Transmission Software Defect May Cause Power Loss and Fire Risk In Lexus LX600
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing have identified a transmission control software defect affecting certain 2025–2026 Lexus LX600 vehicles. This defect could lead to serious drivability issues, including loss of power while driving and a potential fire hazard. The recall has been assigned NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-094 and Toyota recall number 26LA01.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall applies to:
- 2025 Lexus LX600
- 2026 Lexus LX600
These luxury SUVs are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that relies on electronically controlled linear solenoids to manage gear shifting.
What Is the Problem?
According to Toyota, the issue involves the vehicle’s transmission electronic control unit (ECU) software programming.
Inside the transmission are linear solenoids responsible for controlling gear changes. If one of these solenoids fails under certain driving conditions, the system is supposed to send a failure signal from the transmission ECU to the engine ECU.
That signal activates protective measures designed to prevent engine and transmission damage.
However, due to a software programming issue:
- The failure signal may not be transmitted to the engine ECU.
- Over-rev protection may not activate.
- The transmission may continue operating under unsafe conditions.
As a result, the transmission can over-rev in certain gears, potentially causing mechanical damage.
Safety Risks Associated With the Defect
Toyota warns that this condition could lead to several safety concerns, including:
- Loss of motive power while driving, particularly at higher speeds
- Internal transmission damage
- Transmission housing damage
- Transmission fluid leakage
- Increased risk of fire if leaking fluid contacts hot exhaust components
A sudden loss of propulsion significantly increases the risk of a crash, especially during highway driving or merging situations.
How Toyota Discovered the Issue
The defect was first identified during an internal audit, which revealed a potential problem with transmission ECU programming.
Toyota then launched an extensive investigation that included:
- Reproduction testing to simulate failure conditions
- Analysis of remote vehicle data collected from vehicles in Japan
- Expanded global data collection across additional markets and models
- Evaluation of real-world driving patterns following solenoid failures
While early data reviews showed no diagnostic trouble codes linked to the issue, expanded analysis in early 2026 identified vehicles that experienced solenoid failures under driving conditions capable of producing unsafe over-revving events.
Testing confirmed that the software defect could lead to transmission damage, loss of power, and fluid leaks capable of contacting hot exhaust components.
On February 12, 2026, Toyota approved a voluntary safety recall.
Are There Any Reported Failures or Injuries?
As of February 2, 2026, Toyota reports:
- No U.S. warranty claims
- No field technical reports
- No known accidents or injuries related to this condition
Despite the lack of reported incidents, regulators consider the potential safety risks significant enough to warrant a recall.
What Is the Remedy?
Toyota dealers will update the transmission ECU software. The software update is intended to ensure proper communication between the transmission and engine control systems so that over-rev protection activates if a solenoid failure occurs.
When Will Owners Be Notified?
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning: April 25, 2026. Owners should contact their Lexus dealer once notified to schedule the repair.
Recall Information
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Vehicle: 2025–2026 Lexus LX600
- Recall Number: 26LA01
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-094
- Component: Electrical System / Transmission Control Software
- Remedy: Transmission ECU software update
What Lexus Owners Should Know
Modern vehicles depend heavily on software communication between control modules. When that communication fails, mechanical safeguards designed to protect critical components may not activate.
Even though this recall currently involves a software update rather than a hardware replacement, transmission failures can result in:
- Reduced reliability
- Extended repair times
- Loss of vehicle use
- Expensive mechanical damage if problems occur before repairs are completed
Owners experiencing transmission warnings, unusual shifting behavior, loss of power, or fluid leaks should have their vehicle inspected promptly.