Lexus RZ Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Lexus RZ options? We analyzed 4 model years (2023–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Lexus RZ has 36 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls across model years 2023–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2023 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Lexus
- Model
- RZ
- Model years analyzed
- 2023–2026 (4 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 36
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2023 (10 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Lexus RZ: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe LEXUS RZ has 36 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 36 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 7 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
7 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2023–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 36 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
36 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2024 Lexus RZ300e related to battery range performance and charging requirements in cold weather. In real-world winter conditions in Massachusetts, the vehicle experiences severe range loss, requiring excessive and repeated public charging to remain operable. On a representative day, I was required to use multiple public charging networks (ChargePoint, FLO, and Tesla Superchargers), spending over 4 hours physically charging, consuming approximately 105 kWh of electricity, and paying nearly $50 in public charging costs, with additional home charging still required for the next day. Many charging stations are outdoors and poorly sheltered, requiring prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, wind, and precipitation. This creates a significant safety risk due to driver fatigue. To earn a modest daily income, I must drive for extended hours. When combined with approximately 4 hours per day spent charging, this results in up to 16 hours in a single day spent driving or waiting in the vehicle. Charging time is not rest, as I must remain alert, manage charging sessions, and relocate the vehicle. This extended time causes physical exhaustion and reduced alertness, increasing risk on public highways. These conditions are particularly concerning because my wife is pregnant, and the vehicle was leased as a family vehicle. Prolonged winter charging exposure and fatigue pose risks not only to the driver but to passengers and other road users. The vehicle has been inspected by a Lexus dealer. Dealer documentation states that battery degradation cannot be directly measured, usable battery capacity data is unavailable, and cold-weather range loss is considered “normal.” No corrective repair or adjustment has been offered. The issue is reproducible in winter conditions and remains unresolved. I believe the vehicle’s real-world charging burden and resulting fatigue create an unreasonable safety risk and warrant review.
Vehicle Completely Locks itself. Not able to open doors. Even Not able to open with keyless remote fob. Not able to take Charging cable connection out of vehicle. It has happened twice. Lexus was made aware of this issue. I have been stranded twice. It is a safety issue and requesting NHTSA to recall.
My 2023 Lexus RZ450e experienced a sudden failure of the 12-volt battery, which completely disabled the vehicle and prevented it from starting. The battery failed while the car was plugged into a Level 2 home charger, but not in ‘Ready’ mode. There were no warning signs or alerts, and I had to call roadside assistance to jump-start the car. After the incident, I brought the vehicle to the dealership. They tested the 12V battery and said it was “fine.” However, during the 100,000-mile maintenance, I specifically requested a battery re-check—and this time, the battery failed the test. This raises serious concerns about the reliability and longevity of the 12V battery in this vehicle, as well as the inconsistent diagnostics at the dealership. If the vehicle had failed to start while I was away from home, I could have been stranded in unsafe conditions. Safety Concerns: The 12-volt battery powers essential systems, including door locks, ignition, and electronic control units. Its failure disables the entire vehicle. The fact that this happened while the car was plugged in, but not in “Ready” mode, suggests a potential design flaw or charging system issue. I’ve also seen reports from other RZ450e owners experiencing similar 12V problems, which may point to a broader systemic issue. Requested Action: Please investigate potential defects in the 12-volt battery system and whether the Lexus RZ450e’s charging system fails to maintain battery health during regular use.
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus RZ 300E. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and charging, the heater was activated and failed to function and provide heat as needed. The contact stated that the charging system intermittently failed to charge as needed. The contact stated that there was an hour-and-a-half delay for a full charge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,620.
This evening upon driving home my 2.5 year old son began crying. When I investigated, he was crying because his car seat had turned over on its side. When we arrived home I tested the rear seat belts and none remain locked; therefore his seat was not secured. Please advise how this can be fixed as soon as possible as it is not safe for us to use the vehicle until this is addressed.
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2024 Lexus RZ300e related to battery range performance and charging requirements in cold weather. In real-world winter conditions in Massachusetts, the vehicle experiences severe range loss, requiring excessive and repeated public charging to remain operable. On a representative day, I was required to use multiple public charging networks (ChargePoint, FLO, and Tesla Superchargers), spending over 4 hours physically charging, consuming approximately 105 kWh of electricity, and paying nearly $50 in public charging costs, with additional home charging still required for the next day. Many charging stations are outdoors and poorly sheltered, requiring prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, wind, and precipitation. This creates a significant safety risk due to driver fatigue. To earn a modest daily income, I must drive for extended hours. When combined with approximately 4 hours per day spent charging, this results in up to 16 hours in a single day spent driving or waiting in the vehicle. Charging time is not rest, as I must remain alert, manage charging sessions, and relocate the vehicle. This extended time causes physical exhaustion and reduced alertness, increasing risk on public highways. These conditions are particularly concerning because my wife is pregnant, and the vehicle was leased as a family vehicle. Prolonged winter charging exposure and fatigue pose risks not only to the driver but to passengers and other road users. The vehicle has been inspected by a Lexus dealer. Dealer documentation states that battery degradation cannot be directly measured, usable battery capacity data is unavailable, and cold-weather range loss is considered “normal.” No corrective repair or adjustment has been offered. The issue is reproducible in winter conditions and remains unresolved. I believe the vehicle’s real-world charging burden and resulting fatigue create an unreasonable safety risk and warrant review.
