been two recalls in 2011 and 2013, both related to the inverter module inside the hybrid system. Although, I called today a Lexus dealership, [XXX], located in [XXX], and I was told there are no recalls for the VIN number that I provided. Another owner said she/he went to a Lexus dealer in [XXX] and she was told it was a defect in the gutter drainage design and that water gets into the hybrid system. This is a dangerous and potentially catastrophic situation if the vehicle suddenly shuts down on a freeway/highway putting passengers in risk of harm, injury, or death. This is a horrific defect which Lexus should correct immediately with a recall before one of us ends up at the cementery. I am glad to know that organizations such as the federal safety agency exist, and I will appreciate very much that immediate action is taken on this matter. Sincerely, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 26, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

For some unknown reason the car will suddenly display multiple warning lights, check engine, service needed, traction control off/inactive then the car will go into reduced engine power mode which prevents acceleration and causes the car to feel like it’s going to stall or shut off. This has happened several times on major high speed highways causing other cars to slam on their breaks, drive recklessly to avoid my failing car. My daughter has been in the car several times when this happened and it took everything in my power to not collide with another vehicle. We have taken the car to the Lexus dealership every time and they have tried to fix the car over a dozen times but it keeps happening. They don’t seem to know the issue or cause, trying several different solutions. How can a car manufacturer not know what is wrong with their own car not how to fix it? What am I supposed to do, just keep driving it and pray an accident never happens? There is no warning when this happens and no way to keep the car from swiftly decelerating or keep the car from using “minimal engine power” which I’m to,d is to protect the engine but I’m more worried about us. The date below is for the most recent incident.

Filed Aug 13, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

Electrical system malfunction began (to my best calculation & recollection) in summer 2021 with the first of four battery malfunctions in one year. Each time, AAA discovered low battery response and recommended battery replacement. This time around, battery was replaced about two weeks prior, due to battery failure/AAA reporting would not accept charge. THE NEW BATTERY FAILED (8/3) and the starter broke while attempting to charge. Mechanic repaired starter and battery accepted the charge. No problem, right? Wrong. This driver drove about 30 miles and while driving, the electrical system shut down altogether. With I believe ALL WARNING LIGHTS LIGHTING UP, extremely dangerous situation. NO BREAKING, NO STEERING, NO WARNING. Fortunately, it occurred in a suburban residential area as opposed to the highway. SECOND tow to my mechanic and now, after a full week, no diagnosis, though the car has been running in the shop. This is an intermittent problem. I suspect the alternator.

Filed Dec 6, 2021 · Brakes, Driver assistance · RI

2008 Lexus RX 400H Faulty ABS Actuator yes my car is available for inspection upon request . This is a known problem on this vehicle there is 100s of complaints on same issue with the same cars Lexus is neglecting responsibility for this faulty and very dangerous hazard , this part has been faulty for years with out my knowledge and now it’s gotten worse all the lights related to my brake system is on and the brakes seem to have a mind of there own they break real hard at times and times I have to slam on them to break . yes I have had the car checked and the dealer told me that there was a extended warranty issued on this part but that it’s expired. they also gave me a quote $2,100 just for the part no labor that’s crazy, this is not a extended warranty matter this should be recalled there is thousands of people driving this cars with out knowing that there breaks could give out anytime . I hope that Lexus considers the seriousness of this matter and not wait on till lives are lost do to neglecting. they took effort years ago in extending the warranty on the part but there is thousands of owners like my self that were not aware or notified of this extension , also this is a malfunction that is not noticeable and can happen at anytime especially while you driving .

Filed Aug 2, 2021 · Electrical · NJ

Water gets into the body of the vehicle over time. Came outside one day after rain and my passenger carpet was SOAKED all my windows were up and my complex don’t get flooded. Car smells like mildew in cabin! Middle of July I came outside and all the lights were on the dash, no rain the previous day or during, and car wouldn’t start. Took it to the dealership and they can’t explain how water got into my car but magically the sunroof drain was clogged with water.

Filed Jan 30, 2021 · Brakes · 198,000 miles · NC

When driving I would have all the lights on my dash come on with a dinging sound and when I go to press on my brakes vehicle will not stop unless I press down hard on the brake this is really dangerous will cause a deadly crash and to replace this will cost 3000 dollars that I do not have I reall believe rx 400h have a defeat with there braking system.

Filed May 5, 2020 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · MA

As we were driving, my car suddenly started running rough, engine started sputtering, car then slowed down, several warning lights appeared on the dashboard, and then car abruptly stalled in the middle of the road and could not be restarted. We had to push the car to the side of the road in a safe place until a tow truck arrived to tow it away. I researched and learned thru several media releases that a safety recall was recently issued and currently in affect to cover this same exact issue in several toyota and lexus models. 1.8 million cars are affected under this safety recall. My car experienced the identical issue and upon mechanic's inspection was confirmed to have a failed/faulty fuel pump that needs to be completely replaced. Car is unusable, repair is costly and should be covered due to nature of defect, under the recall. We've come to trust the toyota and lexus brand as we've only owned toyota and lexus vehicles over several years. This safety issue is dangerous/unacceptable and hope we'll receive the customer service we've come to expect and appreciate as loyal customers. Thank you.

Filed Mar 30, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 160,875 miles · CA

The vsc failure, check hybrid system and ABS break system lights came on while driving the car on the street. Aside from being scary, it was difficult to drive the car and the breaking system felt spongy making it difficult to stop the car. The car is not turning on and all the lights on the dash are on. I replaced the battery. Yet the car does not turn on and the dashboard lights stay on. This is a serious safety issue that must be addressed by lexus.

Filed Dec 27, 2019 · Brakes · 199,000 miles · NY

2008 lexus rx400h: all warning lights and buzzer came on unexpectedly. Brake lost integrity, have to press harder on brakes for them to work. Does not feel safe to drive as I do not want to injure or kill anyone. Ran diagnostic and error codes c1256 and c1365 came up. These codes point to the brake accumulator failure. Repair is quoted at $3200 by toyota dealer. After researching this is a very common safety issues with toyota vehicles. My brothers prius has the same issue. I found out there was possible a recall/extended warranty but it has ended a few months ago. I do not know why this is not a standing safety recall as it is extremely dangerous. From my research and reports from personal acquaintances it is very apparent that is an ongoing issue. I can not drive my vehicle or justify spending $3200 fixing a know safety defect.

Related recalls

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported September 11, 2025 · 591,377 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Risk
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

Recall number 25V595000 · Recall details

Questions about the Lexus RX warning lights

Why does the warning lights come on in the Lexus RX?

Owners who report it most often also describe water leaks into the cabin, engine stalls while driving and fuel pump failure, and the codes they mention most are C1365 and C1256.

Which Lexus RX years have multiple warning lights problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (5 complaints), 2007 (3 complaints) and 2011 (1 complaints).

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