Lexus LX problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

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.

CarWhere lists 12 documented LX issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

LX generations at a glance

Lexus LX generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
LX 4501996–1997No widespread issue documented here
LX 4701998–2007Steering shaft snap ring can disengage (recall 10V346) · Side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly (recall 16V065) · Trailer wiring converter can short circuit (dealer accessory) (recall 99E012)
LX 5702008–2021Seat belt tension sensor wire can break, disabling passenger airbags (recall 18V887) · Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 20V682) · Incorrect front airbag may be installed (recall 17V548) · Floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal (recall 11V113)
LX 600/700h2022–presentV35A engine debris can cause main bearing failure (recall 25V767) · Vehicle can move unexpectedly in neutral (recall 24V125) · Transmission solenoid failure can damage the transmission (recall 26V094) · Passenger seat clearance can confuse the airbag occupant sensor (recall 26V180) · Stability control may stay off after restart (recall 22V239)

LX 470 LX problems (1998–2007)

Steering shaft snap ring can disengage (recall 10V346) (2003–2007)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 470 (1998–2007)
Years:
2003–2007
Powertrain:
LX 470

After an unusually severe impact to the front wheels, the snap ring on the steering shaft of 2003–2007 LX 470 models may disengage; with repeated lock-to-lock turning the shaft can eventually disconnect. Dealers replace the snap ring with a redesigned one and add a part that prevents separation.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or free play in the steering after a hard impact

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 10V346 (2010-07) · 39,159 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12]

Side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly (recall 16V065) (2003–2006)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 470 (1998–2007)
Years:
2003–2006
Powertrain:
LX 470

An improperly programmed airbag control module on 2003–2006 LX 470 models equipped with side curtain airbags, and on several Toyota trucks and the GX 470, may deploy the curtain airbags inadvertently. Dealers replace the module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 16V065 (2016-02) · 320,409 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13]

Trailer wiring converter can short circuit (dealer accessory) (recall 99E012) (1998–1999)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 470 (1998–2007)
Years:
1998–1999
Powertrain:
LX 470

Towing hitch kits and aftermarket trailer wiring harness converters sold for 1998–1999 LX 470 and Land Cruiser were mounted on the exterior with inadequate waterproofing, so water can short the converter and knock out trailer lights. Dealers replace the converter. This is an equipment recall rather than a vehicle recall.

Symptoms

  • Trailer lights fail while towing

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 99E012 (1999-04) · 20,613 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14]

LX 570 LX problems (2008–2021)

Seat belt tension sensor wire can break, disabling passenger airbags (recall 18V887) (2008–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 570 (2008–2021)
Years:
2008–2019
Powertrain:
LX 570

Over time the seat belt tension sensor wire harness on 2008–2019 LX 570 and Land Cruiser models may break, deactivating the front passenger airbag, knee airbag and seat-mounted side airbag. Dealers modify the front passenger seat belt assembly or replace it with an improved one, free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning light
  • Passenger airbag OFF indicator lit with an adult seated

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V887 (2018-12) · 89,740 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 20V682) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 570 (2008–2021)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
LX 570

The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump on 2018–2019 LX 570 models, among many Toyota and Lexus vehicles, may fail and cause rough running or a stall. Dealers fit an improved pump free of charge. The earlier 20V012 campaign was later expanded to 2014–2015 LX 570. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

  • Check-engine or master warning light
  • Rough running
  • Engine stall or no-start

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V682 (2020-11) · 1,525,742 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][9]

Incorrect front airbag may be installed (recall 17V548) (2008–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 570 (2008–2021)
Years:
2008–2013
Powertrain:
LX 570

A small number of 2008–2013 LX 570 and 2006 LX 470 vehicles, along with Land Cruisers, may have been fitted with an incorrect driver or front passenger airbag, failing FMVSS 208. Dealers replace the affected airbag assemblies free of charge. The campaign is 21 vehicles.

Symptoms

  • No symptoms before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 17V548 (2017-08) · 21 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal (recall 11V113) (2008–2011)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 570 (2008–2021)
Years:
2008–2011
Powertrain:
LX 570

An unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal wide open on 2008–2011 LX 570 models, as well as 4Runner and RAV4 models. Dealers modify or replace the pedal and replace any Toyota all-weather floor mat. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

  • Pedal slow to return or sticks against the mat

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
  • Make sure only one correctly secured driver’s floor mat is fitted

NHTSA recall: 11V113 (2011-02) · 1,363,244 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

LX 600/700h LX problems (2022–present)

V35A engine debris can cause main bearing failure (recall 25V767) (2022–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 600/700h (2022–present)
Years:
2022–2024
Powertrain:
LX 600 (V35A engine)

