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Lexus RX HybridModel year report

2007 Lexus RX Hybrid Problems

Complaints
59filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
58,000miles, 52 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2007 RX400h most often describe brake-pedal behavior at low speed — a brief release or forward surge as the car transitions between regenerative and hydraulic braking — and unintended-acceleration events, frequently while parking or maneuvering slowly. A second group of reports covers age-related electrical and body items at higher mileage: a sticky, melting rear hatch handle, hybrid-system warning lights and stalling, cracked dashboards, and loss of power steering assist.

  1. Brakes

    Brake pedal releases or surges at low speed

    • 13 complaints (22%)
    • median 22,000 mi at 3.3 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2015

    Owners describe a moment during light braking, typically below about 25 mph, when the pedal seems to let go and the car drifts or lurches forward before the brakes take hold again. Several say the effect was most noticeable over bumps, potholes, icy surfaces, or while stopping in traffic. Complaints state that dealers often described the behavior as normal operation of the hybrid regenerative system, sometimes after a road test or inspection found nothing wrong. Reported from a few thousand miles up into the 80,000–160,000 mile range, mostly in low-speed stop-and-go and light braking.

    What to check: Drive the car at low speed over uneven pavement and feel for any pause or forward creep while braking lightly. Ask whether the brake actuator or ABS system has been serviced and whether any dash warnings have appeared.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving at low to moderate speeds in my Lexus rx400h, there is a hesitation in the brakes. It seems to occur in the change over between hybrid regenerative braking and normal hydraulic braking. I rear-ended a car in stop and go traffic due to this issue. I reported this to my local Lexus dealer on two occasions, but they found no problems.”

    NHTSA complaint #10321249, filed 2010-03, 25,596 miles

    “I have a 2007 Lexus rx400h that I purchased new in december 2006. Ever since first taking ownership, I have noticed at speeds less than about 25 MPH that the regenerative braking sometimes releases the brakes without warning and the hydraulic brakes do not immediately engage to take up the desired braking function. The resulting feeling is one of lost brake control and a slight surge forward by the vehicle. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10307772, filed 2010-02, 10,000 miles
  2. Vehicle speed control

    Unintended acceleration while parking or slowing

    Mentioned in 8 of 55 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe the vehicle accelerating on its own at very low speed — while parking, pulling into a space, or coasting toward a stop — sometimes ending in a collision with a pole, wall or another car. Some owners say they pressed the brake and the car kept moving; in one report a floor mat sat between the accelerator and brake pedal. Several mention that the vehicle was not included in the accelerator-pedal-carpet recall. Reported anywhere from a few hundred to about 120,000 miles, with several reports in the first few thousand miles.

    Recall 11V112000

    What to check: Confirm whether the accelerator pedal and floor-carpet clip recall was completed for this VIN, and check that the floor mat is properly secured. Test parking-lot maneuvering at crawl speed during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was in a parking lot of my business entering a parking space. As I was trying to stop I took my foot off the gas and I applied the brake, but the car all of a sudden leapt forward and hit a wooden post directly in front of me, up on a walkway. In order to stop I put the shift into reverse while continuing to apply the brakes.”

    NHTSA complaint #10638087, filed 2014-09, 42,160 miles

    “I have a 2007 Lexus 400h. Periodically, in the last few years, I have experienced my car surging forward while I have been stopped at a traffic signal with my brake on or after I have placed the car in park, it surges forward a few feet.”

    NHTSA complaint #10319339, filed 2010-03, 21,820 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Hybrid-system warnings, stalling and loss of assist

    • 16 complaints (27%)
    • median 71,500 mi at 7.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2019

    Owners report the vehicle shutting down or refusing to start with "check hybrid system" and VSC warnings, and in some cases loss of power steering and power brakes when the car stalled. Some were told the cause was a battery or the inverter; one owner paid for an inverter replacement and later received a recall notice. Others describe coolant loss and engine overheating tied to a cracked radiator in the same period. Mostly reported above 50,000 miles, with several cases beyond 100,000 miles.

    Recall 13V396000Recall 11V3420001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the inverter recall work was performed and keep records of any battery or inverter repairs. Scan for stored hybrid-system codes and check the radiator and coolant level for leaks.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving from florida to fairfax, ca the vehicle stalled ~10 time unexpectedly with loss of power brakes and power steering, making a very dangerous situation. The check hybrid system and check vsc system showed on the dash. Clearing the codes restarted the vehicle. I stopped in denver, co at kuni Lexus of greenwood village, whom road tested the vehicle for 30 miles but were unable to duplicate the fault. Obdii DTC p3105 was read on my scanner before arrival. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11182038, filed 2019-02, 202,144 miles

    “This relates to possible problems with Lexus cars. I don't know if this information is useful or not. I took possession september 2008 of a brand new 2007 Lexus 400h. I drove the SUV approximately 5 miles when all of the dashboard warning lights came on and the engine stopped. I coasted to the bern. I was able to restart the engine but the hybrid system failure alert was on. The dealer had the car tested by their hybrid specialist. The diagnostic computer apparently registered nothing wrong. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10318531, filed 2010-03, 15 miles
  4. Steering

    Loss of power steering assist

    • 6 complaints (10%)
    • median 87,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2019

    Complaints describe the steering wheel suddenly requiring heavy effort, with the power steering warning light on, sometimes after a low-speed curb strike or on a snow-covered road. Owners also report the car wandering or tugging to one side on road cracks and crowned pavement, with the dealer attributing it to tires or finding nothing wrong. Reported from very low mileage on delivery up to roughly 200,000 miles, with several cases in the 50,000–120,000 mile range.

