Lexus UX (2018–today)Electronics and infotainmenteCall system
eCall system failure: communications module (DCM) not activated or failing to restart in the Lexus UX
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: These are preventive campaigns, but repeated ones: the DVSA lists three (2019, 2021 and 2023, the latter with 4,261 UXs in the UK) and the 2023 campaign covers 247,951 Lexus vehicles worldwide; no source documents real eCall failures in a crash.[1][2]
Symptoms
Why it happens
In the 2019 campaign (R/2019/123), the emergency call system might not have been activated at the factory.[2]
In the 2021 campaign (R/2021/316), eCall might not work when needed; the remedy was to inspect it, update the DCM software and replace the DCM if it was damaged.[2]
In the 2023 campaign (alert A12/02415/23 and DVSA R/2023/280), a software error caused the communications module (DCM) to reset abruptly or fail to shut down fully with the ignition off, so it did not start up again on the next cycle and eCall became unavailable.[1][2]
If it is not repaired: According to Safety Gate, a disabled eCall delays emergency assistance after a crash; the 2023 alert classifies it as a serious risk of injury. The DVSA adds that the affected cars no longer comply with the applicable regulations.[1][2]
Affected years and cars
The DVSA campaigns cover UXs built between October 2018 and July 2023; the 2021 one includes the UX 250h and UX 300e. The figures are for the UK, except the 2023 alert, which was notified to Safety Gate by Portugal.[1][2]
All recalls and campaigns for the Lexus UX
Other models with the same fault
They share the affected part or platform, according to the cited sources.
- Lexus NX IIsince 2021[1]
How much it costs to repair
Includes: DCM software update (in the 2023 campaign, over the air) or replacement of the DCM if it is damaged, depending on each campaign's remedy.[2]
The sources do not state the cost to the owner.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Ask for the VIN and check with an authorised Lexus dealer whether the UX has outstanding eCall campaigns and the DCM software update.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
RecallLexus (Toyota); DVSA (Reino Unido) · 11 May 2019 · Ref. R/2019/123
DVSA R/2019/123: emergency call system possibly not activated
1,201 UXs in the UK built between 05-10-2018 and 29-03-2019. Remedy: inspect and activate the emergency call system if necessary (ref. UGG14).[2]
RecallLexus (Toyota); DVSA (Reino Unido) · 15 November 2021 · Ref. R/2021/316
DVSA R/2021/316: eCall may not work when needed
2,046 UX 250h and UX 300e in the UK built between November 2020 and March 2021. Remedy: inspect the system, update the DCM software and replace the DCM if it is damaged (ref. WGG58).[2]
RecallLexus (Toyota); alerta Safety Gate notificada por Portugal · October 2023 · Ref. A12/02415/23
Safety Gate alert A12/02415/23 and DVSA R/2023/280 (code 23SD-101): DCM that does not restart
Lexus ES, NX, RX, RZ and UX built from 09-09-2022 to 06-07-2023: 247,951 vehicles worldwide according to car-recalls.eu. In the UK, 4,261 UXs built between 12-01-2023 and 06-07-2023, with an over-the-air DCM software update. Alert rated as a serious risk; it affects EU and EEA countries.[1][2]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What is eCall and what goes wrong on the Lexus UX?
It is the automatic emergency call after a serious crash. On the UX, the campaigns describe a system that might not be activated, might not work, or might become unavailable because of a software fault in the communications module (DCM).[1][2]
How is it fixed?
According to the DVSA, with an inspection and an update of the DCM software (over the air in the 2023 campaign) and, if the module is damaged, by replacing it.[2]
Does it affect every Lexus UX?
No: each campaign covers a specific build range (October 2018 to March 2019, November 2020 to March 2021 and January to July 2023 in the DVSA figures). You need to check the VIN.[2]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other faults of the Lexus UX
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake booster pump failure on the UX 250h built in May 2019In November 2019 the UK's DVSA recorded the recall of 228 Lexus UX 250h built in May 2019: an electrical connection inside the brake booster pump motor could cause it to stop working. The pump assembly was inspected and replaced if necessary.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentFrozen rear camera image due to a software fault in the parking assist unitA Safety Gate alert from November 2025 includes the UX: the parking assist unit's software can freeze the rear camera image when you select reverse shortly after starting, or stop it appearing if the car is switched off and on again within a short time. The fix is a software update.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentPoorly welded camera housings: water ingress and loss of imageA Safety Gate alert from July 2024 states that the camera housings on several Lexus and Toyota models, including the UX built between January and August 2023, can come apart under stress because of an incorrect weld, letting water in and causing a short circuit, with loss of the front or rear image.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalClimate controlUX 300e electric compressor and heating fault: no heating or demistingIn September 2025 Safety Gate listed a recall of the 2021-2022 Lexus UX 300e: the electric compressor can fail and put the climate control into a safety mode that suspends the heating and reduces demisting, with a risk of the windscreen misting up or freezing in cold weather.
The faults of its engines are on the Lexus UX page.
The same problem in other cars
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonFord Kuga IIIFire risk in the plug-in hybrid high-voltage battery (recall 25SC4)The cells of the Kuga PHEV's high-voltage battery (made by Samsung SDI) can suffer an internal short circuit because of a damaged separator, with a risk of power loss and fire; Ford has recalled units built between August 2019 and November 2023.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase G W463AFront door wiring poorly routed, with possible failure of restraints, unlocking and eCall (2018 production)Yes: a recall affected 11,528 G-Class from 2018 because the front door wiring may have been poorly routed and could limit restraint systems, unlocking after a crash or the eCall position. The harness is checked and replaced if necessary.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda Accord VIIIHonda Accord VIII airbag module recall (June 2015)According to the fiches-auto.fr page, in June 2015 there was a recall to replace an airbag cartridge in more than 25,000 vehicles. We have not been able to confirm the exact scope for Spain or the campaign number with an official source.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Sorento IVeCall system may not send the VIN after an impactYes: Sorento and Sorento Hybrid (MQ4) units built between June and December 2020 were recalled (Safety Gate alert 6/2021, 5,738 units) because, after an airbag deployment, the eCall could fail to transmit the VIN to the emergency centre, which could delay rescue.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda KamiqThe eCall system might not place a call after an accident because of non-compliant software (campaign 91W7)Yes: Škoda recalled Kamiqs from certain 2019 batches (campaign 91W7) because the software of the eCall communication module did not comply with the regulations and the emergency call button might not work.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda ScalaeCall system might not call in an accident because of non-compliant software (campaign 91W7)Yes: Škoda recalled Scalas from certain 2019 batches (campaign 91W7) because the software of the eCall communication module did not comply with regulations and the emergency call button might not work.Repair: €0
All faults with the eCall system (30)Cars with the most electronics and infotainment problems
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Lexus UX (2022 - 2023) accident, electronic (alerta Safety Gate A12/02415/23)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 6 October 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026
- DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido), vía check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026