Problems · NHTSA complaints

2019 Lexus RX350L problems

Owners filed 34 complaints about the 2019 Lexus RX350L with NHTSA between Jun 2021 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is forward collision avoidance (11).

Complaints
34
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Forward collision avoidance11
  2. Fuel/propulsion system11
  3. Service brakes9
  4. Engine7
  5. Electrical system6
  6. Air bags3
  7. Structure2
  8. Vehicle speed control2
  9. Power train2
  10. Seat belts1
  11. Lane departure1
  12. Other / unknown4

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 Oct 28, 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
20219
20223
20237
20249
20254
20262

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

Forward collision avoidance

11 reports6 crashes
“My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca. 92591. (951)365-6834. I scheduled an appointment for repair on 1/26/26. They rejected making the repair because my vehicle DID NOT have any codes in the computer OR any lights on the dash. They did in fact, confirm the brake actuator noise. I reject that concept because WHO could know ahead of time if a part experiences a (1st time) total failure without throwing codes and turning on dashboard lights? As I read the symptoms of severe problems experienced in a higher level of failure by brake actuators, I would not want to have to experience a crash accident in which the actuator would operate correctly in a hard stop condition or have ABS failure and brake lockup occur. Personal harm and property damage should not have to be an indicator if I can have the manufacturer…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 27, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11713697

Fuel/propulsion system

11 reports3 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 26, 2024Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11627624

Service brakes

9 reports3 crashes
“Brake actuator makes a shriek when I engage the pedal. Problem is ongoing and applies to 2015-2019 Lexus RX450 Hybrid models. Problem is getting worse, and I am afraid of brake failure. Lexus has been repairing this problem, gratis, for owners under their Customer Support Program 23LE04. I contacted Lexus and was told that Hawaii-based Lexus Vehicles are part of the Japan Dealer Network and to contact them. I made an appointment and the car was inspected on April 16, 2026. The outcome was that Lexus of Hawaii/Japan will not repair my vehicle unless I pay $4,000 for a new brake booster pump assembly /labor. Lexus of N. America is covering this repair for 10 years or 150,000 miles, but they refuse to honor it here in Hawaii.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026Service brakesODI 11758069

Engine

7 reports1 crash
“Codes P219C & P0301 have continuously came on , these lights MIL have made the vehicle go from AWD to 2 wheel drive while in motion. [XXX] vehicle was taken to Bay Ridge Lexus. In brooklyn NY. They over looked this issue and stated it was something else. This has been confirmed via multiple diagnostics machines. Lexus of Edison has also decided not to cover this repair under warranty . The danger of going from 4 wheel drive into 2 wheel drive while in motion is extremely dangerous . These warning lights/MIL once activated has also caused the vehicles sonar to fail cause a serious safety issue. My vehicle is available to be inspected as needed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 6, 2024Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11587176

Electrical system

6 reports2 crashes
“I was dropping my husband off at cardiac rehab. I was stopped and had my foot on the brake suddenly the car launched forward into the back of a car parked in front of me. The other driver got out of the car and said he wasn't hurt. We were able to drive the car home stopping 3 times to pull pieces of the car off that were dragging on the road. We took the car to a mechanic at the end of the road. He scanned the codes for us. Pre-collision 2 ClAll ; Intuitive Park Assist ClAll Front Sensor Comm. Circuit ; Front Recognition Camera ClAll ; Lane Keeping Assist ClAll Front Radar Sensor Incorrect Axial Gap ; BCM B124B Light Source Sensor Open/Short. The insurance adjustor totaled the car and they picked it up today. No warning lights showed up on the dash until after the accident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 16, 2025Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11705427

Air bags

3 reports2 crashes
“I am reporting a safety-related violation. The dealership told me the vehicle had only a minor accident with no airbag deployment. This was false. Carfax shows the vehicle actually had a major accident with airbag deployment, which they failed to disclose. This misrepresentation affects the safety system, airbag sensors, and the ability of the airbags to function properly in future collisions. This nondisclosure is a serious safety concern and fraudulent practice. I am requesting NHTSA to review this as potential safety fraud involving failure to disclose a prior airbag deployment.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 19, 2025Air bagsODI 11700243
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

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