2018 Lexus RX Hybrid

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine1
2. Fuel/propulsion system1
3. Power train1
4. Service brakes1

Latest complaints

• Feb 24, 2021NY600 mi
  Service brakes
  It started happening a few month's after I purchased the car. I didn't think of it much because it was very faint and not loud at all. The noise was getting louder increasingly but slowly. The brakes worked fine so I let it go. Later on, it started bothering me every time I press the brake pedal.…

  It started happening a few month's after I purchased the car. I didn't think of it much because it was very faint and not loud at all. The noise was getting louder increasingly but slowly. The brakes worked fine so I let it go. Later on, it started bothering me every time I press the brake pedal. The squawky noise became really annoying so I took it to the dealer where I purchased the car. Their service person didn't think it was a problem and didn't want to try to investigate the issue. A few weeks/months (not sure how long) later, I took it to another dealer and they contacted lexus and decided to fix it. When I picked the car up, the noise was gone and I was happy for a while. after a few months, the squawky noise started happening again. It was very not loud, so I really hoped that it wouldn't get any louder than that. This time, the progression of the noise was slower than the first time. I waited some time to take the car for a scheduled maintenance. I mentioned it to the dealer who fixed it. They were looking for a loud noise that IS consistent, which they didn't hear. I was told that it was somewhat normal for a hybrid car, so they can't do anything since there's no safety issue. Yes, the brakes worked fine, but the brake had been making the squawky noise not soon after I first purchased the car! lexus advertises like this: lexus experience amazing. The squawky noise IS nothing close to amazing when you drive a car that makes a noise like my 2018 lexus rx450h. Anyway, I waited one more scheduled maintenance. This time, I complained that the noise IS getting loud and I can't stand it. This time they contacted lexus again, but lexus told them they don't have to fix it because it was not a safety issue. So basically I'm stuck with a car that squawks almost every time I press the brake pedal. The attached document IS the exactly my problem and I need help.

• Jun 10, 2020SC16,500 mi
  Engine
  Had an issue while driving the 2018 rx450h on may 4TH where the car lights came on....engine light, AWD, ABS, etc and the car stalled completely. Had towed to dealership and they stated that it was 'fixed'. 4 weeks later while traveling at 70+ mph on major interstate, car stalled again the same…

  Had an issue while driving the 2018 rx450h on may 4TH where the car lights came on....engine light, AWD, ABS, etc and the car stalled completely. Had towed to dealership and they stated that it was 'fixed'. 4 weeks later while traveling at 70+ mph on major interstate, car stalled again the same way....lights on, etc.. Was luckily in the right lane of 4 wide traffic as car went to a stop quickly. Was stranded in a heavy traffic lane, car would not shift into neutral to push out of traffic. Was 2 hours from home, had another lexus dealership tow the car and they came back within a few hours and said it was the fuel pump. I was not aware of the recall till then and this 18' 450H was not on the current list which only proves that this issue IS systemic. Fortunately, no one was hurt in these 2 occurrences but we are not driving this car again under no circumstances. *tr

• Feb 24, 2020FL8,422 mi
  Fuel/propulsion system · Power train

  On february 13, 2020 my wife and I were driving from fort myers, fl to sarasota, fl on I-75. at about port charlotte exit the car started to shake and the engine shut down. we were in the left lane going between 75 to 80 miles per hour. fortunately I was able to maneuver the car into the median. automobiles behind me had to suddenly break to avoid hitting us. the lexus 2018 RX 450hl has the same gasoline

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Pedestrian alert sounds

  DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023Recall 22V063000
  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…