Read 14 more owner reports
Vehicle Completely Locks itself. Not able to open doors. Even Not able to open with keyless remote fob. Not able to take Charging cable connection out of vehicle. It has happened twice. Lexus was made aware of this issue. I have been stranded twice. It is a safety issue and requesting NHTSA to recall.
My 2023 Lexus RZ450e experienced a sudden failure of the 12-volt battery, which completely disabled the vehicle and prevented it from starting. The battery failed while the car was plugged into a Level 2 home charger, but not in ‘Ready’ mode. There were no warning signs or alerts, and I had to call roadside assistance to jump-start the car. After the incident, I brought the vehicle to the dealership. They tested the 12V battery and said it was “fine.” However, during the 100,000-mile maintenance, I specifically requested a battery re-check—and this time, the battery failed the test. This raises serious concerns about the reliability and longevity of the 12V battery in this vehicle, as well as the inconsistent diagnostics at the dealership. If the vehicle had failed to start while I was away from home, I could have been stranded in unsafe conditions. Safety Concerns: The 12-volt battery powers essential systems, including door locks, ignition, and electronic control units. Its failure disables the entire vehicle. The fact that this happened while the car was plugged in, but not in “Ready” mode, suggests a potential design flaw or charging system issue. I’ve also seen reports from other RZ450e owners experiencing similar 12V problems, which may point to a broader systemic issue. Requested Action: Please investigate potential defects in the 12-volt battery system and whether the Lexus RZ450e’s charging system fails to maintain battery health during regular use.
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus RZ 300E. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and charging, the heater was activated and failed to function and provide heat as needed. The contact stated that the charging system intermittently failed to charge as needed. The contact stated that there was an hour-and-a-half delay for a full charge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,620.
This evening upon driving home my 2.5 year old son began crying. When I investigated, he was crying because his car seat had turned over on its side. When we arrived home I tested the rear seat belts and none remain locked; therefore his seat was not secured. Please advise how this can be fixed as soon as possible as it is not safe for us to use the vehicle until this is addressed.
My vehicle, a 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, has been out of service for over 30 days due to an unresolved HVAC system failure affecting cabin heating. The issue significantly impacts the safe operation of the vehicle, particularly in cold weather conditions where adequate heat is necessary for driver visibility and occupant safety. Despite the vehicle remaining under the manufacturer’s warranty, the dealership has been unable to provide a diagnosis completion or estimated time of repair. The vehicle was brought in for service on February 20, 2026, and has remained at the dealership since that time. During this period, no clear resolution timeline has been provided, and communication from both the dealership and manufacturer has been limited to general status updates with no substantive progress. The lack of heating functionality raises safety concerns, especially given the vehicle’s reliance on electronic systems for climate control. A loaner vehicle has been provided; however, the extended delay without repair or replacement raises concerns about potential defects in the HVAC or related electrical systems. The inability to resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe suggests a possible systemic defect that is affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. This complaint is being submitted to document the prolonged repair delay, lack of resolution, and safety implications associated with the loss of heating functionality in the vehicle.
While driving slowly in a parking lot and without striking any object, my 2023 Lexus RZ 450e experienced a catastrophic front right suspension failure. The suspension failure caused separation of the CV axle, detachment of the front right wheel assembly, and an immediate loss of steering control. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. Fortunately, this occurred at low speed and no injuries occurred. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. No injuries occurred due to the low speed at the time.
I was driving at 45 mph during a sunny day with normal traffic flow. The right rear tire had suddenly exploded. It almost caused a major accident. Upon inspection, the tire was totally blew out. Only the rim was left. The tire expert at Northside Lexus dealer in Houston said he had seen hundreds of blow out tires on Lexus like that. He didn't want to alert NHTSA. The tires were made by Dunlop in 2023. My car had only 20,000 miles on it. Please consider to recall this kind of Dunlop Sport Maxx tires before another accident or fatality happens. Thanks.
