Josh Barrett
Apr 14, 2022
Few luxury crossovers compare to the Lexus RX in comfort and reliability. Most years are solid options. But those from 2010, 2016, and 2017 are among the worst, with major oil leaks and bad fuel pumps. Consider an RX from 2014 or 2018 for the best experience.
Key Points
- The Lexus RX sets the bar for the luxury crossover segment. Most years from the SUV’s first and second generations are extremely reliable.
- One outlier from the model’s first generation, the 2010 RX, has 148 complaints registered against it. This is more than three times as many as those from 2011.
- Second-generation RX SUVs from 2016 and 2017 have six separate recalls combined. Most concern serious problems with the airbags or fuel pump.
- The best RX models most likely to yield a great experience are those from 2014 and 2018. These vehicle have fewer reported problems than other years.
- Costing $10,000 less than a 2020 model and likely still having factory coverage, the 2018 Lexus RX is the best year of the vehicle to have sitting in your driveway.
2010 Lexus RX Lands on ‘Worst’ List Over Oil Leak Emptying Tank, Causing Loss of Engine Power
The Lexus RX first hit U.S. shores in 1998 and remains one of the brand’s best-sellers. Looking at models from 2010 to present, most have been very reliable, but there are a few outliers.
The 2010 Lexus RXhas had one recall over a floor mat that could cause the accelerator pedal to stick.
The sport utility vehicle has also received nearly 150 registered complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For a 12-year-old vehicle, these figures are quite low. However, it still lands on the model’s worst list.
Owners of 2010 RX Describe Dangerous Driving Scenarios Due to Oil Leak Issue
Consumer complaints are fairly isolated, but there is a concerning trend in the engine and cooling categories.
Out of 29 NHTSA complaints, all but five concern oil leaking from a defective rubber oil cooler pipe. Most owner reports echo a near-identical story.
“I was driving along and started seeing a flashing ‘low oil pressure warning’ alert,” says one owner. “Within seconds, the engine started revving uncontrollably and would not make power. It had lost all engine oil… The problem was later diagnosed as a blown oil cooler pipe.”
Lexus has not released a recall over this problem, but a couple technical service bulletins indicate they will cover the fix under warranty.
2016 and 2017 Lexus RX SUVs are Among Worst Years Due to Three Recalls Each Over Dangerous Airbag Problems
Lexus released the all-new second-generation RX for the 2016 model year. While reliability was still above par, a couple early-year hiccups make RX SUVs from 2016 and 2017 some of the worst.
There are only around 110 registered complaints for both years combined. However, the number of issued recalls spikes to three for both years, with three being unique in 2016 and three in 2017.
Unfortunately for the Lexus RX, most were pretty serious.
2017 RX Also Has Fuel Pump With High Chance of Failing
In nearly 49,000 Lexus units from 2015 and 2016, defective airbag pressure sensors may affect deployment. Another 5,100 RX units from 2015 and 2016 were recalled over knee airbags that can leak inflator gas, also affecting deployment.
Two major recalls were issued over faulty fuel pumps in the 2017 RX. Simply put, the fuel pump has a higher-than-average chance of failing, starving the engine of gasoline.
One of these fuel pump recalls also includes RX models from 2018, 2019, and 2020. This doesn’t qualify them as one of the SUV’s worst but should still be noted.
Owners should be watchful for signs of a faulty fuel pump, including reduced performance, engine sputtering, surging, and poor fuel economy.
Best Years for Lexus RX Include 2014 and 2018 Models, Which Offer Fewer Reported Problems, More Value
Avoiding the above-mentioned RX years should help you dodge the worst outcome. But those after the best experience should consider a first-generation 2014 RX, which has never been recalled and has less than 20 NHTSA complaints.
Models from 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015 are good years for a first-gen. RX, but just the 2014 edition claims the title of best.
RX shoppers considering a second-gen. SUV should look at one from 2018, which has few complaints. The 2018 RX does have a recall over a faulty fuel pump, but it still outperforms most later years.
The 2019 model was hit with three recalls and just isn’t worth the extra $10,000 price tag.
With the Lexus powertrain warranty lasting for six years or 70,000 miles, the average 2018 model should still have some coverage left.
Photos: Lexus
Frequently Asked Questions
By Stephanie Stephan | Apr 14, 2022
What Is the Most Common Problem of the Lexus RX 350?
The Lexus RX 350’s engine is vulnerable to oil leaks and overheating, often due to busted VVT-i lines or defective camshaft oil control valves. Model years 2007-2015 can experience early engine failure and the 2013 RX 350 suffers from transmission loss due to faulty control modules and transmission bearings.
Is the Lexus RX 350 Reliable?
Repair Pal gives the Lexus RX 350 an overall reliability score of four out of five, and J.D. Power gave 2008-2016 and 2019 RX 350 models perfect reliability ratings of five out of five. However, earlier years of the RX 350, especially 2007-2015 models, can suffer from oil leaks that contribute to early engine and transmission failure.
Owner Reviews
Glenn on October 17, 2021
Terrible
Transmission replaced at 2000 miles. Front driver side strut at 4000 miles. Battery at 5000 miles. Gear casing replaced at 15000 miles. Then to top it all off, Lexus kills the Enform 1.0 suite, no pandora, Facebook places etc., killing the app suite and nothing you can do about it. Now the enform suite of apps is useless and makes this more like a 2005 Lexus. Terrible for a 3 year old car with only 17k miles.
Anna on February 5, 2022
Water leak
Bought 3 months ago, paddles of water on the front passenger floor every time it rains. Lexus refuses to fix it under the warranty because it “caused by spiders webbings in the a/c drainage”. A/c is completely off and never used since the summer’s over. Noticed the leak with the first rain in October. Got stuck with this problem. Their repair price is about $7000
Yoshi J. on February 2, 2022
Transmission problem that Lexus can't fix.
I have this transmission problem the dealer can't fix. My car has gone back to the dealership for more than 5 times for this and other issues with the moon roof spoiler issue. Also, navigation screen issue as well. The screen turns all purple then sound system shuts down then it recovers after a few seconds. But the most annoying thing is the transmission problems.
Marwa S on April 10, 2022
Ultimate adult car, female friendly and easy to maneuver.
The car is very luxurious, spacious and very practical. It is convenient to and reliable. Many helpful features, accessible. It is fast and modern. It is beautiful. It is quit. It is a great family and single car. It is high, hard to climb into. Sound system is very loud, hands free is very accessible m. Very easy to maneuver. Smooth drive yet very strong.
Ash M on January 20, 2022
I love the radar cruise control which allows me space between vehicles.
I like it because it features navigation technology, dimming mirrors, heated seats, remember who's seat goes where with each key used, radar speed control, good fuel economy, ability to change the stiffness, vents in the back seat, and a good stereo, has a sleek inside and outside. It is overall a really nice car.
Josh Destardi on September 3, 2021
Disappointed :(
This is my 3rd Lexus and I have to say I'm disappointed. It's a 2017 with 29k miles; the engine runs hard, you can feel it running through the brake pedal, the center console and the armrest on the door. It has a 'drone' or is loud on acceleration. Ridiculous for a Lexus, none of my other Lexus' have done this.
Kris A on February 28, 2022
The summary of my nice vehicle.
The vehicle is really a nice piece of work, reliable, comfortable. The performance is really great, good mileage, slow gasoline consumption and good interiors. The engine is superb, with little to no constant tuning, it is going to be in good state. It has latest design and tech, nice for long rides too.
Shavon D on April 6, 2022
Great safety features, luxurious, comfortable, great service, leather, abs.
The comfort of the seats. Safety features plus sporty look makes this a great car choice plus it's a hybrid. Best vehicle ever. Very good and fancy and comfortable. Very reliable and comfortable. Great ride could be better if technology was better. It has been dependable and gets goods gas mileage.
Chris O on August 28, 2021
Nice car and comfortable excellent SUV handling unlike others.
I do not have any problems with this vehicle. The car is comfortable and spacious. Very reliable and car comes with four years of sos for free so no need to pay extra for insurance. For the price is comfortable and big enough. Excellent handling for an SUV and handles curving very well.
Leslie C on September 7, 2021
Safety, service, and reliability.
I love my Lexus rx. I love it so much that I bought it a second time after I drove my previous rx about 250,000 miles and it had to be laid to rest. It was and is always reliable, comfortable, and I feel safe in the car. I purchased both vehicles from the same Lexus dealership.
Chris K on June 21, 2021
Luxury SUV vehicle. All power with moonroof.
No problems with the car. It is extremely reliable. It is not super fast like a sports car. It is a luxury SUV where you can put stuff in the back. The engine is not turbo charge. It is normally aspirated 3. 5 l v6 engine that does not need premium gas. It takes regular gas.
Al B on September 13, 2021
Very good and fancy and comfortable.
Like this car, good reliable car very good service like dealerships and customer service, like body style, very comfortable driving and air conditioning very good, like power windows and mirrors and leather seats, very reliable and good gas mileage and big trunk.
Gaynellr B on April 5, 2022
Love my Lexus rx 350. Best car ever.
Excellent vehicle, smooth handling. No problems. Absolutely comfy & a joy to drive. Great family car... Sporty, reliable, yet sophisticated. This is my 2nd Lexus rx 350 & I don't believe I'll ever stray from the Lexus rx350. I am a Lexus owner/customer for life.
Arezou I on December 28, 2021
The perfect car for anyone
I absolutely love my car! It is the best car I ever had and was also a car I had been wanting for a long time. It performs amazingly well, is very reliable so far, very comfortable, and has incredible features that make my life so much easier and more luxurious.
Makeba S on November 27, 2021
Overall delighted which great handling was better and car tire sensor was bette
Reliable but on the freeway or 60 mph when pressing on the break the car shakes. The car seats are comfortable but if you have a tire issue the car only notifies the tire is low no which tire is low that is a downside. Car is spacious I have moved cabinets.
Steve N on April 2, 2023
2007 RX350
Own two 2007 RX350's and both still run like a dream. One has 200k and the other 100k. Thought about trading one in and went and test drove several cars including a 2016 and 2017....decided to keep the ones we have.
Nancy V on September 12, 2021
Perfect family car: reliable, safe and comfy.
The car is amazing. Luxurious finish, very comfortable and most importantly safe and reliable. I love the extra row in the back and all the space. It is the ideal family car. I have had zero issues with the car.
Robert Dudek on October 15, 2021
Lexus has NOT tried to fix the problem.
The passenger seat will NOT sense my wife presence on the seat because of her weight. In a crash her airbags will NOT deploy. Lexus has NEVER corrected the problem nor acknowledged it.
Rico D on September 20, 2021
Suspension Problems
The only complaint I have is when turning corners. The passengers can feel the uncomfortable turns and it feels dizzy. The suspension can also be improved.
Melissa G on September 8, 2021
The transmission in my car hesitates when you slow down and pick up speed again.
My car is very comfortable to drive. However, the transmission skips and it is frustrating. I don't think I'll buy another Lexus.
John Smith on October 29, 2021
Repairs
I find lexes overpriced and costly repairs.
Abubakkar Khan on May 28, 2023
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Acsedent inquirey
Josh Barrett
After 13+ years of hustling in the exciting world of car sales, Josh Barrett took off to travel the world with his dog Teemo. He's since been an automotive journalist and editor for Vehicle History as an original member of the content team. His works can also be found on automotive sites AutoChimps and CashCarBuyers, including in-depth transmission troubleshooting guides and car-care advice.
- Articles
Lexus RX Best and Worst Years: 2010, 2016, and 2017 SUVs See Oil Leaks and Bad Fuel Pumps, and 2014 and 2018 RXs are Mostly Problem-free
