Lexus RX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Lexus RX options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Lexus RX has 596 owner complaints and 16 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2023 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Lexus
- Model
- RX
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 596
- Safety recall campaigns
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 73
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2023 (57 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Lexus RX: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe LEXUS RX has 596 NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. 73 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 596 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 16 federal recall campaigns
- 73 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
16 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:WEBBING
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:WEBBING
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
STEERING:COLUMN
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 596 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
596 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Technical Incident Timeline Suspected Unintended Acceleration Event 2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ (Approximately 96 Miles) Vehicle: 2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ Purchase Date: July 10, 2026 Dealer: Woodfield Lexus Incident Date: July 12, 2026 Approximate Time: 11:30 AM Vehicle Mileage at Incident: Approximately 96 miles ⸻ Event Sequence 1. Vehicle Startup * I entered the vehicle and started the vehicle normally. * The vehicle was in Park (P) at startup. * My right foot was on the brake pedal, as required to start the vehicle. * The accelerator pedal was not intentionally pressed. 2. Immediate Vehicle Behavior After Startup * Immediately after startup, the vehicle produced an unusually loud powertrain noise similar to a motorcycle engine. * The vehicle unexpectedly moved forward with strong acceleration without my intended input. * The acceleration was sudden and unexpected. 3. Loss of Vehicle Control * The vehicle traveled uphill at high speed. * The event occurred so quickly that I did not have sufficient time to react or take corrective action. * The vehicle became difficult to control during this period. * The front wheels climbed up the hill first. 4. Impact With Tree Trunk * The vehicle continued uphill and shortly thereafter struck a tree trunk. * After the impact, the vehicle changed direction toward the right. * The vehicle continued moving at high speed after the impact. 5. Attempt to Stop Vehicle * After the vehicle changed direction and continued moving, I recognized the need to stop the vehicle before it reached a concrete structure with a Jewel-Osco sign. * I applied the brake pedal again. * At this point, the brake responded and the vehicle stopped. 6. Resulting Damage * The collision caused significant damage to the vehicle, including damage to the driver’s side. * No warning lights or dashboard alerts appeared during the event.
The panoramic sunroof shattered while the car was parked and there were no occupants. Lexus USA refuses to acknowledge this defect and the dealership insists there was an impact that caused this damage. There was no impact. I have asked the dealer for a written report of their determination of the point of impact and to return all broken glass to me. I do not know yet if they will comply with either request. As the car was parked, there were no immediate safety concerns, but due to the risk of additional glass falling onto the driver and passenger seats, the car was not in a drivable condition. Had this happened while driving, the sound of the shattering and the glass falling may well have resulted in a reaction from me causing immediate danger to myself and others on the road. UNKNOWN if problem has been reproduced, but this is not an isolated incident. Vehicle component had not been inspected by manufacturer, police , insurance reps or others. There was no warning or other symptoms of this problem.
My wife was driving the subject car She intended to come off the road to give a way to on coming car. She got in naghbour's drive way and intended move 10 feet. When she tried to put more gas to move the car was hyper accepting drove 50 feets away and hit naghbour's ion gate and stopped. When she back off it did again and hit street lamp. It did two more time. Ended up damaging 4 corners of the car and all the material that the car hit. I could not understand that she hit the 4 corner of the car. That is why I suspected engine problem. When I tried the same movement nàghbour came out and worry that the car will do the same thing. While I was talking to him. He told me he has security camera and he noticed excess unning of the engine. He sent me the clip I couldn't see the car but certainly I could hear the engine. The end of the report.
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers and no information on the instrument panel. As I drove down the street slowly the instrument panel returned to normal. A third incident occurred when occurred as we were driving on the highway. The light on the instrument panel began to darken. My husband was driving and I was in the passenger seat I was able to access the light app on the dash and restore the light to the original setting. This car is not on the recall list. It should be because this is a matter of life or death. The car had 59000 miles on it when we bought it so it is not under warranty. I contacted Lexus and they refused any help until I take it to a Lexus dealer and have it diagnosed. I don’t drive it daily because I have other vehicles but I would like to be able to drive it and have full use of the instrument panel. The problem repeats itself.
The vehicle hesitates with apparent gear dragging and audible whining or grinding noises. The condition worsens when driving uphill and includes occasional sudden increases to high RPMs during normal acceleration. A slight burning odor is sometimes present after driving, along with lower-than-expected fuel economy in city and highway driving. The transmission exhibits harsh shifting, hesitation, and loss of smooth acceleration, negatively affecting drivability and raising safety concerns. Dealer inspections have not resolved the issue and claim the condition is normal.
