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Hybrid propulsion systemPart report

2006 Lexus RX Hybrid Hybrid propulsion system Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
8%of 154 total for the year
Median mileage
75,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the hybrid propulsion system of the 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid, 8% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“This is the second time that this incident has happened. While driving home from work near the intersection of fresh pond road and myrtle avenue, my Lexus shut off completely. The message on the dashboard was check hybrid system . Same incident happened dec 2012. According to Lexus the problem the first time was the hybrid system. I haven't been to the Lexus dealer yet but this is the second time that I got lucky without seriously injuring myself and other drivers.”

NHTSA complaint #10578409, filed 2014-04, 29,000 miles

“The car failed without warning while I was traveling 70+MPH on the highway. I was left only with brakes. My passenger noted a couple of minutes before the failure that the engine sounded strange, but there were no indicators on the dash. Car was towed to Lexus dealership which stated that the inverter was completely gone and quoted $9,000 for part and $500 for labor. Car had been fully serviced for routine maintenance at same dealership just a few weeks earlier. I was told new inverters come from japan and used are difficult to find.”

NHTSA complaint #10399716, filed 2011-05, 106,000 miles

“Driving off a stop light and the car just died. Check awd - CVT - hybrid system warning lights went on . Towed to dealer next morning and they called to say lucky it is under warranty ( I have 64000 miles , warranty is 70 k ) and it needs a new inverter. I have not seen bill but here it is $ 7 to $ 9000 yikes ! This is a problem as it shakes my faith in Lexus bought from USA to bring to canada and relied on toyota - Lexus brand --- this should not be happening and from what I can see the toyota Lexus hybrid system needs a longer warranty !!!! …”

NHTSA complaint #10390014, filed 2011-03, 64,031 miles

“Leakage of coolant from the radiator discovered and in less than 50 miles an engine warning light lit, indicating failure of the hybrid synergy drive system , namely the hybrid inverter. Vehicle was brought into a Lexus dealership and the radiator and inverter were replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10561527, filed 2014-01, 53,602 miles

“Component: electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator summary: at a steady rate of speed on the hwy, the car surges and pulls and is impossible to maintain a smooth ride. When braking experience short bursts of acceleration. I am concerned as this seems to be leading to an inverter failure.”

NHTSA complaint #10381667, filed 2011-02, 51,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Hybrid propulsion system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200824%
2006138%

Other parts of the 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid

Brakes
48 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsTires
10 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology