Lexus and Toyota Hybrid Owners Report Being Trapped By Battery Faults

Owners of Lexus and Toyota hybrid vehicles are reporting that 12-volt battery faults are trapping them and their passengers inside their cars, according to a Which? investigation. The issue is particularly prominent in Lexus models equipped with the company's 'e-Latch' electronic door-release system, which replaces traditional door handles with buttons. When the 12-volt auxiliary battery fails or becomes depleted, the electronic system can lose power, rendering the door buttons inoperable.

While a mechanical backup system exists for these doors, many owners have reported being unaware of its function and have resorted to breaking windows to escape. Customers who have returned their vehicles to dealerships after experiencing rapid 12V battery drain have been told that their cars require up to two hours of driving weekly to maintain sufficient charge. This advice has been criticized as unrealistic by some owners.

Which? first raised concerns about a high volume of 12V battery problems in Lexus and Toyota cars in May. Since then, approximately 270 motorists have contacted the consumer group with similar issues, with over 75% owning models from these two manufacturers. The e-Latch system, which was praised for its safety features, including preventing doors from opening into the path of cyclists, is now under scrutiny.

Battery Faults and Specific Models

Nearly 30% of Lexus LBX owners surveyed by Which? reported a battery fault in the past year. For the Toyota Yaris Cross, nearly two in five drivers reported battery issues, a rate almost four times the average for hybrid cars. Which? warns that flat batteries can have "potentially dangerous consequences for owners" if occupants are unable to exit the vehicle.

One owner, Michael from North Lancashire, reported his year-old Lexus NX had its 12V battery fail twice, trapping him and other adults inside due to the e-Latch system not functioning. Unaware of the manual override, he and his companions smashed a window for air. The dealership reportedly declined a free battery replacement or window repair, costing him over £278 for a new battery and glass.

Mary Mitchell described an incident where her grandchildren were locked inside her Lexus LBX after the vehicle would not start upon her return from a holiday. The children became distressed, and a window had to be opened to get them out. The same problem recurred a year later, with a Lexus dealership attributing the issue to her driving habits and suggesting the car was unsuitable for low-mileage use. She stated that being advised to drive for two hours weekly was not realistic and questioned the vehicle's fitness for purpose.

Several Lexus and Toyota owners have been told by dealerships that battery failures are linked to poor "usage patterns." Some were advised to drive specific distances regularly to keep the battery charged, while others were informed that annual mileages within the UK average were insufficient. Which? suggests this could breach consumer protection laws if buyers were not adequately informed about the vehicle's usage requirements for battery maintenance.

James Houston of Northamptonshire experienced six separate 12V battery problems in the first year of his Lexus RX. In one instance, his wife was trapped inside because the rear passenger door could not be opened normally due to the loss of electrical power. He noted that the manual emergency release process was not intuitive or clearly explained.

Manufacturer Response and Manual Overrides

Lexus and Toyota have acknowledged the issue and published guidance on their websites detailing how owners can access vehicles when electronic door systems fail due to battery issues. A spokesperson for the brands stated that they take customer feedback seriously and are implementing improvements, including higher-capacity batteries, enhancements to connected services, and updated battery diagnostic software. They are also offering free battery inspections. The company emphasized that discussions about vehicle usage are intended for technical assessment, not customer criticism.

Regarding the e-Latch system, Lexus and Toyota confirmed that vehicles are equipped with manual override mechanisms. Instructions for these systems are available in owner's manuals and online. To address customer awareness, they plan to create new guidance on entering and exiting vehicles safely during power loss and will re-communicate this information through their retailer networks.

Broader Context of Door Handle Design

These reports emerge as China prepares to ban 'hidden' door handles on new cars from January 1, 2027, due to safety concerns. Such handles, designed for aesthetics and aerodynamics, have faced criticism for freezing shut in winter and, more critically, for potentially hindering emergency access to passengers in the event of a crash. This move by China could influence global automotive design, as similar concealed handles are used by manufacturers like Tesla, Audi, and Jaguar Land Rover.