Machining debris left from manufacturing may contaminate the V35A engine and cause the main bearings to fail, leading to an engine stall and loss of drive power. 25V767 expands recall 24V381 to more 2022–2024 LX, Tundra and 2024 GX vehicles. Dealers inspect the #1 main bearing using inspection software and drive data and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

  • Engine knocking
  • Rough running or loss of power
  • Engine will not restart after stalling

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
  • Ask whether the engine was inspected or replaced under 24V381 or 25V767, and get the paperwork

NHTSA recall: 25V767 (2025-11) · 126,691 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

Vehicle can move unexpectedly in neutral (recall 24V125) (2022–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 600/700h (2022–present)
Years:
2022–2024
Powertrain:
LX 600

On certain 2022–2024 LX 600 models the vehicle may move unexpectedly when it is in neutral and the brakes are not applied. Dealers update the transmission control ECU software free of charge. The campaign also covers the Tundra and Sequoia Hybrid. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

  • Vehicle creeps while in neutral

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 24V125 (2024-02) · 280,663 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Transmission solenoid failure can damage the transmission (recall 26V094) (2025–2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 600/700h (2022–present)
Years:
2025–2026
Powertrain:
LX 600

If a transmission solenoid fails on certain 2025–2026 LX 600 models, communication between the transmission ECU and engine ECU may fail, which can damage the transmission and cause loss of drive power. Dealers update the transmission ECU software free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Transmission warning
  • Harsh shifting or loss of drive

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V094 (2026-02) · 4,374 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Passenger seat clearance can confuse the airbag occupant sensor (recall 26V180) (2022–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 600/700h (2022–present)
Years:
2022–2024
Powertrain:
LX 600

Insufficient clearance between the front passenger seat frame and a stopper on certain 2022–2024 LX models can make the Occupant Classification System misread the occupant, so the passenger airbag may not deploy correctly (FMVSS 208). Dealers inspect and replace the seat frame assembly as needed, free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Passenger airbag indicator shows the wrong status

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V180 (2026-03) · 15,264 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5]

Stability control may stay off after restart (recall 22V239) (2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
LX 600/700h (2022–present)
Years:
2022
Powertrain:
LX 600

Skid control ECU software on certain 2022 LX 600 models may not turn Vehicle Stability Control back on after a restart if the driver had switched it off, failing FMVSS 126. Dealers update the software free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

  • VSC OFF indicator still lit after restarting

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V239 (2022-04) · 458,110 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6]

Related LX research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an LX was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these 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.

Lexus build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Does the Lexus LX 600 have engine problems?

Yes, through recalls. Machining debris may contaminate the V35A engine and cause main bearing failure. 24V381 replaced engines on 2022–2023 LX 600s, and 25V767 expanded the campaign to 2022–2024 LX, with dealers inspecting the #1 main bearing and replacing the engine if needed.

Is the 2022–2024 LX 600 safe to buy used?

It can be, if the engine recalls are closed. Ask for repair orders showing work under 24V381 or 25V767, and confirm 24V125 (neutral rollaway software) and 26V180 (passenger seat and airbag sensor) are complete on the VIN.

What are the common LX 570 recalls?

Recall 18V887 fixes the seat belt tension sensor wiring that can disable the passenger airbags on 2008–2019 LX 570, 20V682 replaces fuel pumps on 2018–2019 models, and 11V113 addressed floor-mat pedal entrapment on 2008–2011 models.

Is the LX 700h affected by the V35A engine recall?

The 2025-on LX 700h hybrid is not listed in 24V381 or 25V767, which cover 2022–2024 LX. The 2025–2026 LX 600 has its own transmission ECU software recall, 26V094. Check any specific VIN, since campaign coverage depends on build dates.

How do I check a used Lexus LX for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Lexus dealer. Recall repairs are free regardless of age, mileage or owner, and the dealer can print the completed-campaign history.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 25V767: Debris in Engine May Cause Stall — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. NHTSA recall 24V381: Debris in Engine May Cause Stall — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. NHTSA recall 24V125: Unexpected Vehicle Movement — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. NHTSA recall 26V094: Loss of Drive Power from Transmission Damage — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. NHTSA recall 26V180: Front Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy Properly/FMVSS 208 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. NHTSA recall 22V239: Stability Control Deactivated on Startup/FMVSS 126 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. NHTSA recall 18V887: Sensor Wire may Break Deactivating Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. NHTSA recall 20V682: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. NHTSA recall 20V012: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. NHTSA recall 17V548: Incorrect Air Bag Installed/FMVSS 208 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. NHTSA recall 11V113: PEDAL ENTRAPMENT — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. NHTSA recall 10V346: STEERING SHAFT — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. NHTSA recall 16V065: Inadvertent Side Curtain Air Bag Deployment — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. NHTSA recall 99E012: TOYOTA/TRAILER TOWING WIRING HARNESS — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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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.