What 77 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Lexus RX 350

Vehicle was parked, engine off, and unattended. An internal electrical fire originated in the overhead/sunroof wiring area. Damage includes melted wiring harness near the sunroof, burned center console, and soot throughout the interior. The fire originated in a constant-power electrical circuit and spread downward into the cabin. There were no aftermarket modifications, no external heat sources, and no objects in the vehicle that could have caused ignition. Ambient temperature conditions were normal and insufficient to cause this damage. This represents a serious safety defect because the fire originated spontaneously within the vehicle’s electrical system and could have resulted in a full vehicle fire or injury if occupants were present. The failure appears to involve factory-installed wiring/components and is not consistent with normal wear or external factors.

NHTSA ODI 11729838

I was just driving regular and the rx350 started to jerk and apply the breaks by itself and slip and go side ways and the car behind me almost hit me because my Lexus started to stop hard and fast .im pressing the gas but it’s not accelerating.the engine wanted to stop and very dangerous I’m scared to even drive the vehicle.i am the 3rd owner and now i know why the otheer people don’t want it .there is a recall for that problem but im new to the car recalls so im not to shure what to do to get the car repaired .i would like this fix especially because it is a recall .thanks

NHTSA ODI 11718143

While my daughter was driving at about 1:15 PM in a residential neighborhood, the steering wheel suddenly jerked hard to the right and locked while in motion. This caused the vehicle to crash into a parked car. After the vehicle was towed home, the steering wheel remained locked with both front tires pointed sharply right. When I restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel immediately spun right on its own and locked again. It could not be moved manually, and the front tires stayed stuck in the fully turned position. This appears to be a critical steering system failure. It presents a severe safety risk and could easily result in serious injury or death. Note: I had the car towed home immediately after my daughter informed me of the incident. She reported the accident to AAA Insurance at that time, and the adjuster later indicated they wanted to tow the car for evaluation and a possible total loss settlement. However, I would keep the car at my home for inspection and can reproduce the issue if you let me know when you are available to come out. There were no warning signs prior to the failure, and the car had just passed a smog check a few weeks ago. I just made a video but don't know how to attach it.

NHTSA ODI 11690104

When driving the car the steering column felt loose and when going over a railroad track or bump the steering column would jiggle. The car steering felt unsafe. Took it to the Lexus dealer in Austin Texas four or five times and they said they could not find a problem. This a a known issue on several models of Toyotas and Lexus vehicles since the early 2000’s. Toyotas/lexus continued to be manufactured with a faulty steering bussing. Because the car felt unsafe I took it to an authorized mechanic and they took the steering column apart and replaced a flawed steering bearing. The labor was $741 to disassemble and reassemble the steering column. The steering is fine now. I am so disappointed that this flaw with the steering bussing is known and not covered by Toyota/Lexus. Other models with the same problem have been recalled!

NHTSA ODI 11660645

AC or Heating stopped working on Passenger side and Rear after not using it for a couple of weeks. I checked online and a lot of RX350 owners have this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11658745

When I was driving down the road there have been times that I smelled smoke and was concerned my car was on fire. I checked the oil and inspected around my car, and didn't find the source. Today when I took my car in for service I found out the source of the smoke has been for the past 4 months. There is engine oil leaking from the timing cover that I was informed by my Lexus Dealership today would cost $7,000 (approximate) to fix. I researched online and found that all vehicles with this particular engine are known to have this problem, and it is fairly common. Leaking oil can be a fire hazard, and it seems unacceptable that Lexus/Toyota let this issue continue without addressing it with a recall. Thanks for your time, and I have also sent a similar letter to Lexus also to let them know of my concern.

NHTSA ODI 11648426

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to either the left or right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the front control arms were torn and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,786.

NHTSA ODI 11644901

I was in the Toyota advantage dealer in Barbousville WV to see why my park assist after replaced are stating there still out per Toyota I need a Wire Harness that’s on back, back, back order now that’s two critical items my car needs and I’m in a new place where I need GPS to work and no one has any ideal when the parts will be available for the Wire Harness nor the Air Bag well per Lexus just wait that does not work for me.

NHTSA ODI 11622541

This vehicle is missing along with a 25 year old driving it We need GPS data to locate this vehicle however Toyota motor corps is not cooperating in getting this data to us, please help us.