  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11007456Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11006162Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11005121Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11005063Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11003650To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
• 11003648The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
• 11003643Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
• 11003642Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
• 11003641Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
• 11003595To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
• 11003593The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
• 11003588Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
• 11003587Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
• 11003586Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
• 10245447TSB: Some 2016 ? 2022 model year RX 450h and 2018 ? 2022 model year RX 450hL vehicles may exhibit a squawk/knock noise from the engine compartment when depressing and/or releasing the brake pedal. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10238138SPOC: Effective immediately, Lexus is issuing a stop sale on part numbers 85212-YZZ2L-LX & 85212-YZZ2M-LX, which may have a quality concern relating to a missing kit component (mispack). Lexus is requesting the return of ALL Dealer inventory of these parts to your facing PDC for credit and inspection.
• 10238136OBSOLETE NOTICE May 15, 2023: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0032-23.
• 10238135TSB: Some 2016 ? 2022 model year RX 450h and 2018 ? 2022 model year RX 450hL vehicles may exhibit a squawk/knock noise from the engine compartment when depressing and/or releasing the brake pedal. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10236185DL: Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly are covered by Lexus?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs in the subject vehicles related to certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster Pump Assembly and/or Brake Booster, depending on the model.
• 10235227TSB: Some 2016 ? 2019 model year RX 450h and 2018 ? 2019 model year RX 450hL vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ?P0301 ? Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected ?P0302 ? Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected ?P0303 ? Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected ?P0304 ? Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected ?P0305 ? Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected ?P0306 ? Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10235219DL: On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court. The settlement includes Lexus?s agreement to provide a Customer Support Program for certain 2013-2020 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with low pressure fuel pumps repaired under Safety Recall 20LA01 or Special Service Campaign 21LC01. The purpose of this Customer Support Program letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement.
• 10235215TSB: Some 2013 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit a hard start and/or MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ?DTC P0171 and/or P0174 (System Too Lean Bank 1/Bank 2) ?DTC P0087 Fuel Rail / System Pressure ? Too Low Techstream data list analysis may reveal positive fuel trims including a no pressure condition verified by a manual fuel pressure gauge. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address these conditions.
• 10234307DP: Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly are covered by Lexus?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs in the subject vehicles related to certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster Pump Assembly and/or Brake Booster, depending on the model.
• 10234304TSB: Some 2016 ? 2019 model year RX 450h vehicles may exhibit a condition where the brake, ABS, and/or TRAC warning lights are on and/or a Check VSC message displays. One or more of the following specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C1391, C1252, C1256, or C1253 will be stored in the vehicle memory to be used as verification. This condition may be caused by a small internal brake fluid leak inside the brake actuator. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10224115TSB: Some 2019 ? 2022 model year RX 350 and 2018 ? 2022 model year RX 450h vehicles may exhibit a rattle noise from the sliding roof assembly when it is in the tilted open position while driving over a bumpy road. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
• 10220211TSB: Some 2017 ? 2022 model year RX 350 and RX 450h vehicles may exhibit water leaking from the moon roof when going through a high-pressure rinse cycle car wash. In most cases, a small amount of water is either missing or bouncing off the rain gutter and dripping into the interior (center console, seat, driver, etc.).
• 10220190TSB: Some 2019 ? 2022 model year RX 350 and 2018 ? 2022 model year RX 450h vehicles may exhibit a rattle noise from the sliding roof assembly when it is in the tilted open position while driving over a bumpy road. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
• 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
• 10213903TSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing the rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger
• 10211831TSB: Some 2016 ? 2022 model year RX 450h and 2018 ? 2022 model year RX 450hL vehicles may exhibit a squawk/knock noise from the engine compartment when depressing and/or releasing the brake pedal. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
• 10209023TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This service bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 10207962TSB: This Service Bulletin includes guidelines meant to help determine whether to repair or replace a wire harness assembly based on damage type. This Service Bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Electronic Wiring Diagram (EWD) and/or Repair Manual.
• 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
• 10203537TSB: Some 2016 ? 2021 model year RX 450h vehicles may exhibit a squawk/knock noise from the engine compartment when depressing and/or releasing the brake pedal. This may be due to small amounts of air within the brake actuator assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10203535OBSOLETE NOTICE October 04, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0035-21.
• 10203534OBSOLETE NOTICE October 04, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0035-21.
• 10202453TT: When used in conjunction with the Repair Manual, these Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Recognition Camera, and Front Millimeter Wave Radar tips leverage SSTs and readily available tools to support target placement in varying shop environments.
• 10201403OBSOLETE NOTICE July 26, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0024-21.
• 10201401TSB: Some 2007 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX Tip) is available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition. For some models, a new drain hose is required to properly fit the ARINIX Tip. Follow the procedures in this bulletin for proper handling and installation of this optional service part.
• 10201389Ti: technical instructions for special service campaign 21lc01 low-pressure fuel pump

Every Lexus RX Hybrid model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.