    What to check: Check that the power steering warning light is off and that steering effort is light and even at parking speeds. Inspect tire wear and ask about the condition of the steering rack and its wiring.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I hit the curb on the passengers right front side not that hard at a very low speed turning in from the center turning lane into a bank and the power steering light came on and then I could not steer the car...”

    NHTSA complaint #10566059, filed 2014-02, 87 miles

    “I have 2007 Lexus 400h and the vehicle drifts when it catches either a road crack when changing lanes or on certain roads where there is a small crown. The steering get tight on correcting it drifts to the other side. Steering also gives a tug or a wobble to when hitting certain cracks or bumps. The drift and tugs generally are to the right. Dealer says everything looks good and blames in on tires. My michelin tires with treadwear 450 are almost worn at 25,000 miles. I fear during snow this will be dangerous.”

    NHTSA complaint #10362151, filed 2010-10
  5. Electrical system

    Sticky, melting rear hatch handle

    • 6 complaints (10%)
    • median 68,500 mi at 7.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2012–2016

    The rubber coating on the rear hatch opening switch is reported to turn soft, sticky and eventually gooey, coming off on hands and sometimes leaving the switch inoperable. Owners say they relied on the dash button or key fob to open the hatch instead. One complaint notes the dealer mentioned a service advisory and said the condition was occurring in warm, humid areas. Typically reported between roughly 18,000 and 140,000 miles, in warm or humid climates.

    What to check: Open the rear hatch by hand and look for a tacky or degraded rubber surface on the handle. Confirm the dash button and key-fob release both work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Rear hatch handle/opener has completely melted. It started a few months ago, it was just a little sticky at first, then the black rubber started coming off on my fingers when I opened the hatch manually. The dealer told me that there is a service advisory out about this and that it is only happening in florida. This is an electrical and a safety issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #10480016, filed 2012-10, 110,000 miles

    “Rubber handle part to open the hatch back, became gooey like tar, and made a big mess. Difficult to clean off of things and hands. Progressively worsened. Temporary repetitive solutions was to cut to fit black duct tape and totally cover the mess, but could still press the mechanism if necessary. Mostly use remote now or the button in the driver's seat. Last duct tape application is wearing off, and I need to go in to Lexus for a recall service, so I decided to ask them about it, and how much it would cost. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10551577, filed 2013-11, 18,760 miles

Buying note. Have a hybrid-qualified technician check the brake actuator and hybrid system before purchase, and confirm that both inverter recalls were performed. Test the car at low speed in a parking lot — brake feel and steering effort are the two areas owners most often raise.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid. 52 of the complaints include a mileage, and 46% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 58,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 157 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Other or unknown (2), Suspension (2), Tires (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “I was driving on highway on speed of 65 miles per hour suddenly my power string and brakes failed. Luckily I didn't get an accident. After I came home and start researching I saw there are a lot of people with the same problem.please make a recall for that maybe something happens to someone.thanks”

NHTSA complaint #11119726, filed 2018-08, 199,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: “I just wanted to let you know that my wife and I have experienced the engine accelerating on the 2007 Lexus 400h while coasting to stop signs. This occurrence started about 3-4 months after we got the car and does not occur all of the time. The gas pedal seems to override the engine acceleration problem, however, the issue seems to be similar to what others have seen in other cars. This issue has been reported to the dealership in the past before the recalls without any satisfaction. …”

NHTSA complaint #10304637, filed 2010-02, 4,000 miles

Electrical system: “Hello, I own a 2007 Lexus 400h. On aug 11, 2015 approximately 10pm the vehicle was traveling on hwy 17 south in myrtle beach sc. The vehicle was sitting at a green light in the turning waiting for on coming traffic. When the traffic cleared my wife proceed to proceed froward with the turn. Once she started her decent the vehicle started blowing coolant out of the front of the vehicle and from the bottom. The vehicle stopped responding leaving her in the middle of the turn. I have looked up online that Lexus recalled 2006 and 2007 Lexus rx400h vehicles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10747772, filed 2015-08, 155,400 miles

Body and structure: “My dashboard developed verticle cracks in the driver's side dashboard. Because this dashboard has the airbag inside on the passenger side I wouldn't feel safe in a car that had a cracked dash, anything that would make an airbag go off too soon or go off too late can or would be very serious.”

NHTSA complaint #10605627, filed 2014-06, 70,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

46% of the 52 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 21,820 and 110,000 miles.

17%0–1013%10–2515%25–5015%50–758%75–10017%100–15013%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (52 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 58,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

20102020122014201620182020
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 157 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 157 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lexus RX Hybrid

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20171018,0000———Not enough data
2016733,5002———Not enough data
2015514,6930———Not enough data
20131248,0230———Not enough data
20111288,9000———Not enough data
2010861,0001———Not enough data
20085756,0001——Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Falling
20075958,0003——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200615475,0005——Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Lexus RX Hybrid model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid?

Owners of the 2007 RX400h most often describe brake-pedal behavior at low speed — a brief release or forward surge as the car transitions between regenerative and hydraulic braking — and unintended-acceleration events, frequently while parking or maneuvering slowly. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal releases or surges at low speed; Unintended acceleration while parking or slowing; Hybrid-system warnings, stalling and loss of assist.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid have?

NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 19 complaints (32% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 11.

Has the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Lexus RX Hybrid reported?

Among the 52 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 58,000 miles and the middle half falls between 21,820 and 110,000 miles; 46% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.