LEXUS RZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While operating my 2025 Lexus RZ 300e at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous propulsion loss when the traction battery reached 0% state of charge. The only advance notice was a single soft audible alert. There were no escalating warnings (visual or audible) and no meaningful low-battery reserve to allow the driver to safely exit traffic or reach a charging location. Within seconds of the single alert, the vehicle entered reduced-power “limp mode,” creating an immediate traffic hazard. This abrupt reduction in speed occurred in active traffic among large trucks, putting my safety and the safety of other road users at serious risk. The lack of progressive alerts and absence of a usable reserve buffer prevented any safe corrective action and increased the risk of a collision or injury. Lexus marketing materials, sales claims, and the owner’s manual indicate that the RZ’s battery management system provides intelligent, progressive warnings and adequate reserve energy to prevent drivers from being stranded. My vehicle did not perform in accordance with these stated safety features. This represents a potential defect in the warning system and energy reserve calibration. The vehicle is currently in the custody of the authorized dealership. I requested that the service department attempt to recreate the incident to determine whether the system functions as designed. They refused, citing an open claim with Lexus corporate. Lexus corporate closed my initial claim without investigation six days after it was filed and has not inspected the vehicle. This failure mode—no escalating alerts, no sufficient reserve, and sudden loss of propulsion—is a clear safety concern that should be investigated for possible noncompliance with FMVSS requirements for driver warnings and vehicle control.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While operating my 2025 Lexus RZ 300e at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous propulsion loss when the traction battery reached 0% state of charge. The only advance notice was a single soft audible alert. There were no escalating warnings (visual or audible) and no meaningful low-battery reserve to allow the driver to safely exit traffic or reach a charging location. Within seconds of the single alert, the vehicle entered reduced-power “limp mode,” creating an immediate traffic hazard. This abrupt reduction in speed occurred in active traffic among large trucks, putting my safety and the safety of other road users at serious risk. The lack of progressive alerts and absence of a usable reserve buffer prevented any safe corrective action and increased the risk of a collision or injury. Lexus marketing materials, sales claims, and the owner’s manual indicate that the RZ’s battery management system provides intelligent, progressive warnings and adequate reserve energy to prevent drivers from being stranded. My vehicle did not perform in accordance with these stated safety features. This represents a potential defect in the warning system and energy reserve calibration. The vehicle is currently in the custody of the authorized dealership. I requested that the service department attempt to recreate the incident to determine whether the system functions as designed. They refused, citing an open claim with Lexus corporate. Lexus corporate closed my initial claim without investigation six days after it was filed and has not inspected the vehicle. This failure mode—no escalating alerts, no sufficient reserve, and sudden loss of propulsion—is a clear safety concern that should be investigated for possible noncompliance with FMVSS requirements for driver warnings and vehicle control.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While operating my 2025 Lexus RZ 300e at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous propulsion loss when the traction battery reached 0% state of charge. The only advance notice was a single soft audible alert. There were no escalating warnings (visual or audible) and no meaningful low-battery reserve to allow the driver to safely exit traffic or reach a charging location. Within seconds of the single alert, the vehicle entered reduced-power “limp mode,” creating an immediate traffic hazard. This abrupt reduction in speed occurred in active traffic among large trucks, putting my safety and the safety of other road users at serious risk. The lack of progressive alerts and absence of a usable reserve buffer prevented any safe corrective action and increased the risk of a collision or injury. Lexus marketing materials, sales claims, and the owner’s manual indicate that the RZ’s battery management system provides intelligent, progressive warnings and adequate reserve energy to prevent drivers from being stranded. My vehicle did not perform in accordance with these stated safety features. This represents a potential defect in the warning system and energy reserve calibration. The vehicle is currently in the custody of the authorized dealership. I requested that the service department attempt to recreate the incident to determine whether the system functions as designed. They refused, citing an open claim with Lexus corporate. Lexus corporate closed my initial claim without investigation six days after it was filed and has not inspected the vehicle. This failure mode—no escalating alerts, no sufficient reserve, and sudden loss of propulsion—is a clear safety concern that should be investigated for possible noncompliance with FMVSS requirements for driver warnings and vehicle control.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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.