If you’re looking at a 2023 Lexus RZ, you’re probably wondering whether Lexus’s first U.S. battery‑electric SUV is as reliable as the brand’s hybrids and gas models. The honest answer: the 2023 Lexus RZ reliability story is solid in some areas, but it’s still a first‑generation EV with a short range and a few recalls and quirks you should understand before you buy used.
Quick reliability snapshot
Overview: How Reliable Is the 2023 Lexus RZ So Far?
2023 Lexus RZ Reliability at a Glance (as of 2026)
From a classic reliability standpoint, does it start every morning and get you where you’re going, the RZ has done reasonably well. There have been no large‑scale reports of traction‑battery failures or motor replacements. Where owners tend to express frustration is range, HVAC performance in cold weather, and occasional charging or software behavior. That’s a very different profile from, say, a transmission failure on a gas SUV, but it still matters to your ownership experience.
Remember it’s a first‑year EV
Lexus Brand Reputation vs. A First-Generation EV
Historically, Lexus has lived at or near the top of vehicle‑dependability studies. Independent surveys have repeatedly ranked the brand #1 or close to it for three‑year dependability, based largely on conventional gas and hybrid vehicles. That reputation is well‑earned, but it doesn’t automatically make the first‑ever Lexus BEV bulletproof.
Lexus strengths that carry over
- Conservative engineering: Lexus and Toyota tend to engineer well within the limits of components instead of chasing wild specs.
- Quality control: Cabin fit and finish, squeaks/rattles, and paint quality are typically above segment average.
- Dealer network: Established network with EV training and warranty processes in place.
New‑EV unknowns
- Battery chemistry & thermal strategy: Long‑term degradation data for this 71.4‑kWh pack is still limited.
- Software complexity: The RZ relies heavily on software for HVAC, charging, and driver‑assist features, common sources of early glitches.
- Platform sharing: It shares hardware with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, which have had their own recall history.
How to think about RZ reliability
Owner Ratings & Real-World Feedback
Because the RZ is still a relatively low‑volume model, public owner‑review samples are small. On major consumer sites, early owners typically give the **2023 Lexus RZ** around 4.0 out of 5 stars for reliability, with overall satisfaction in the same ballpark. Some rave about refinement and Lexus service; others are frustrated by range and value.
What 2023 RZ Owners Tend to Say
Themes that show up repeatedly in early owner reviews
Smooth, quiet daily driver
Owners often praise the ride quality, quiet cabin, and upscale interior. For commuting and school‑run duty, the RZ feels like a "real" Lexus with instant EV torque.
Range falls short of expectations
Highway drivers, especially in colder climates, report real‑world range well below the EPA sticker, sometimes in the 160–180‑mile window on 18‑inch wheels.
Price vs. competition
At its original MSRP, some owners feel the RZ is expensive for the range and charging speed. As a used vehicle at a lower price point, that equation can look much better.
"Great SUV, but has a short range... Very comfortable interior and easy to use, but no glove box and the range is limiting."
Recalls & Safety Campaigns on the 2023 Lexus RZ
By early 2026, the 2023 Lexus RZ has been subject to multiple software‑driven recalls, many of them shared with its Toyota and Subaru platform mates. These recalls are important for safety, but the fixes are straightforward, usually a software update and, in some cases, an HVAC component inspection.
Major Recalls Affecting the 2023 Lexus RZ
Always run the VIN through an official recall lookup before you buy.
| Issue | Model Years Affected | Symptoms | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC / Defroster software | 2023–2025 RZ (plus bZ4X & Solterra) | Defroster/defogger may stop working after certain compressor faults, reducing visibility in cold or humid conditions. | Dealer software update to HVAC control ECU; compressor inspected and replaced if needed, free of charge. |
| Rearview / parking camera software | 2022–2026 Toyota/Lexus EVs with Panoramic View Monitor, including 2023 RZ | Camera image may freeze or go blank when reversing, failing rear‑visibility standards. | Parking‑assist and camera software update performed by dealer at no cost. |
Recall details may evolve; check NHTSA and Lexus for the latest information.
