2021 Lexus RX Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other RX years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 28 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Lexus RX. That ranks 2nd out of 28 RX model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (47 complaints, 67%), typically at around 76,000 miles. Complaints mention 9 crashes, 9 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.
- 70owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 9complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2021 Lexus RX problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 47 | 67% | 76,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | 10% | — | — | — |
| Electrical System | 4 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 4 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 6% | 58,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Engine | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | 24,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2021 Lexus RX recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), 12V Battery/Electrical System. My vehicle's 12V battery failed, with the dealership measuring voltage below 10V during the event. This caused multiple simultaneous module malfunctions (confirmed by the dealer as caused by the battery failure), including a complete…
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the SRS alert message was displayed. The passengerâs side seat belt warning light was illuminated for two minutes. The contact…
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX-450H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that whenever a handbag was placed on the front passengerâs seat, the air bag warning light…
The tire (Bridgestone Ecopia 422 Plus 235/55R 20 102V M+S) failed within seconds while driving on the highway at 70 MPH. Luckily I did not lose control and was able to steer the car from the middle lane to the birm thanks to the semi driver on my right who allowed us to get off the road quickly…
Other Lexus RX years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 RX | 10 | 3 |
| 2025 RX | 22 | 4 |
| 2024 RX | 59 | 4 |
| 2023 RX | 62 | 3 |
| 2022 RX | 29 | 0 |
| 2021 | 70 | 1 |
| 2020 RX | 46 | 1 |
| 2019 RX | 34 | 1 |
| 2018 RX | 26 | 0 |
| 2017 RX | 47 | 0 |
| 2016 RX | 28 | 0 |
| 2015 RX | 20 | 0 |
| 2014 RX | 12 | 0 |
| 2013 RX | 19 | 0 |
| 2012 RX | 12 | 0 |
| 2011 RX | 29 | 0 |
| 2010 RX | 77 | 0 |
| 2009 RX | 34 | 0 |
| 2008 RX | 70 | 0 |
| 2007 RX | 58 | 0 |
| 2006 RX | 32 | 1 |
| 2005 RX | 27 | 1 |
| 2004 RX | 40 | 1 |
| 2003 RX | 4 | 0 |
| 2002 RX | 12 | 0 |
| 2001 RX | 19 | 0 |
| 2000 RX | 29 | 0 |
| 1999 RX | 35 | 0 |
See all Lexus RX problems by year, every Lexus model, or the Lexus VIN decoder.
Similar Lexus models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus RX?
Owners most often report air bags, unknown or other, electrical system problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 47 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Lexus RX?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2021 Lexus RX a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other RX model years, the 2021 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.