I am reporting two separate but related fuel-system defects on my 2025 Lexus TX500h (VIN [XXX]) that raise safety concerns and appear to be widespread across Lexus TX and NX hybrid models. FUEL FILLER DOOR FAILS TO OPEN: The electronic fuel filler door intermittently fails to open when the release is activated. It sometimes requires multiple attempts, and at times will not open at all, leaving the vehicle unable to be refueled. This creates a safety risk of being stranded with no ability to add fuel, including the risk of running out of fuel on the road or being unable to refuel in an emergency. The failure appears to worsen in cold weather. This is a widely reported problem on 2022-2025 Lexus NX and TX hybrid vehicles and has been attributed to a faulty electronic fuel-door lock actuator (referenced by owners and parts suppliers as OEM part number 77030-F6020). Owners are frequently forced to use a manual emergency release located behind an access panel in the cargo area in order to refuel. FUEL TANK CANNOT BE FILLED TO CAPACITY: On a near-empty tank, the fuel pump nozzle shuts off after only approximately 8 gallons, despite the tank's rated capacity of approximately 17 gallons. Adding additional fuel requires repeated, prolonged attempts and often only a few more gallons can be added. This significantly reduces usable driving range relative to what the vehicle's fuel gauge and range estimate imply, creating a risk of unexpectedly low fuel and reduced range in situations where refueling options are limited. Other owners have reported the same behavior, and in at least one documented case a Lexus Field Technical Specialist diagnosed the cause as a deformed/defective fuel tank requiring a redesigned replacement. Both conditions are present on my vehicle. I am reporting them so that they are documented at the federal level. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred. I have also raised these issues with my Lexus dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11747786