Why the HVAC recall matters
The good news is that recalls like these don’t usually change the vehicle’s long‑term mechanical reliability once fixed. But if they’re not fixed, you could be driving around with a safety system that’s not doing its job.
Battery Health, Range & Long-Term EV Reliability
When you move into EVs, battery health and real‑world range become the heart of the reliability conversation. A power‑train that never breaks is great, but if the usable range shrinks sharply over time, you’ll still feel let down.
- 71.4‑kWh lithium‑ion battery pack shared with Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra
- EPA range up to 220 miles with 18‑inch wheels; 196 miles with 20‑inch wheels
- Real‑world highway range tests around 170 miles at 70 mph are common, even when new
- Some owners report the dashboard “guess‑o‑meter” estimate dropping from ~200+ miles when new to ~170 miles after a few weeks of mixed driving
Range vs. battery degradation
So far, there’s no evidence of widespread pack failures or rapid, Tesla‑style early degradation. The bigger complaint is simply that Lexus started with a modest range figure, and highway or cold‑weather use chips away at it further. If your daily driving is 40–60 miles, the RZ works well; if you expect regular 200‑mile winter road trips, it’s the wrong tool for the job.
Battery & Range Checks Before You Buy a Used RZ
1. Get a battery‑health snapshot
Ask for a recent service report or EV health check. At Recharged, every vehicle includes a <strong>Recharged Score battery health diagnostic</strong> so you’re not guessing about remaining capacity.
2. Compare indicated range to EPA numbers
With a full charge and climate control set reasonably, note the indicated range. A healthy 2023 RZ on 18‑inch wheels that shows ~185–205 miles in mild weather is generally in the expected window.
3. Test a highway loop
If possible, drive at 65–70 mph for 30–40 miles and compare miles driven vs. miles of range lost. That will tell you more about real‑world usability than the sticker.
4. Ask about DC fast‑charging habits
Frequent charging to 100% and regular high‑power DC fast charging can accelerate degradation. Occasional road‑trip fast charging is fine; living at 100% is not.
Charging Reliability: Home and Public Fast Charging
Several owner surveys flag EV charging as one of the more common trouble spots on the RZ and its platform relatives. That doesn’t mean the car can’t charge; it usually means that the experience isn’t as seamless as buyers expected, especially on public networks.
Typical Charging-Related Complaints
Most are fixable with software updates or better setup
Home charging won’t start or stops
Often traced to incompatible or low‑quality home EVSE units, wiring issues, or needs for a software update. Using a reputable Level 2 charger on a properly wired 240‑V circuit usually resolves this.
Public DC fast chargers hit‑or‑miss
Many complaints involve network‑side problems rather than the car itself. That said, the RZ’s 150‑kW peak isn’t class‑leading, so sessions may feel slow versus newer rivals.
Charge‑port door and interface quirks
Some owners report finicky charge‑port doors or confusing charge‑screen messages when a session fails. Software and habit (unplug, re‑plug, move stalls) usually sort it out.
Set realistic charging expectations
Other Common Issues: Noise, Trim, and Tech Quirks
Beyond the EV‑specific items, the RZ shows a fairly typical Lexus pattern: a mostly solid cabin with isolated reports of trim noise, rattles, and paint or interior quirks, nothing like the systemic issues you sometimes see on new‑to‑EV brands.
- Occasional cabin rattles or buzzing from dash trim or pillars, usually fixable under warranty
- Paint or exterior‑trim complaints are rare but not nonexistent, particularly in harsh climates
- Infotainment glitches or slow responses, most often resolved by software updates
- Unusual interior layout choices, like the lack of a traditional glove box, that some owners dislike but that aren’t reliability faults
Where the RZ still feels like a Lexus
2023 Lexus RZ vs. Toyota bZ4X & Subaru Solterra Reliability
Because the RZ shares its basic e‑TNGA platform with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, it’s worth asking whether you inherit their problems. Early in their lives, bZ4X and Solterra were hit with a high‑profile wheel‑bolt recall; the RZ was not caught up in that specific issue, but all three share the later HVAC/defroster recall.
