Category Archives: Lexus

News about Lexus automobile manufacturer. News about Lexus recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Lexus vehicles.

Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Rearview Camera May Freeze or Go Blank

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Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has announced a safety recall affecting certain 2022–2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. A software error in the Parking Assist ECU — the electronic control unit responsible for displaying the rearview image — may cause the camera image to freeze or fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This issue means the affected vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 for rear visibility.

What’s Causing the Problem?

The Parking Assist ECU software can experience two types of malfunctions:

  • Rearview image freezing: The image may freeze for up to 1.8 seconds if the vehicle is shifted into reverse within 0.7 to 2.6 seconds after ignition is turned on.
  • Rearview image not displaying: If the vehicle’s power is turned off during a brief data-writing process within the first 12.5 seconds after startup, the camera’s alignment data can become corrupted, preventing the image from displaying during the next ignition cycle.

These failures may occur under specific timing conditions and could increase the risk of an accident during backing maneuvers, especially if a pedestrian or object is behind the vehicle.

Timeline of Discovery

Between April 2024 and December 2024, Toyota engineers discovered the issue while reviewing software used in Japan-spec models. Bench testing confirmed that interruptions during image processing or data writing could cause temporary or complete loss of the rearview image. Subsequent testing through October 2025 confirmed that the same software error could affect global models, including those sold in the U.S. On October 24, 2025, Toyota decided to issue a safety recall.

Recall and Remedy Information

Dealers will update the parking assist software. Interim notification letters alerting owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final software remedy is available.

The recall identification numbers are as follows:

  • Toyota: 25TB13 and 25LB06
  • Subaru: WRE25
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-744

Vehicles Included in This Recall

  • 2022 Lexus Lx
  • 2022 Lexus Nx
  • 2022 Lexus Nx Hybrid
  • 2023 Lexus Es
  • 2023 Lexus Es Hybrid
  • 2023 Lexus Ls
  • 2023 Lexus Ls Hybrid
  • 2023 Lexus Nx Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2023 Lexus Rx
  • 2023 Lexus Rx Hybrid
  • 2023 Lexus Rz
  • 2024 Lexus Gx
  • 2024 Lexus Lc
  • 2024 Lexus Lc Hybrid
  • 2024 Lexus Tx
  • 2024 Lexus Tx Hybrid
  • 2024 Lexus Tx Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2024 Lexus Rx Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2025 Lexus Lx Hybrid
  • 2023 Subaru Solterra
  • 2023 Toyota Bz4x
  • 2023 Toyota Crown
  • 2023 Toyota Highlander
  • 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  • 2023 Toyota Mirai
  • 2023 Toyota Prius
  • 2023 Toyota Prius Prime
  • 2023 Toyota Rav4
  • 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid
  • 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime
  • 2023 Toyota Venza Hybrid
  • 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
  • 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
  • 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
  • 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2025 Toyota Crown Signia
  • 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2025 Toyota Rav4 Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid
  • 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2026 Toyota Crown
  • 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
  • 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
  • 2026 Toyota Rx Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2026 Toyota Tx
  • 2026 Toyota Tx Hybrid
  • 2026 Toyota Tx Plug-in Hybrid

What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru models, until the software is updated, owners should exercise extra caution when backing up and verify surroundings visually.

Toyota & Lexus Instrument Panel Failure

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Toyota has announced a safety recall involving the instrument panel in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles from model years 2023–2025. The issue stems from a software error that may cause the 12.3-inch instrument panel monitor to fail at vehicle startup, leaving drivers without critical information such as vehicle speed, brake system warnings, and tire pressure alerts.

This recall covers some of Toyota and Lexus’ most popular models, including the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Venza, Toyota Camry, Toyota 4Runner, and Lexus LS, RX, and TX.

What’s Causing the Instrument Panel Failure?

The affected vehicles use a 12.3-inch combination meter display in the instrument panel to show gauges, warning lights, and important driver information. Toyota discovered that the system’s software was improperly programmed, causing unnecessary data to be repeatedly written to its memory device.

