NHTSA Complaint #11610320 — 2024 LEXUS NX

Less than 10 months old (March and April 2024 at ~5,000 miles), the 12V battery completely drained 3 times in 5 days (despite driving it regularly during that period) so the car would not start when needed. I had it jumped 3 times by AAA and the third time drove it to dealer. Dealer told me battery was defective so it needed to be replaced under warranty. Problem reported to Lexus Customer Service. The same problem recurred 3 months later (July 2024 at 6000 miles) the morning I was packing it to leave on vacation. The battery died while I was in the car and I was locked inside. When I got out, the doors locked again so had to have the car towed to a different dealer. They told me the battery needed to be replaced AGAIN under warranty. Two Lexus dealers, Lexus Customer Service, and Lexus on-line forum have noted this problem with several Lexus hybrid and PHEV models for a period of 1-2 years. When I asked, Lexus (2 dealers and Customer Service) told me that there is a defect in the software or app communication settings that causes a continuous drain on the 12V battery causing battery to fail unexpectedly. There has been NO NOTIFICATION of this defect and no resolution to this problem has been provided in the past 5 months. It is a risk for the entire electrical system to fail unexpectedly for no apparent reason with NO WARNING. The car is unreliable and cannot be used if it will not start when it is needed. We are elderly and have grandchildren living with us periodically. We are at risk if we cannot get to medical appointments or drive to the hospital.