Problems · NHTSA complaints
2025 Lexus GX 550 problems
Owners filed 13 complaints about the 2025 Lexus GX 550 with NHTSA between Aug 2025 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is structure (4).
Complaints
13
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure4
- Service brakes2
- Engine2
- Suspension2
- Power train2
- Tires1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Wheels1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Other / unknown2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
8
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Structure
4 reports
“Sunroof tempered glass spontaneous explosion. Loud explosion startled me and my wife, good thing the sliding roof cover was closed otherwise small pieces of sharp glasses will hit us on our head, face and shoulders. Lexus of Oakland denied any product defect and blaming a foreign "magnetic" object hit the sunroof. I was only driving 20 mph in a residential neighborhood and no cars in front of me when the sunroof exploded. No warning lamp or symptoms prior to the incident. My wife and I were scared!”
Service brakes
2 reports
“There is a significant squeal when braking at low speed in both forward and reverse. I am unsure whether this is a safety issue or not, but there is evidence online that other owners are experiencing the same issue.”
Engine
2 reports
“Vehicle experiences a persistent and abrupt harsh downshift (jerk/thud) specifically during 2nd-to-1st gear transitions when rolling to a stop. This issue persists despite the dealership performing the recommended Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update at 5,000 miles. The smooth shifting returned briefly for approximately 500 miles post-update before the abruptness returned. Additionally, there is a noticeable vibration/harmonic change in the engine as the oil reaches approximately 3,000 miles of use. Concerned that this transmission behavior is a secondary symptom of internal engine drag or main bearing stress, as documented in similar V35A-FTS engine failures. This abrupt downshifting creates a safety concern regarding predictable vehicle deceleration in stop-and-go traffic. Vehicle is currently at 6,700 miles.”
Suspension
2 reports
“The car has harsh knocking downshifting. In slow speeds, the has abrupt transmission changes.”
Power train
2 reports
“My GX550 is vibrating at all speeds. I took my GX550 in for service on [XXX] at Butler Lexus in Union City, GA, because of the vibration in my GX. They did a wheel alignment and a force road wheel balancing but this did not solve the problem. On September 3, 2025 I took my GX550 to Discount Tires in Douglasville, GA, where they took off all the old weight including the new ones that were added by Butler Lexus. I found no improvement as I drove home. I took my GX550 back to Discount Tires, I asked them to check the tires and wheels. I was informed by one of the tech at Discount Tires that the my wheels are marginally out of round and I should let Lexus know to check the suspension. I was told by Butler Lexus service department that Discount Tires was grasping at straws. I spoke with Lexus Corporate September 19, 2025, they informed me that Butler Lexus Service department informed me that my vehicle is suppose to operate with vibrations, that could felt in the steering wheel and seats. I asked for someone from Lexus to come out and inspect the vehicle. At first I was told that Lexus doesn’t do that. Then I was told she would check into it. Also Lexus never…”
Tires
1 report
“On 10/7/25, the passenger side front tire malfunctioned - I currently have the tire. On 9/7/25, the drivers side rear tire malfunctioned - I no longer have that tire but I have included the receipt for the new tire I had to purchase. On 9/7/25, I was driving alone on the Florida Turnpike at night and in the rain, when the rear drivers side tire blew and was completely destroyed with multiple holes in the sidewall. Fortunately I was able to maintain control of the car, but I was stuck on the side of the highway until a Florida Road Ranger came to assist. The problem was reproduced on the morning of 10/7 when I found my passenger side front tire flat with a split sidewall. I am scheduled to take the car to the Lexus service department on 10/8/25 for inspection. The front passenger tire does not feel like rubber, it can be described as a mix of cardboard and plastic. On the evening of 9/7/25, when the rear drivers side tire blew, there was little warning, the low tire pressure warning light came on and I felt the flat tire in less than one minute. I purchased this new 2025 Lexus GX 550 in March of 2025 from JM Lexus in South Florida and these were the original…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.