Making a left turn at night going about 10 mph I was struck by a car with no lights. He hit the right front of my vehicle going about 55-60 mph. He hit my front strut and headlights and grill and radiator. My airbags did not deploy, the other vehicle’s airbag did. The police told me I should call Lexus and report the problem. The insurance company totaled my vehicle..
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that after refueling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more pronounced while the vehicle was parked in the garage, and the garage was filled with a gasoline odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer approximately 3 weeks later. The contact stated that the battery and charcoal filter were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time, at which time the dealer had not performed a repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
I have a 2022 Lexus RX350 F Sport. There are many complaints for this problem with this era of Lexus that happen daily. When pulling out into traffic the vehicle stutters or hesitates; this could cause a serious accident with injuries or death. I think it is a problem with the transmission shift programming. In an attempt to be fuel efficient, Lexus created a serious safety problem in my opinion. My car is under warranty, I brought it to the dealer and they said that is normal and a known issue with that era of Lexus; there is no fix or repair. Despite being under warranty, I paid to have the transmission system reset to learn my style of driving. The reset had no effect positive or negative. There were 750,000 Lexus RX's made between 2016 and 2022. Nearly all are affected by this problem. Note: Lexus RX450 hybrid uses a different transmission and likely does not have this problem. Please force Lexus to find a fix for this likely injurious, potentially deadly issue. Gemini AI reports this as a very common problem with this generation of Lexus RX. https:XXX I know it may have been helpful to have had a crash, injury, or fatality to help bolster my argument, but isn't the point to avoid that? Please don't let a numbers game cause more injuries or deaths. This is a known wide-scale problem that Lexus is not fixing. Thank you for your consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
HI, I purchased a brand new 2022 Lexus RX350 from Hendrick Lexus of Charleston SC. Since day one I had dangerous issues below: 1. The transmission shifts up and down so hard, I've almost gotten rear ended due to the car and not braking. This I was told by two separate Lexus dealers I'm feeling a hard "transmission gap"-whatever that means. To add fuel to this dangerous defect is my autistic son would need to be specially medicated to ride in the car b/c he panics and tries to jump out. 2. The car also is equipped with a "rear kick sensor" that never worked, The service manager in Charleston kicked my bumper and swore at the car. I had another Service tech on video for minutes unable to open it. 3. The car, scarily, will not start on me or recognize the key. I've been 3 hrs from home and nearly stuck in a grocery store parking lot with my autistic son freaking out again. This is documented on video. 4. As if there could even be more, the car is equipped with rear collision warning. An example of this, is backing up in a grocery store parking lot and it senses someone walking and auto stops the car if I'm not already breaking. Well, last Sept I was moving, had my autistic son's anxiety super high, and hit a POD for moving in my driveway doing maybe 2 miles per hour. But, and the big but is why did the pre-collision not kick in. This little bump cost insurance over $15k and yet Hendricks is saying its not the car! The mysognostic behavior I've been privy beyond demeaning and offensive. 5. The big kicker is the car went to Hendricks Collision as I wanted a certified Lexus dealership to fix it and do my 30k service. They would only do the 30k service, service writer-again another mansplainer didn't capture all my three continuous problems properly, filled the RO out days after I dropped the vehicle last Nov of 2024-yes, a YEAR AGO. Lexus refuses to address my three warranty items and ran my warranty. No car in a YEAR. Please advise. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wireless charger caused iPhone 12 to overheat. Picked phone up from charger before it became to hot to handle. Dealership admits issue, "there has been a significant improvement in wireless charging in our cars over the past couple of years. The wireless charging on our earlier models do have connectivity issues and sometimes may even overheat, especially in iPhone. This is a known issue with no resolution currently, unfortunately. I hope this helps." If the dealership recognizes an issue with overheating, I suggest a recall before the charger or phone starts a fire.
See attached document for compliant.
See attached document for complaint.
Warning lights triggered snd certain electrical vehicle functions affected. Lexus Plano dealer states that wiring is soy based and destroyed by rodents attracted to the wiring and chewing it with result that critical vehicle functions affected and lights, brakes, etc. may not work resulting in crash. Wanted more than $10,000 to rewire vehicle and refused to make repairs under vehicles’ warranty. Apparently common knowledge that Toyota and Lexus are using soy wiring that attract rodents and other animals to eat the wiring. I believe that crashes may be occurring because of chewed through soy wiring and misdiagnosed as driver error, brake, failure, fires, lights out, or other causes because no one is investigating wiring that caused crash. Wiring should be recalled as it poses death, injury, and property damage risks with manufacturers and dealers knowing of the defective wiring and of the risks but intentionally hiding the information, failing to warn, and then making huge profits from the expensive over-priced repairs that are unnecessary if proper wiring is used. We have dealer invoices and repair estimates snd other communications.