Over time, this accelerated memory wear can cause the monitor to go blank at startup and remain in that state. If this happens, drivers may miss critical warnings—such as brake system malfunctions or tire pressure alerts—if they don’t notice the redundant notifications displayed on the center multimedia screen.

Driving without these visual warnings increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Which Toyota and Lexus Models Are Affected?

The recall includes the following models equipped with the 12.3-inch combination meter:

  • 2024–2025 Lexus TX
  • 2024–2025 Lexus LS
  • 2025 Lexus RX
  • 2023–2024 Toyota Venza
  • 2023–2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • 2023–2025 Toyota RAV4
  • 2023–2025 Toyota Highlander
  • 2023–2025 Toyota GR Corolla
  • 2023–2025 Toyota Crown
  • 2024–2025 Toyota Tacoma
  • 2024–2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
  • 2025 Toyota Crown Signia
  • 2025 Toyota Camry
  • 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
  • 2025 Toyota 4Runner

Timeline of Toyota’s Investigation

  • February 2024: Toyota received reports of blank instrument panels and began investigating.
  • July 2025: Toyota concluded that redundant warnings in the center multimedia display reduced safety risks, so it launched a Customer Satisfaction Campaign and notified NHTSA.
  • September 2025: Following discussions with NHTSA, Toyota decided to issue a voluntary safety recall.

As of September 2025, Toyota had confirmed 14 field technical reports and 381 warranty claims related to the issue.

Recall Remedy: What Owners Should Expect

Toyota and Lexus dealers will correct the problem at no cost to owners:

  • Non-PHEV vehicles: Dealers will update the instrument panel software.
  • PHEV vehicles: Dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly and either replace it or update the software as needed.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting October 27, 2025.

  • Toyota recall numbers: 25TB08 and 25TA08
  • Lexus recall numbers: 25LB05 and 25LA05
  • NHTSA campaign number: 25V-595

OCS Sensors May Short Circuit In Lexus And Toyota Vehicles

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Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) has announced a significant recall affecting a range of Lexus and Toyota vehicles from the 2020 to 2022 model years. This recall, necessitated by a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, underscores a critical safety issue that could potentially prevent the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

The recall spans a variety of models, including:

  • Lexus ES (2020-2021)
  • Lexus ES Hybrid (2020-2022)
  • Lexus RX and RX Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid (2020-2022)
  • Toyota Corolla, Highlander, and their Hybrid variants (2020-2021)
  • Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid (2021)

The issue originates from the Occupant Classification System sensors located in the front passenger seat. These sensors play a pivotal role in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), determining the deployment of the front passenger airbag based on the occupant load. A defect has been identified wherein, during production, the sensor’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) became deformed. This deformation can cause a crack in a capacitor, leading to moisture intrusion over time and resulting in a short circuit.

The malfunctioning of these sensors poses a significant risk. In the event of a short circuit, the SRS warning lamp and the “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp will illuminate, accompanied by a message on the Multi-Information Display (MID). The most concerning consequence is that the front passenger airbag may not deploy in certain crashes, markedly increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

To address this issue, Toyota dealers will conduct inspections and replace the sensor where necessary. The recall is comprehensive in its scope, and owner notification letters are expected to be dispatched starting February 4, 2024.

Toyota has assigned the numbers 23TB15/23TA15 for Toyota and 23LB03/23LA03 for Lexus vehicles to this recall. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has registered this recall under campaign number 23V-865.

This recall by Toyota highlights the intricate nature of modern automotive safety systems and the critical importance of their proper functioning. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to heed the recall notice and have their vehicles inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure their safety and that of their passengers.

Toyota and Lexus Airbag Problem

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AirbagToyota and Lexus have announced that they will be reaching out to owners of specific vehicle models due to a critical problem related to the electrical connection inside the steering column. This issue has the potential to disable the driver’s side airbag, leading to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Occupant Crash Protection.

