What 17 owners told NHTSA about the 2024 Lexus GX 550

On April 17, 2025, while driving a 2024 Lexus GX 550 Luxury Plus with a minor passenger in the vehicle, the vehicle locked up without warning as I was exiting the highway. The sudden lockup caused skid marks on the tires. The failure occurred at low speed only because I had just turned off the highway — had it occurred moments earlier at highway speed, the consequences could have been fatal. The failed component appears to be the drivetrain or braking/locking system. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the Lexus dealership and is available for inspection. A Lexus field inspector has been scheduled for early May 2025. Safety was put at serious risk. A child was in the vehicle. The lockup was sudden and without warning, with no ability to anticipate or respond. This incident was preceded by two prior issues with the same vehicle: (1) approximately one month prior, a transmission concern was reported to the dealer, who attributed it to abnormal driving habits and took no corrective action; (2) on April 7, 2025, brake rotors were replaced under a recall for rotors that squeak when exposed to moisture. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership, which has retained the vehicle since April 17, 2025. I am aware of at least 8 to 10 other reported incidents involving the same model vehicle with the same lockup failure. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11734533

NEW 2024 GX550, less than 2 months and 3,000 miles of ownership- accelerating to 40 mph and vehicle completely shut off, jolting me forward. All lights on dash lit up, "power steering failure, engine failure, not safe to drive." It was all I could do to get it off to the shoulder of the road. Extremely dangerous. Had vehicle towed to local Lexus dealer. After 2 weeks master tech determined timing chain snapped causing catastrophic engine failure. Now we wait for Lexus corporate to advise them on how to fix. Both dealer and corporate blaming each other for the lack of communication. Vehicle has been sitting in dealer parking lot for 3 weeks with no timeline and no communication. I was told by head service tech this is #5 in the country for this year, make, and model of timing chain snap resulting in engine failure. Neither parties are doing anything to make it right. This is an $85,000 vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11647369