Lexus RZ350e — Owner Issues Report

The RZ350e consistently falls short of its official WLTP range in real-world UK driving. Early models had a software restriction on battery capacity that has since been patched. Charging is slower than class rivals, a safety-beep setting resets every trip, and two safety recalls are currently active.

At a Glance

200–220mi Real-world range
(vs 252 mi WLTP)

18–20% Range shortfall
vs advertised

150 kW Max DC rapid
charge speed

~30 min 0–80% DC
charge time

Key Issues

High Real-world range well below the official figure

Independent UK tests consistently record 200–220 miles in normal conditions, against Lexus's official WLTP rating of 252 miles (20-inch wheels) — an 18–20% gap. In winter or with the air-con on hard, figures drop further. Business Car's long-term UK fleet test recorded a best of just 206 miles.

High Early 2023 models had a software cap on battery capacity

First deliveries shipped with software that over-restricted how much of the battery you could use — the same problem affected the related Toyota bZ4X. With AC running, range on those cars could drop to 150–160 miles. A free software update has been available at Lexus dealers since early 2024 and recovers range to around 220 miles. If you have an early car, ask your dealer to confirm it's been applied.

High DC rapid charging is slow for its class

The car maxes out at 150 kW DC — enough for a 0–80% top-up in around 30 minutes, but well behind rivals. Hyundai and Kia can charge at up to 350 kW; Tesla at up to 250 kW. Reviewers consistently flag this as the car's biggest practical weakness for longer journeys. AC home and destination charging also draws criticism for being slow.

Medium Safety-alert beeping resets every time you start the car

The driver-alert beeps (lane-keep, radar cruise warnings, etc.) do not remember you turned them off. Every journey, you must go into Settings → Drive Assist on the touchscreen and switch from audible to visual-only alerts. Regenerative braking preferences also fail to carry over between ignition cycles. An annoyance Lexus has not yet addressed with a software fix.

Active Safety Recalls

⚠ Rearview Camera Freeze / Blank Screen

A software fault can cause the reversing camera to freeze or go completely blank while reversing. Affects 2023–2025 Lexus RZ. Fix: free software update at your Lexus dealer. Owner letters were sent January 2026.

NHTSA Ref: 25V744000 · ~1 million vehicles across Toyota, Lexus & Subaru

⚠ Heater / Defroster May Stop Working

An electrical fault in the HVAC compressor can cause the front defroster and rear defogger to stop working — a serious issue in cold or wet UK weather. Affects 2023–2025 Lexus RZ. Fix: free repair at your Lexus dealer. Owner letters were sent October 2025.

NHTSA Ref: 25V577000 · ~94,000 vehicles across Toyota, Lexus & Subaru

Things Worth Checking

Has your car had the battery capacity software update applied? Ask your dealer — especially important if it's a 2023 model.
Have both recalls (camera and heater) been completed on your car? Ask Lexus UK with your VIN or check gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall.
Long-term UK range data for the 350e (single-motor) specifically is still limited — it may differ from the 450e figures quoted here.
2025–2026 model year updates may have improved some issues — worth asking your dealer what's changed.

A Note on Sources

Findings draw on UK automotive press (Business Car, Electrifying.com, Carbuyer, Auto Express) and EV Database. Recall numbers are from the US NHTSA database; the same vehicles and software are sold in the UK. Check gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall with your registration for the UK DVSA status. Range data centres on 2023–2024 ownership; more recent software updates may have improved some figures.