Lexus RZ EBM10 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Lexus's first series-production EV, the RZ (chassis code EBM10), has been on sale since 2023 on the group's e-TNGA platform – the same underpinnings as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, dressed in sharper Lexus sheet metal.
Two drivetrain families cover the lineup: RZ-FWD sends power only to the front wheels (RZ 300e at 150 kW through 2025, replaced by the 2026 RZ 350e at 167 kW), while RZ-AWD splits torque electronically between two motors front and rear (RZ 450e at 230 kW, plus the 2026 RZ 500e at 280 kW and the range-topping 550e F Sport at 300 kW with steer-by-wire and simulated gear steps). Real-world range on early cars lands closer to 400 km (roughly 250 miles) than the WLTP number suggests, and peak DC fast-charging tops out at a fairly ordinary 150 kW – a charge to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes, longer than several cheaper rivals need. Early AWD cars also trailed the class on range; the 2026 facelift fixed that with a larger battery, more power, and – finally – battery preconditioning that was missing at launch, which matters for winter charging speed. Top speed on every version is capped at 160 km/h (99 mph), criticized in reviews as low for a premium badge.
The most common owner headache is the 12-volt auxiliary battery: constant monitoring of the traction battery drains it even while parked, so after one to three weeks standing the car can refuse to start – replacement runs $200–450. A subset of AWD cars develop a low-frequency hum from the rear eAxle starting around 34 mph that grows louder with speed, reported around 29,000 km (18,000 miles), repairs $150–650; the cause inside the reduction gear hasn't been officially confirmed. Because regenerative braking does most of the stopping, the mechanical brakes see so little use that caliper guide pins and rotors can surface-corrode as early as 9,000 km (5,600 miles), showing up as an uneven rotor pattern and $100–550 in shop time. Early years were also hit with recalls: a rearview camera that can freeze or go black, and – specific to US-market cars – an HVAC fault that can knock out the windshield defroster and rear defogger.
Test-drive checklist: confirm every recall is closed (rearview camera, HVAC/defroster on US cars), listen for a rear hum above 34 mph on AWD models, check the front rotors for even wear, and ask to see the charging/battery-management software update history. The battery warranty runs 8 years or 160,000 km (100,000 miles) down to 70 percent capacity – worth getting confirmed in writing.
2026 market: US used RZ 450e pricing runs roughly $27,900–47,000, averaging around $35,400 depending on year and mileage; European used RZ 450e prices land closer to €47,000–62,500. The RZ is still too young for real long-term durability data – everything documented so far reads as early-production teething trouble, not a structural weak point.
Insider pick: facelift cars (350e/500e/550e) are the smarter buy – the bigger battery and the finally-added preconditioning make cold-weather charging noticeably less painful.
Engine Overview
The Lexus RZ EBM10 is available with 5 engine variants — from 204 to 408 hp.
The front electric drive uses a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with integrated power electronics in a compact eAxle unit, together with a single-speed reduction gear and differential - a conventional gearbox is not needed at all. The technology comes from a group-wide electric platform and is mechanically unremarkable and low-maintenance. One critical point is the charging electronics: peak DC charging power is rather moderate for a vehicle in this price bracket, so fast-charging stops take longer than with some cheaper rivals. Battery cooling runs through its own circuit whose function should be checked during services, since inadequate cooling can further reduce charging speed. The manufacturer regularly issues software updates for charging and battery management, so checking the update history is worthwhile when buying used.
- !! 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked
Continuous monitoring of the high-voltage battery draws current from the small 12V battery even while parked. After one to three weeks of standing time it can discharge enough to prevent the vehicle from starting.
Symptoms: After extended standing time the vehicle no longer reacts to the start button, electric doors will not open, and the 12V battery needs to be jump-started. - ! Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket
DC fast-charging power is capped at 150 kW, rather moderate compared with rivals in a similar price bracket. As a result, fast-charging stops on long trips take noticeably longer than with faster-charging competitors.
Symptoms: Longer stops at fast chargers than with rivals, especially on longer trips with several charging stops.