NHTSA ODI 11577904

The contact owned a 2013 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was parking her vehicle the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and crashed into a tree. The contact was not sure how fast the vehicle was moving. The contact crashed into the tree head on and crushed the center of the bumper and grill. The contact stated that the air bag had not deployed. The contact stated she did not notice any warning lights. The contact was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The contact suffered lacerations on her hands and face. The contact stated that the police arrived after she had been transported. The vehicle was not repaired and was declared a total loss by her insurance provider. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11568826

Rear hatch door let loose and hit my wife in head knocking her out temporarily. Lexus dealership would not run diagnostic unless I paid them 150.00. My 8year or 100,000 mile warranty ran out in 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11565260

I purchased a 2013 Lexus RX 350 pearl white in color. After about 2 years I noticed spots mainly on the roof and now it is everywhere. The curious thing about the spots are that they are under the clear coat. We had the vehicle checked by a paint professional and we confirmed that it was factory paint. I like to report this issue .

NHTSA ODI 11544359

I have had a reoccurrence of a warning light "Trac Off- Check AWD" ( All Wheel Drive}. This is, apparently, an indication that the Vehicle Stability System has been turned off. The car is now less safe/ controlled in slippery inclement conditions. In researching this issue, I have found numerous indications that many drivers have experienced this problem with Vrious Lexus models and model years. Dealer service departments appear to be baffled and unable to correct the problem. The attempted/unsuccessful repairs have been costly.

NHTSA ODI 11530332

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that after closing the liftgate door and reversing out of the car port, the liftgate door erroneously opened and struck the car port causing damage to the liftgate. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that recently the liftgate lowered independently. The failure occurred several times while placing items into the back of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513401

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving at speeds exceeding 70 MPH, the steering wheel was violently shaking and vibrating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was no longer covered under an unknown Extended Service Campaign. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. The contact stated that the manufacturer did not want to address the issue due to the vehicle's model year. There was a TSB involving later model years for the same issue, the faulty steering column.

NHTSA ODI 11511160

Sunroof glass exploded while driving car

NHTSA ODI 11504198

Had so many issues with this car. Transmission went out at 52k (was replaced under warranty), and at 86k, it went out again. Car overheated and won't move in traffic. Had to push and move it to the side. Had a independent shop rebuild the transmission. Notified Lexus, but won't help due to it was not taken into their dealer. Nothing came on the dash, nor showed any symptom prior to the incident. Thanking you in advance for looking into this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11479702

There seems to be a barking noise when pressing the brakes even when engine is not on. Local shop could not diagnose the issue. I heard this could be the regenerative system that is expensive to repair. Braking seems ok but I am concerned as I thought there were some recalls on brake booster for this year but they say not on my car.

NHTSA ODI 11462173

Airbag sign on .. lexus service is asking for recalibration to fix the issue

NHTSA ODI 11453147

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the contact had crashed into a tree which resulted in the airbags not deploying. The contact does not remember anything between driving on the highway and waking up in an ambulance. The contact sustained shoulder, neck, and mild concussion and sought medical treatment. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was informed of failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 105,606.

NHTSA ODI 11422817

NO PROBLEM AS OF NOW SAW IT ON RECALL IN CONSUMER REPORT

NHTSA ODI 11388122

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LEXUS RX 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL RATTLING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO LEXUS OF TAMPA BAY (5852 N. DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11387882

MY CAR BLEW UP. THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. MILE MARKER 372 I95S. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE AND THEN FIRE STARTED SO I PULLED OVER ON THE LEFT SHOULDER AND THE FIRE BURST INTO FULL FLAMES

NHTSA ODI 11373660

TURNING STEERING WHEEL CAUSING DASH CUTOFF. SEATS AREN'T RESETTING TO ORIGINAL POSITION. BACK HATCH WILL NOT LIFT DEPENDING ON POSITION OF STEERING COLUMN

NHTSA ODI 11353756

I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ON THIS VEHICLE STARTED TO FAIL - FIRST IT STARTED WITH FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND NOW IN ADDITION TO FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE REAR RIGHT DOOR AUTOMATIC LOCKS TO NOT ENGAGE WHEN I TRY TO LOCK/UNLOCK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THESE AT A COST OF ~$1,000 FOR EACH DOOR AND THINK THIS IS UNFAIR SINCE THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ON THIS MODEL FAILING ONLINE AND IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE DOOR ACTUATOR FAILING (BUT NOT RECALLED) (SEE LEXUS OWNER SITE AND YOUTUBE - SEARCH "2013 LEXUS RX350 DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING" ON GOOGLE FOR DETAILS). I AM CURRENTLY MANUALLY LOCKING/UNLOCKING THESE DOORS AND FEEL UNSAFE AND FEEL MY PERSONAL PROPERTY INSIDE THE CAR IS EXPOSED TO THEFT SINCE SOMETIMES I FORGET TO LOCK THESE 3 DOORS MANUALLY WHEN DRIVING ALONE IN VEHICLE. NOTE THE ABOVE OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET/HIGHWAY, AND TURNING.

NHTSA ODI 11337547