Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Lexus RX 450H problems

Owners filed 50 complaints about the 2020 Lexus RX 450H with NHTSA between Mar 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (21).

Complaints
50
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags21
  2. Engine5
  3. Electrical system4
  4. Tires4
  5. Structure3
  6. Forward collision avoidance3
  7. Fuel/propulsion system2
  8. Vehicle speed control2
  9. Exterior lighting1
  10. Wheels1
  11. Power train1
  12. Back over prevention1
  13. Service brakes1
  14. Other / unknown10

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 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20202
20214
20226
20233
202412
202513
202610

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

21 reports3 crashes
“I am submitting this correspondence to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2020 Lexus RX 350 and to request a thorough investigation. On Saturday, February 7, while attempting to park the vehicle, I experienced a sudden loss of control, resulting in the vehicle accelerating forward and colliding with a metal gate. The exact cause of this event is unknown. During the incident, the vehicle’s pre-collision and automatic braking system failed to engage despite an obstruction being present. Additionally, the airbags did not deploy at the time of impact. A minor child was present in the vehicle, properly secured in a child's safety seat. While no injuries occurred, the vehicle sustained extensive damage and was rendered inoperable. I would also like to note that this vehicle was subject to an airbag recall on November 29, 2025, which was serviced prior to this incident. Despite completing the recall service, the airbags failed to deploy during the accident. After the vehicle was towed, the airbags unexpectedly deployed while it was being lifted onto the tow truck using a crane, further raising concerns regarding the reliability and safety of the airbag system.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 16, 2026Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11718294

Engine

5 reports2 crashes
“While driving the engine stalls. It has jolted back-and-forth at times and had to be taken to a dealer. It’s still stalls when trying to slowly accelerate especially uphills. Low gas mileage barely getting 18 miles per gallon. Warning lights flickering while car stallling. It’s like it’s having a seizure. This has happened a few times.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11740288

Electrical system

4 reports2 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11723917

Tires

4 reports
“Tires installed by Lexus on Sept 27, 2022 are shredding and coming apart in chunks at 37,000 miles; tire is rated 60,000 miles. This is 56% of the projected life of the tire. Previous tires, same brand and size, only lasted 29,000 miles; 1/2 of the life of the tire. Current tires have good tread depth and life left if the chunks were not uniformly coming off of all tires. This condition leaves the tire vulnerable to road hazards and moderately sharp objects. Failure is clearly imminent. Dealer, upon inspection July 1, 2025, did suggest immediate replacement of the tires at normal retail prices. No warnings or alerts or other symptoms are present. There has been a slight loss of air pressure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025TiresODI 11675395

Structure

3 reports
“Rear tail lights have started to crack internally. Concern that moisture will short out lights which becomes a safety concern.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026StructureODI 11771146

Forward collision avoidance

3 reports2 crashes
“I was driving about 75mph on the interstate and there were no vehicles or other objects near me when my car braked on its own as if there were a vehicle/object in close proximity to the front of my vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2021Forward collision avoidanceODI 11437443
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.