Lexus known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 128 Lexus problems and 125 NHTSA safety recalls across 13 models — GX, IS, TX, LC, ES, RX, NX, LS, RC, LX, UX, RZ and GS — organized by generation. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus GX problems | J250 (GX 550) (2024–present), J150 (GX 460) (2010–2023), J120 (GX 470) (2003–2009) | 15 | 15 |
| Lexus IS problems | XE20 (2006–2013), XE30 (2014–present) | 12 | 12 |
| Lexus TX problems | TX 1st gen (2024–present) | 6 | 6 |
| Lexus LC problems | Z100 (2018–2026) | 4 | 4 |
| Lexus ES problems | XV30 (2002–2006), XV40 (2007–2012), XV60 (2013–2018), XZ10 (2019–2025), XZ20 (2026–present) | 14 | 12 |
| Lexus RX problems | RX 1st gen (1999–2003), RX 2nd gen (2004–2009), RX 3rd gen (2010–2015), RX 4th gen (2016–2022), RX 5th gen (2023–present) | 19 | 18 |
| Lexus NX problems | NX 1st gen (2015–2021), NX 2nd gen (2022–present) | 13 | 13 |
| Lexus LS problems | XF40 (2007–2017), XF50 (2018–2026) | 11 | 11 |
| Lexus RC problems | XC10 (2015–2025) | 4 | 4 |
| Lexus LX problems | LX 450 (1996–1997), LX 470 (1998–2007), LX 570 (2008–2021), LX 600/700h (2022–present) | 12 | 12 |
| Lexus UX problems | UX 1st gen (2019–present) | 4 | 4 |
| Lexus RZ problems | RZ 1st gen (2023–present) | 2 | 2 |
| Lexus GS problems | S190 (2006–2011), L10 (2013–2020) | 12 | 12 |
Lexus GX problems
The most serious documented problem on the new GX 550 is recall 25V767. It covers 2024 models whose V35A twin-turbo V6 may contain manufacturing debris that can ruin the main bearings, and dealers inspect them and replace the engine if needed. GX 460 recalls are mostly shared Toyota campaigns for passenger air bag inflators and low-pressure fuel pumps.
Lexus IS problems
The most significant Lexus IS problems are recalls. On the 2006–2013 IS they include loose VVT gear bolts on the IS 350 V6 (13V395), several fuel-leak campaigns (09V020, 11V029, 14V647, 18V432) and Takata passenger airbag inflators. The 2014-on IS has fuel pump recalls 20V012, 20V682 and, for 2022, 26V222.
Lexus TX problems
The Lexus TX, sold since the 2024 model year, has no long-term pattern yet; its documented issues are recalls. The most significant are 24V461 for curtain airbags on 2024 models, 26V437 for rear axle carriers and 26V598 for front steering knuckles on some 2026 models, plus rearview camera and instrument panel software fixes.
Lexus LC problems
The Lexus LC has a short recall list. The 2018 LC 500’s V8 had a high-pressure fuel pump cover recall (18V107), 2018–2020 LC 500 and LC 500h were covered by low-pressure fuel pump recalls 20V012 and 20V682, the 2019 LC 500 by brake booster recall 19V544 and 2024 cars by camera recall 24V124.
Lexus ES problems
The best-documented Lexus ES problems are a VVT-i oil hose service campaign on the 2007–2008 ES 350, Takata passenger airbag recalls on 2007–2012 cars, the fuel pump recall for 2018–2020 ES 350 (20V682), an engine-block recall on some 2020 ES 300h hybrids (20V064) and occupant-sensor recall 23V865 for 2020–2022 models.
Lexus RX problems
The most significant Lexus RX issues are a passenger occupant-sensor recall on 2020–2021 RX 350 and RX 450h (23V865), in-tank fuel pump recalls on 2017–2020 RX 350 and RX 350L, a steering-knuckle recall on some 2026 models, the 2010 floor-mat pedal recall and a VVT-i oil hose campaign on 2007–2009 RX 350.
Lexus NX problems
The most significant Lexus NX recalls are on the 2022–present second generation: missing front shock-mount welds (22V238), a DC-DC converter fire risk on the 2022 NX 450h+ (23V478), a driver-airbag spiral cable (23V480) and rearview camera and cluster software fixes. First-generation 2015–2021 NX recalls center on fuel pumps and airbag sensors.
Lexus LS problems
Lexus LS problems on record are mostly recalls. The 2007–2017 LS 460 had fuel-leak recalls 09V020 and 14V647, a VGRS steering ECU recall (10V218) and fuel pump recall 20V012. The 2018–2026 LS 500 adds fuel pump recall 20V682, run-flat tire recall 19V134 and an Executive Package seat sensor recall (24V275).
Lexus RC problems
The Lexus RC’s main documented problem is fuel pumps. The RC F V8 had a high-pressure pump recall (18V107, 2015–2018), several RC 200t/300/350 years were covered by low-pressure pump recalls 20V012 and 20V682, and an April 2026 recall (26V222) covers certain 2015–2022 RC coupes.
Lexus LX problems
The most serious Lexus LX issue is machining debris in the LX 600’s V35A engine, which can cause main bearing failure and a stall (recalls 24V381 and 25V767, covering 2022–2024). Other notable campaigns are 24V125 for movement in neutral, 18V887 for LX 570 passenger airbag sensor wiring and 20V682 for fuel pumps.
Lexus UX problems
The Lexus UX has few documented problems and a short recall list. The notable campaigns are a brake booster pump on the 2019 UX 250h (19V544), an in-tank fuel pump on the 2019 UX 200 (20V682) and, on the 2025 UX 300h, a motor-generator ECU wiring harness (24V587) and cluster display software (26V341).
Lexus RZ problems
The Lexus RZ, Lexus’s first dedicated battery-electric SUV, has two recalls in NHTSA’s dataset, both software fixes. 25V577 restores the defroster and defogger after HVAC faults on 2023–2025 models, and 26V393 updates the high-voltage battery ECU on 2026 models to prevent a loss of drive power.
Lexus GS problems
Lexus GS problems on record are recalls. The 2006–2011 GS had loose VVT gear bolts on the GS 350 (13V395) and several fuel-leak campaigns (09V020, 11V029, 14V647, 18V432). The 2013–2020 GS had brake-switch and steering recalls on early cars, a GS F high-pressure pump recall (18V107) and fuel pump recalls 20V012, 20V682 and 26V222.
Confirm how a used Lexus was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Lexus build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Lexus problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 13 Lexus models covered here, the most documented items are V35A engine debris can cause main-bearing failure and stall (recall 25V767) on the GX; 2GR-FSE VVT gear bolts can loosen (recall 13V395) on the IS; curtain airbags may partially deploy outside an open window (recall 24V461) on the TX. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Lexus for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or the myLexus owner site, or ask a Lexus dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years against each other, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page where both exist.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns, dataset 6axg-epim) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data
- Lexus Pressroom — Lexus (Toyota Motor North America)
More Lexus tools
- Lexus research hub
- Lexus trim levels explained
- F SPORT vs F explained
- Lexus history
- Free Lexus VIN decoder
- Lexus paint codes
- Lexus specs by model
- Lexus reliability
- How long do Lexus models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Lexus or Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus, F SPORT and the model names are trademarks of their owners.