The front electric drive uses a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with integrated power electronics in a compact eAxle unit, together with a single-speed reduction gear and differential - a conventional gearbox is not needed at all. The technology comes from a group-wide electric platform and is mechanically unremarkable and low-maintenance. One critical point is the charging electronics: peak DC charging power is rather moderate for a vehicle in this price bracket, so fast-charging stops take longer than with some cheaper rivals. Battery cooling runs through its own circuit whose function should be checked during services, since inadequate cooling can further reduce charging speed. The manufacturer regularly issues software updates for charging and battery management, so checking the update history is worthwhile when buying used.
- !! 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked
Continuous monitoring of the high-voltage battery draws current from the small 12V battery even while parked. After one to three weeks of standing time it can discharge enough to prevent the vehicle from starting.
Symptoms: After extended standing time the vehicle no longer reacts to the start button, electric doors will not open, and the 12V battery needs to be jump-started. - ! Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket
DC fast-charging power is capped at 150 kW, rather moderate compared with rivals in a similar price bracket. As a result, fast-charging stops on long trips take noticeably longer than with faster-charging competitors.
Symptoms: Longer stops at fast chargers than with rivals, especially on longer trips with several charging stops.
The all-wheel-drive system combines two permanent-magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear axles, distributing torque steplessly between them as needed. Mechanically the system is low-maintenance, since conventional clutches or transfer cases are not required - torque distribution is handled purely electronically via the motor controller. The additional motor power electronics at the rear axle need their own cooling circuit, whose function should be checked during major services. Peak DC fast-charging power is likewise rather moderate for a vehicle in this price bracket, which shows up as longer charging stops on long trips. Early versions also had below-average range compared with rivals, which was noticeably improved in later versions through a larger battery. The manufacturer continuously rolls out software updates for charging and battery management.
- !! 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked
Continuous monitoring of the high-voltage battery draws current from the small 12V battery even while parked. After one to three weeks of standing time it can discharge enough to prevent the vehicle from starting.
Symptoms: After extended standing time the vehicle no longer reacts to the start button, electric doors will not open, and the 12V battery needs to be jump-started. - ! Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket
DC fast-charging power is capped at 150 kW, rather moderate compared with rivals in a similar price bracket. As a result, fast-charging stops on long trips take noticeably longer than with faster-charging competitors.
Symptoms: Longer stops at fast chargers than with rivals, especially on longer trips with several charging stops. - ! Below-average range on the early all-wheel-drive version
The EPA-rated range of the first all-wheel-drive version was lower than similarly positioned electric SUVs with comparable battery capacity. US trade media explicitly called out range as a weak point of the model.
Symptoms: Less usable range per charge than comparable rival models, more frequent charging stops on long trips.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The all-wheel-drive system combines two permanent-magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear axles, distributing torque steplessly between them as needed. Mechanically the system is low-maintenance, since conventional clutches or transfer cases are not required - torque distribution is handled purely electronically via the motor controller. The additional motor power electronics at the rear axle need their own cooling circuit, whose function should be checked during major services. Peak DC fast-charging power is likewise rather moderate for a vehicle in this price bracket, which shows up as longer charging stops on long trips. Early versions also had below-average range compared with rivals, which was noticeably improved in later versions through a larger battery. The manufacturer continuously rolls out software updates for charging and battery management.
- !! 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked
Continuous monitoring of the high-voltage battery draws current from the small 12V battery even while parked. After one to three weeks of standing time it can discharge enough to prevent the vehicle from starting.
Symptoms: After extended standing time the vehicle no longer reacts to the start button, electric doors will not open, and the 12V battery needs to be jump-started. - ! Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket
DC fast-charging power is capped at 150 kW, rather moderate compared with rivals in a similar price bracket. As a result, fast-charging stops on long trips take noticeably longer than with faster-charging competitors.
