Lexus RZ problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

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.

CarWhere lists 2 documented RZ issues, including 2 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.

RZ generations at a glance

Lexus RZ generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
RZ 1st gen	2023–present	High-voltage battery ECU fault can cut drive power (recall 26V393) · Defroster and defogger may stop working after an HVAC fault (recall 25V577)

RZ 1st gen RZ problems (2023–present)

High-voltage battery ECU fault can cut drive power (recall 26V393) (2026)

Safety recall

Generation:: RZ 1st gen (2023–present)
Years:: 2026
Powertrain:: RZ (battery electric)

The ECU that manages the high-voltage battery on certain 2026 RZ models may develop a fault that causes a loss of drive power. Dealers update the battery ECU software free of charge. The campaign also covers the 2026 Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

Warning messages followed by loss of drive power

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: 26V393 (2026-06) · 20,991 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Defroster and defogger may stop working after an HVAC fault (recall 25V577) (2023–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: RZ 1st gen (2023–present)
Years:: 2023–2025
Powertrain:: RZ (battery electric)

During certain HVAC faults, such as an electric compressor failure, the defroster and defogger on 2023–2025 RZ models may become inoperative, reducing windshield visibility. Dealers update the HVAC control ECU software free of charge. The campaign also covers bZ4X and Solterra. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.

Symptoms

Windshield will not clear
HVAC warning or no cooling/heating

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: 25V577 (2025-09) · 94,320 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Related RZ 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 RZ 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 RZ have any recalls?

Two appear in NHTSA’s recall dataset. 25V577 updates HVAC software so the defroster keeps working after faults such as an electric compressor failure on 2023–2025 RZ, and 26V393 updates the 2026 RZ’s high-voltage battery ECU to prevent a loss of drive power.

Is the RZ affected by bZ4X recalls?

The RZ shares both of its recalls with the Toyota bZ4X/bZ and Subaru Solterra, reflecting the shared e-TNGA platform. Not every bZ4X or Solterra campaign lists the RZ, so check the RZ’s own VIN rather than assuming.

What changed on the 2026 Lexus RZ?

Lexus describes the 2026 RZ as thoroughly enhanced, with a NACS (SAE J3400) charging port and an 11-kW onboard AC charger, up from 7 kW the prior year. Its battery ECU recall, 26V393, is a software update done free of charge.

How do I check a Lexus RZ for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Lexus dealer. Both RZ recalls are free software updates, and the dealer can confirm whether they were completed.

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.

NHTSA recall 26V393: Loss of Drive Power — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 25V577: Inoperative Defrosting and Defogging System — 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.