2025 Lexus RZ

Beginning in September 2025, I experienced respiratory symptoms, including coughing, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath, that appeared to be triggered when entering or operating my vehicle. The symptoms consistently improved when I was not using the vehicle and returned upon re-exposure. The specific component responsible is UNKNOWN. I suspect a possible cabin air quality, HVAC, or material-related issue, but I am not able to identify a specific failed part. My safety was put at risk because symptoms occurred while driving, including during traffic conditions, which affected my ability to breathe comfortably and concentrate. The issue has been reproducible. The vehicle was inspected by a Lexus dealership and later by a Toyota/Lexus Field Technical Specialist. No warning lights or dashboard alerts were present. The inspection did not identify a cause, but the symptoms persisted. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This report is being submitted to document a potential vehicle safety or air quality concern for further review.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.

Risk: An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB07 and 25TA07. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB04 and 25LA04. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-25.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.