I have had my 2023 RZ450e for two years and at 53,000 miles, the driver side daytime running light went out. Another owner on a Facebook Lexus RZ450e group reported the same identical thing happening to them in October 2024. With the headlight assembly being LED, these should not fail early on in ownership and should last quite a while. My vehicle has been inspected by Lexus dealership at the service intervals, most recently May 8, 2025 and there was no mention of DRL on driver side being out from the service advisor. No warnings were available. I found out through the reflection of being behind someone when stopped. Having one functional DRL can be a hazard especially in the rain.
The charger fails to charge. Nothing happens when it is plugged into the vehicle. The dealer has confirmed the vehicle can be fully charged using the dealer’s level 2 charger. I am able to fully charge the vehicle using the level 1 charger supplied with the vehicle. Enel X Way has discontinued support. Even though I still have one year warranty left on the charger the support page indicates support is no longer provided and Enel X is no longer accepting claims.
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RZ 450. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle failed to shift out of park after multiple attempts. The vehicle eventually shifted into drive(D) and as the contact began to drive the vehicle, the vehicle began to hesitate as the brake warning light appeared on the instrument panel. Once the contact reached her destination and parked the vehicle, she attempted to straighten out her vehicle as the tail end was sticking out in the road. While straightening the vehicle, the brake warning message returned on the instrument panel as the vehicle then surged forward at a high rate of speed. The vehicle ran over four garbage bins before crashing into a parked vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact attempted to exit the vehicle after the crash but all the doors failed to unlock from the inside. The contact screamed for help as neighbors heard the commotion outside and assisted the contact out of the vehicle. Police were called but no assistance arrived. The contact did not sustain any physical injuries and did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the matter and stated that they would review the vehicle's black box. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,400.
We are the owners of a 2023 Lexus RZ450e Luxury, a fully electric vehicle. My wife and I rely on the Lexus app (on our Android devices) to monitor essential details such as remaining miles, charging percentage, and the overall status of the vehicle. These features are vital to ensure we have sufficient charge before driving. However, as of Monday, October 14th, the app has stopped displaying this crucial information. Instead, it shows “-1 mi. est” and “-1 %,” (minus one percent!) and the status bar has disappeared entirely. Please refer to the attached screenshot for reference. This exact issue occurred previously in July 2024, and Lexus opened file number 240710002913 to address it. While it was resolved at that time, the problem has resurfaced, leaving us once again unable to monitor the vehicle's charge remotely. This ongoing issue is frustrating and inconvenient, especially given the safety implications of not being able to reliably monitor the vehicle’s charge. We expect better from a $70,000 luxury vehicle, and it is unacceptable that such a problem has recurred. It raises serious concerns about the testing and quality assurance of the mobile app updates. Resolution Request: We find it unsafe to operate the vehicle without reliable access to charge status information via the app. Given that this issue has recurred, we kindly request a resolution. Ideally, we would prefer the vehicle to be replaced, as this persistent issue has significantly impacted our ownership experience. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RZ 450E. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
When the passenger side radiant heat is on, it makes a toxic smell that smells like plastic or glue melting. It has happened in our RZ and also in a loaner RZ (VIN [XXX] ). Lexus has done nothing that we are aware of to ensure that this smell is not affecting passenger side airbags or the integrity of the cars. They’re also hiding in their notes that they have experienced the smell. I took the Service Manager Jon Howell on a drive in both cars and he smelled the melting smell and agreed he understood why I was describing it as melted hot glue or plastic. However, those drives are not documented in the service notes. I am concerned this is a flaw in the car for which the impact of safety is unknown. Further testing must be done to ensure these cars are safe after the radiant heat is used and the smell has occurred. The smell is constant any and all times the radiant heat is engaged. We have experienced the smell at least ten times in our car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
It is two problem with Lexus Rz. First the Glass Roof is not UV protected and My husband and I are getting burn on our head and my phones over heat because of the strong sun beating on us. Second is the Electric range supposed to be 220 mile range and in reality I am getting 150-160 range. we are misrepresented by Lexus. On Oct.13 Lexus inspected the car and Please see the attached file. The guy says that this car cannot be in highway or freeway. He says that Avoid relying on the displayed possible driving distance. I paid close to $80000 including warranty and they took my car for 29900. I want my money back or they have to give a car that would not be like this.
Showing 20 of 36 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Lexus RZ
These pages show model-year patterns across 4 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Lexus RZ, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Lexus RZ has 36 complaints on record across 4 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Lexus RZ has 7 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the Lexus RZ's 36 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Lexus RZ vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Lexus RZ vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Lexus RZ has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Lexus RZ.
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Lexus RZ reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Lexus RZ reliable?
Average. The Lexus RZ has 36 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Lexus RZ years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2023 (10 complaints), 2024 (10 complaints), 2025 (4 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Lexus RZ problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints); LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints).
Does the Lexus RZ have recalls?
Yes — 7 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Lexus RZ. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.