The problem first came to Toyota’s attention in May 2023 when they were contacted by the spiral cable assembly supplier. The supplier informed Toyota about an ongoing investigation into the manufacturing process, which revealed contamination in the washing station for specific spiral cable components. As a consequence, a poor welding condition could occur between the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) and the bus bar, which affects connectivity to various controls on the steering wheel. Extensive testing conducted by the supplier between late-May and late-June indicated that the FFC might detach from the bus bar at the weak weld connection area.

As per the defect report, the steering column assembly in the affected vehicles contains electrical connections to the driver’s airbag module housed within a spiral cable assembly, including the FFC. In cases where the FFC is inadequately welded to the spiral cable’s bus bar, there is a risk of the FFC separating, resulting in one or more open circuits linked through the FFC. This separation specifically impacts the circuit responsible for connecting the driver’s airbag module. If connectivity is lost, the SRS warning light will activate, and the driver’s airbag may be deactivated, failing to deploy in a crash scenario that necessitates its activation. Consequently, this raises the likelihood of driver injury in the event of a crash.

 

The vehicles affected include:

2023-2024 Lexus NX Hybrid
2023-2024 Lexus NX250
2023-2024 Lexus NX350
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
2023 Lexus RX350
2023 Lexus RX500H
2023 Toyota Corolla
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2023 Toyota Tacoma

Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary. Toyota’s number for this recall is 23TA08, Lexus’ number for this recall is 23LA02 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-480.

Toyota-Lexus Engine Noises And Smoke

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles because of a problem affecting engine and engine cooling. The subject vehicles are equipped with 2.5L 4 cylinder engines that may have been produced with engine blocks with high porosity levels.

According to the defect report, these porous engine blocks could crack and leak internally and/or externally causing the engine to overheat and possible internal mechanical damage. There is also an increased risk of an engine fire if oil leaks should come in contact with an ignition source.

Drivers may be alerted of a problem through engine noises, smoke, illuminated engine warning lights and an audible warning chime.

Vehicles Affected
2020 Lexus ES300H
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2020 Toyota Camry
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Dealers will inspect the engine and engine block, replacing them as necessary. Toyota’s number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus’ number for this recall is 20LA02. The NHTSA campaign number is 20V-064.

2017 Lexus ES350 Steering Wanders

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The owners of certain 2017 Lexus ES350 sedans will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the steering system. According to the defect report, a lock nut which secures the right hand side tie rod assembly to the steering gear assembly may have not been properly tightened during the assembly process. If the nut loosens drivers could experience nose from the steering or the vehicle may drift while driving. If the problem is not repaired, the tie rod could separate completely, resulting in loss of steering control.

Dealers will inspect the lock nut and if it is found loose, replace the lock nut, steering gear assembly, and tie rod assembly. Owners wanting more information about the problem may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is HLC and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-415.

Toyota RAV4 & Lexus HS250 Abrupt Change In Rear Wheel Alignment

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Toyota will be asking the owners of certain 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS 250 Hybrid vehicles to return to their dealership to repair a problem affecting the rear suspension system. During a rear wheel alignment, improperly tightened alignment nuts could result in damage to the threaded portion of the rear suspension arm assembly. If the problem is not corrected, the damage could result in separation of the arm and an abrupt change in vehicle alignment. Continue reading →

Toyota Air Bags And Emissions Problems

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles about problems affecting airbags and the emissions control system.

Last Tuesday, Toyota announced that certain 2010-2012 Toyota Prius and Lexus CT200H cars could have air bag inflators with small cracks in the welds. The problem could lead to the separation of the inflator chambers and an increased risk of injury to occupants.

The automaker announced on Wednesday, that approximately 2.87 million cars may have a fault in the emissions control system. Over time the problem could lead to fuel leaks and an increased chance of a vehicle fire. Certain 2006-2015 Prius, Auris and Corolla models are affected. Continue reading →