Symptoms: Longer stops at fast chargers than with rivals, especially on longer trips with several charging stops. - ! Below-average range on the early all-wheel-drive version
The EPA-rated range of the first all-wheel-drive version was lower than similarly positioned electric SUVs with comparable battery capacity. US trade media explicitly called out range as a weak point of the model.
Symptoms: Less usable range per charge than comparable rival models, more frequent charging stops on long trips.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The all-wheel-drive system combines two permanent-magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear axles, distributing torque steplessly between them as needed. Mechanically the system is low-maintenance, since conventional clutches or transfer cases are not required - torque distribution is handled purely electronically via the motor controller. The additional motor power electronics at the rear axle need their own cooling circuit, whose function should be checked during major services. Peak DC fast-charging power is likewise rather moderate for a vehicle in this price bracket, which shows up as longer charging stops on long trips. Early versions also had below-average range compared with rivals, which was noticeably improved in later versions through a larger battery. The manufacturer continuously rolls out software updates for charging and battery management.
- !! 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked
Continuous monitoring of the high-voltage battery draws current from the small 12V battery even while parked. After one to three weeks of standing time it can discharge enough to prevent the vehicle from starting.
Symptoms: After extended standing time the vehicle no longer reacts to the start button, electric doors will not open, and the 12V battery needs to be jump-started. - ! Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket
DC fast-charging power is capped at 150 kW, rather moderate compared with rivals in a similar price bracket. As a result, fast-charging stops on long trips take noticeably longer than with faster-charging competitors.
Symptoms: Longer stops at fast chargers than with rivals, especially on longer trips with several charging stops. - ! Below-average range on the early all-wheel-drive version
The EPA-rated range of the first all-wheel-drive version was lower than similarly positioned electric SUVs with comparable battery capacity. US trade media explicitly called out range as a weak point of the model.
Symptoms: Less usable range per charge than comparable rival models, more frequent charging stops on long trips.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Rear-View Camera Failure The rear-view camera can fail completely, no longer meeting UN-ECE Regulation 158. Vehicles built in late 2022/2023 are inspected at dealers and cameras replaced free of charge if needed. Symptoms: Rear-view camera shows no image when reverse gear is engaged | Low | |
| Recall: Rear-View Camera Freezes or Goes Blank A software error in the parking-assist ECU can cause the rear-view camera image to freeze or display a blank screen. Fixed by reprogramming the ECU at a dealer, free of charge. Symptoms: Rear-view camera image freezes or shows a blank/black screen while reversing | Low | |
| Recall: Defroster/Rear Defogger Disabled by HVAC Fault An HVAC system fault can disable the front defroster and rear window defogger, reducing visibility in cold or foggy conditions. Affects 2023-2025 model year vehicles. Fixed via ECU software update and A/C compressor inspection at the dealer, free of charge. Symptoms: Fogged or iced-up windows won't clear, rear defogger stops working | Low | |
| Recall: eCall Emergency System Inoperative A software fault can disable the automatic eCall emergency system. Lexus pushes a software update over-the-air; in some cases a dealer visit for telematics reconfiguration is required. Symptoms: No noticeable everyday symptoms; emergency call system may not respond in a real accident | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Lexus RZ EBM10 (2023–2026) — 6 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Brakes.
RZ (RZ-FWD, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked, Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket. Power: 204 PS.
RZ (RZ-AWD, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked, Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket, Below-average range on the early all-wheel-drive version. Power: 313 PS.
RZ (RZ-FWD, 2025–2026) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked, Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket. Power: 227 PS.
RZ (RZ-AWD, 2025–2026) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked, Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket, Below-average range on the early all-wheel-drive version. Power: 381 PS.
RZ (RZ-AWD, 2025–2026) — Be Careful: 12V auxiliary battery drains while parked, Peak DC charging power moderate for the price bracket, Below-average range on the early all-wheel-drive version. Power: 408 PS.
What to watch out for with the Lexus RZ? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Lexus RZ EBM10 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Lexus RZ EBM10? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Lexus RZ EBM10 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Lexus RZ EBM10 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Lexus RZ EBM10? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee