Lexus RX Problems by Year
NHTSA has 963 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls on file for the Lexus RX, across 28 model years (1999–2026). The 2010 model year has the most complaints (77). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Lexus RX years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RX year: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2021, 2023, 2024. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Lexus RX problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine problems | 146 | 25 | 10 |
| Power Train problems | 134 | 25 | 4 |
| Air Bags problems | 128 | 26 | 29 |
| Electrical System problems | 118 | 22 | 8 |
| Service Brakes problems | 101 | 22 | 17 |
| Structure | 85 | 22 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 56 | 20 | 10 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 43 | 17 | 18 |
| Steering | 43 | 14 | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 43 | 21 | 17 |
| Tires | 26 | 14 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 21 | 13 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 18 | 10 | 3 |
| Lane Departure | 16 | 10 | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 15 | 9 | 6 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 10 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 13 | 9 | 0 |
| Suspension | 12 | 10 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 11 | 9 | 2 |
| Seats | 11 | 7 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 10 | 8 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 9 | 5 | 2 |
| Wheels | 8 | 7 | 0 |
| Visibility | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Carry Handle, Shell, Base | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 1 |
All Lexus RX model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RX | 10 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2025 RX | 22 | 4 | — | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2024 RX | 59 | 4 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2023 RX | 62 | 3 | — | Unknown or Other | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2022 RX | 29 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2021 RX | 70 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2020 RX | 47 | 1 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
| 2019 RX | 34 | 1 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2018 RX | 26 | 0 | — | Service Brakes | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2017 RX | 47 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | More complaints than other years |
| 2016 RX | 28 | 0 | — | Structure | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2015 RX | 20 | 0 | — | Engine | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2014 RX | 12 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2013 RX | 19 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2012 RX | 12 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2011 RX | 29 | 0 | — | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2010 RX | 77 | 0 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2009 RX | 34 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2008 RX | 70 | 0 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2007 RX | 58 | 0 | — | Service Brakes | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2006 RX | 32 | 1 | — | Electrical System | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2005 RX | 27 | 1 | — | Air Bags | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2004 RX | 40 | 1 | — | Structure | More complaints than other years |
| 2003 RX | 4 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2002 RX | 12 | 0 | — | Power Train | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2001 RX | 19 | 0 | — | Power Train | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2000 RX | 29 | 0 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1999 RX | 35 | 0 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus RX years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2007 (58), 2008 (70), 2010 (77), 2021 (70), 2023 (62), 2024 (59) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RX year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Lexus RX?
Engine, with 146 complaints across 25 model years.
How many recalls does the Lexus RX have?
10 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.