Lexus RZ 450e
- Higher price but more upscale interior and Lexus dealer network.
- Similar battery and charging limits as its siblings.
- Fewer early, high‑drama recalls than bZ4X/ Solterra.
Toyota bZ4X
- More mainstream pricing; had early wheel‑hub recall that paused sales.
- Same HVAC/defroster software issue as RZ.
- Toyota’s volume means more real‑world data, but also more publicized issues.
Subaru Solterra
- Subaru’s first modern EV, also affected by early wheel‑bolt and HVAC recalls.
- Aim is light off‑road capability; similar range constraints.
- Dealer experience and parts pipelines still catching up in some regions.
Reliability takeaway vs. its siblings
What to Check If You’re Buying a Used 2023 Lexus RZ
Used pricing has come down sharply from the original MSRP, which makes the reliability/value equation much more attractive. But a 2023 RZ is still a first‑year EV, and you want to go in with eyes open.
Used 2023 Lexus RZ Reliability Checklist
1. Run a full recall & service history check
Confirm that <strong>all recall campaigns</strong>, especially HVAC/defroster and camera software, have been completed. Ask for printed service records. Recharged verifies recall completion as part of our intake process.
2. Inspect charging equipment and behavior
Test the vehicle at a <strong>Level 2 home‑style charger and, if possible, a DC fast charger</strong>. Confirm that sessions start reliably, no warning lights appear, and the charge‑port door works smoothly.
3. Evaluate range in your real use case
On a test drive, reset a trip meter and drive at your typical speeds for at least 20–30 miles. Compare miles driven vs. miles of range consumed so you understand what the car will really do for you.
4. Listen for rattles and check trim
On a rough road, listen for <strong>dash, pillar, or cargo‑area noises</strong>. Check for loose interior pieces, misaligned doors or liftgate, and paint defects that might suggest prior repairs.
5. Confirm software is up to date
Ask the seller or dealer to confirm the RZ is on the <strong>latest software version</strong> for infotainment, driver‑assist, and EV systems. Updates can quietly fix a lot of small annoyances.
6. Consider warranty coverage window
Lexus typically backs the traction battery for many years and miles, but check the exact terms for the RZ in your region. Knowing how long high‑voltage components remain under warranty can provide real peace of mind.
How Recharged can simplify this
Is the 2023 Lexus RZ a Good Used Buy?
Viewed as a new‑car purchase at its original price, the 2023 RZ was a tough sell against longer‑range rivals. As a used luxury EV at today’s much lower prices, it becomes more compelling, especially if your driving pattern fits its strengths.
When a used 2023 RZ makes sense
- You drive short to moderate daily distances and rarely exceed 150 miles in a day.
- You value quiet comfort, Lexus dealer support, and interior quality over maximum range.
- You’re buying a well‑documented example with recall work and software updates completed.
- You plan to keep DC fast‑charging for occasional trips, not every day.
When you should look elsewhere
- You routinely drive long highway stretches or live in an area with sparse charging.
- You want cutting‑edge DC fast‑charging speeds and 250+ miles of real‑world range.
- You’re uncomfortable being an early adopter of a first‑generation EV platform.
- You expect to tow or haul loads near the vehicle’s limits regularly.
From a pure durability standpoint, the 2023 Lexus RZ reliability picture is encouraging: few serious mechanical failures, a solid brand track record, and recalls that are more about software than broken hardware. The trade‑offs are modest range and first‑generation EV quirks. If you understand those limitations and buy a well‑vetted example, ideally with a documented battery‑health report and completed recalls, the RZ can be a quiet, comfortable, and dependable electric companion for the right kind of driving.
