What 62 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Lexus Rx350l

Transfer case spontaneously fractured,mounting point on transmission broke. Unable to drive Repair cost approximately $13,000

NHTSA ODI 11735659

I purchased this vehicle on January 5, 2026, from a family-owned dealership in Broken Arrow, OK. The vehicle was purchased “as-is” with a guarantee of sale and a Carfax report. After purchasing the vehicle, I drove it home and it remained parked until January 8, 2026. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the vehicle experienced an unexpected engine stall while I was driving. At the same time, the slip indicator light and traction control appeared to engage. I contacted the dealership immediately to report the issue, and the vehicle was towed back to JT Wholesale Auto Sales on Friday, January 9, 2026. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that the vehicle had undergone a complete inspection and that no mechanical issues were found. Relying on this representation, I retrieved the vehicle and drove it home. However, after retrieving the vehicle, I continued to have concerns regarding its condition. On Thursday, January 15, 2026, I took the vehicle to Stellar Auto Service located at 2209 N. Yellowood Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012 for an independent inspection. Stellar Auto Service specializes in Lexus and Toyota vehicles. During their inspection, they identified the following issues: • Engine timing chain cover leak • Worn drive belt Stellar Auto Service was informed of the slip indicator light activation and the engine stalling that I had experienced. However, at the time of their inspection, they were unable to identify or reproduce any issues related to the slip indicator light or the stalling concern that I reported. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the slip indicator light illuminated again, and the vehicle stalled while in operation. I was forced to safely pull off the roadway. I turned the car off, waited, restarted the vehicle, and drove home. The same issue occurred again on Sunday, March 8 and 15th, 2026. While driving, the slip indicator light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. I pulled off the road turned the vehicle off, restarted it.

NHTSA ODI 11725110

Safety concern: Engine timing cover oil leak. blind spot warning malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11603595

ENGINE ABRUPTLY STOPS AND I HAVE A 3 SECOND STALL, THEN THE CAR RESUMES NORMAL OPERATION. COULD BE A REAL SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAPPENED IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN OR PULLING OUT ONTO TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI 11398045

TRANSMISSION UPSHIFT AND DOWNSHIFT TIMING IS WEIRD. PRESS ACCELERATOR TO GET MORE POWER TO PASS ANY VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND TRANSMISSION VERY UNTIMELY UPSHIFT INTO HIGHER GEAR REDUCING THE POWER TO WHEELS. CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE LACK OF POWER REQUIRES PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR EVEN HARDER. ENGINE REACTS BY DOWNSHIFTING BUT POWER COMES TO WHEELS FEW SECONDS LATER AND OTHER CARS ON ROAD ALREADY CLOSE IN AND START HONKING.

NHTSA ODI 10891809