2017 LEXUS RX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

My vehicle is experiencing a mechanical failure of the brake actuator/booster assembly, manifested by a "squawk/bark" noise and abnormal pedal feel during braking. This is a known defect recognized by Lexus under Customer Support Program 23LE04. The dealership technician confirmed the noise is present and recommended a full replacement of the ABS actuator. However, Lexus is denying coverage because the onboard computer has not yet triggered a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). By denying the repair, Lexus is requiring me to operate a vehicle with a confirmed mechanical brake malfunction, which increases the risk of a crash, increased stopping distance, or total brake power assist failure. March 2021 (60k miles): Actuator was replaced under warranty for this exact failure. December 2021 (74k miles): The failure recurred. Lexus and the dealer refused to cover the diagnosis/bleed, forcing me to drive a defective vehicle. February 2026 (110k miles): A Lexus dealer confirmed the part is failing again and quoted $3,000 for replacement. Despite a manufacturer program (CSP 23LE04) existing for this exact part, Lexus refuses to honor it without an electronic code, even though the mechanical failure has been physically confirmed by their own technicians. The component is available for inspection.

Please see attached regarding LEXUS RX450h brake actuator failure concern. Thank you for your support.

My vehicle has 39800 miles (64k kms). I have the exact same issue with my driver side heated seat. The lowest setting may take time to warm up then gets scorching hot. Eventually after heating it up, I will turn it off manually to stop heating it, as it burns. My wife also mentions that the passenger side as well doesn’t seem to heat much. At this low of kms, I should not have this issue but saw someone else have the exact same issue. I have not taken it to the dealer yet as I fear they will charge a fee just to verify the problem. I have an old ES300 and I do not have this problem with the heard seat. My trim level is also the ultra luxury.

My vehicle, a 2017 Lexus RX 350 with approximately 111,872 miles, experienced a near-total failure of the infotainment/navigation screen approximately five months ago (around June 2025). The system would only display the introductory safety message, backup camera feed, a single radio station, and basic map locator functionality—rendering the navigation, full audio controls, climate integration, and touch interface inoperable. This issue severely impacted the vehicle's usability and safety features, forcing me to seek immediate professional service.

NHTSA Safety Complaint – Seat Heater Defect Vehicle: 2017 Lexus RX 350 Mileage at purchase: 45,430 Purchase date: Feb. 17, 2025 Dealer: Lexus of Tacoma at Fife, WA Description of Problem: The driver’s seat heater does not function properly. It is slow to activate (5–6 minutes), then overheats uncontrollably even when set to “LOW.” On multiple occasions, the seat became hot enough to cause burns through clothing. Defect Confirmed by Dealership Service Staff: Dealership staff confirmed that the driver and passenger seats heat at different rates. This matches a known defect identified in Lexus Technical Service Information Bulletin L-SB-0038-18 (Oct 10, 2018). Additionally, they confirmed that the drivers' seat spikes to uncontrolled high temperatures, even on the "LOW" setting. Despite this, the dealership refused to repair the issue without an extended warranty and suggested using a sheepskin seat cover to prevent further burns, which is prohibited in the vehicle manual. Safety Hazard: •The defect caused burns to the driver. •The driver's elderly mother, who has peripheral neuropathy in her legs, did not feel when the passenger heater was accidentally turned on, highlighting the risk of undetected burns should the heater defect remain unrepaired. •Risk of fire is also present given the uncontrolled heat and inherent electrical issue. Attempts to Resolve: Reported to dealership on 3/28/25. Dealer disclaimed responsibility. Reported again to dealership on 6/25/25. No response. Reported to Lexus Corporate Customer Service on 8/28/25. Summary: The seat heater malfunction is a confirmed manufacturing defect, already documented by Lexus in a TSIB. Not mentioned in the TSIB is the additional problem of uncontrolled heat spikes, which poses significant risk of burns or fire. Request NHTSA investigation and corrective action.