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH on a rainy day, the brake pedal was depressed; however, there was an abnormal squishing sound coming from the brake pedal, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went through the stop light and up onto a curb before the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred previously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer confirmed the abnormal squishing sound when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had declined to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that both actuators had been replaced previously. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: L-SB-0005-21; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or any special programs. The failure mileage was approximately 31,600.
We bought the brand new Lexus (RX450H) back in 2022 (Vin [XXX] ). As of today, February 03, 2025, the mileage on the car is 20,125 miles. The OEM tire size was 235/55R20, all the 4 tires were Bridgestone Ecopia H/L [XXX] . Recently, one of the wheels exploded when it passed a pothole, the tire was damaged and the rim was bent/cracked as well. I brought one tire, same brand and size, and installed it to the new Lexus rim. The installer told me that these tires were "Recalled" and suggested to replace all 4 tires ASAP. I Google and found these recalled tires as well. As of now, couple other tires keep leaking air as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The seatbelt install will not stay tight, the seatbelt slips easily out of the lockoff. This happens in all seating positions in this vehicle but does not happen in our other vehicles.
I am writing to formally express my serious concerns regarding the brake actuator on my Lexus vehicle, which remains unrepaired despite being under warranty. This issue poses a significant danger to both myself and the public, and I am seeking an urgent resolution. I have been a proud owner of my Lexus RX450H 2022, and the vehicle is currently under warranty. Recently, I visited the Lexus dealership in Roseville, California, where it was recommended that the brake actuator be repaired due to its faulty condition. Despite this recommendation and the warranty coverage, the repair has not been carried out. The malfunctioning brake actuator is a critical component of the vehicle's braking system. Its failure can lead to inadequate braking performance, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. This issue not only jeopardizes my safety but also endangers other road users. It is imperative that such a critical safety concern is addressed promptly to prevent potential harm. Vehicle does not stop properly due to defective part. Lexus has replaced two actuators and refuses to replace another one as it cost 3200. This is a serious safety issue that can cause physical harm or even worse death.
There is an overwhelming super smell. Dealer says it’s from gas. I dont know but it’s making me sick.,I’m afraid it is so bad it will affect my driving safety. I think it’s from the AC/heating system. I think it’s from mold. I’ve tried everything to get rid of it. I’m not alone either. Everyone has the smell.,what if it permanently impairs me? While I’m driving? Make them fix it. Please.,
The accident happened when I was using the "BRAKE HOLD SYSTEM". It is designed to use when the needs to stop briefly. When the Brake Hold button is touched while the driver's foot is on the brake pedal, the driver do not need to step on the brake even though the shift lever is in D. After I finished paying for a car wash, I touched the Brake Hold button. Then the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward and ran at a high speed. I was pushing the brake pedal, when I touched the button. I was startled and attempted to stop the vehicle with all my strength by braking the brake pedal. It didn't stop and went over the cub and accelerated even more and it crossed the both lanes and hit the cub on the other side. It climbed up the bank wall and it finally stopped. The police and the ambulance came and took me a hospital. I later found out the vehicle was towed to a nearby junk yard. I believe that the new high-tech system known as BRAKE HOLD malfunctioned and caused "unintended acceleration". I believe that it certainly is extremely dangerous. It has not yet been inspected by the Lexus mechanics. There were no warning signs whatsoever before the unintended acceleration. BTW, I have used the function before i.e. when I used drive throughs.
Hello, I paid 70K for my 2022 Lexus RX 350 car, the dealership Bobby Rahal Lexus also sold me some unwanted services like TFT Protection, Insurance and others as well. Since day one the Lexus CAR GPS is failure, from point A to point B, it will take you to horrendous directions and waste your time and gas. I have complained to my dealership and Lexus itself. Lexus folks were very rude, dealership after long battle only in October 2024 i got to update my GPS Software. Also gave my car for changing engine oil post service i am experiencing more wear and engine noise. Post service i am noticing the rear hood door makes latching noise while driving. This dealership is a sketchy and rip of people... Lexus Brand Engagement Center Reference # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 20 of 596 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Lexus RX
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Lexus RX, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Lexus RX has 596 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Lexus RX has 16 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 73 of the Lexus RX's 596 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Lexus RX vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Lexus RX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Lexus RX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Lexus RX by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Lexus RX.
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Lexus RX reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Lexus RX reliable?
Poor. The Lexus RX has 596 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Lexus RX years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2023 (57 complaints), 2024 (54 complaints), 2025 (22 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Lexus RX problems?
Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (260 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (99 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (68 complaints).
Does the Lexus RX have recalls?
Yes — 16 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Lexus RX. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.