Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that the vehicle would emit abnormal sounds long after the vehicle was parked. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stood on the brake and the vehicle finally responded. The brake warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS actuator had failed. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Lexus Technical Service Bulletin Number: POL16-01 because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without proper braking functionality. The contact stated that the ABS, traction control, service brakes, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the skid control unit needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact then spoke to a local dealer but did not take the vehicle to be inspected due to the cost of the diagnostic fee. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
As I was driving, when I pressed the brakes I could hear a grinding noise and did not feel enough pressure on the brake pedal, I got scared and slowed down my speed. It turned out that according to the agency service shop, the brake actuator needs to be replaced since it does not provide enough air/pressure when I brake at a low speeds (it's worn out), plus the cv axle on driver's side is leaking. My point is, it costs me over $3,000 dlls to repair with only 1 year labor/parts warranty; I read that brake actuators for 2006, 2007. & 2008 rx400h Lexus and Toyota highlander models came out defective, that once they get replaced, they will fail again most likely within a year and Lexus has not done anything about it, pretending that there is nothing wrong with it, allowing us to drive our vehicles like that while having our lives at risk. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus rx400h. While driving, the brake pedal became very difficult to depress and vibrated while being depressed to the floorboard. Also, the brake warning indicator was illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to drive 30 MPH to Lexus of glendale (1221 s brand blvd, glendale, ca 91204, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 1911142372. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
After the vehicle been working perfectly, after overnight the various warning lamps, including the mal function indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, master warning light, and check vsc system message showed up on the instrument panel. When the vehicle were in motion, the breaks went in blank, continuing running even with the break pedal pressed. The vehicle only stoped with the emergency breaks. After get the vehicle checked at my nearest Lexus dealer, the service advisor indicate than the issue has been caused by the actuator and the break master cylinder, which would cost $4,595 plus tax.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus rx400h. While the contact's wife was driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to engage. The brake pedal traveled to the floorboard before coming to a stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The contact researched the VIN online at NHTSA.gov, but found no open recalls. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring for the past two years. The failure mileage was 220,000. The VIN was not available.
The Hybrid system light turned on. Next were the brake and ABS lights turned on, then the was stalled in the middle of the road. The car was in motion and I was able to steered it to the side of the road. It was on the street road. I checked for the recalls related to the VIN, but no recalls for this vehicle although there were 6 recalls total. One of the recall related to the inverter coolant. It happened to me twice once at around 120K and now 135,828 miles.my VIN is [redacted].
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus rx400h. While driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to immediately respond and was difficult to stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The contact researched the VIN online and stated that there were no recalls concerning the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the brake failure had been occurring randomly for over two years. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 220,000.
As I was approaching a red light I started to brake. My brakes did not engage even when I pumped. I swung my care to the left so I would not rear end the car in front. I hit the car on the passenger rear corner (on my left) and totaled my Lexus. My brakes were fine up to that moment and although I could not drive the car away from the scene they seemed to be working again when I pressed on them (although I cannot be sure as the car was still). It was horrible.
I was driving the Lexus rx400h within the city and tried to brake suddenly to avoid a failed car in my lane. I pushed really hard on the brake pedal and continued to step hard on the brake. There was no braking action whatsoever. It appeared as if pressing very hard on the brake just disabled the brake. The car continued to drive like it was on a cruise control and the incident resulted in rear-ending the car in front.
Brake complaints in other RX Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid, 31% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.