Most common 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX Hybrid complaints by model year
Best RX Hybrid years: 2023, 2015, 2024. Years to avoid: 2006, 2008, 2007. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid owners say
Brakes
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
I was pulling into a driveway after I fully stopped my car ( I was waiting for another car to pull out of driveway first). When I braked to stop my car it did not respond initially. I could not stop it fast enough to avoid collision w a parked car in driveway. This was so strange because I was moving my car very slowly. I then put it in reverse to back up a couple feet so I could assess damage to cars. When I did this and pressed the accelerator my car accelerated out of control into street. Once again the braking was insufficient to stop my car as desired. Normally the brakes stop this car on a dime (not really on a dime, but normally the brakes are excellent). The later acceleration was witnessed by the owner of the now rear-ended car in driveway. No damage to my car other than to my license plate. No one was injured. There was damage to the parked car in driveway. …
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lexus rx450h. The contact stated that the engine failed. While her husband was driving, there was black smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe. The driver coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to Lexus of albuquerque, 4821 pan American fwy, , albuquerque, nm 87109, and was diagnosed that the oil cooler pipe failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired after the repair the engine seized. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer but was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number however, the contact stated that the manufacturer closed the case. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Consumer stated oil leaks when engine is running. Also, consumer had no check engine indicator or oil lights during the initial failure.
High pressure engine oil cooler hose ruptured causing an immediate loss of all engine oil and stranding my granddaughter in the outback. The vehicle was being driven on a county highway in the country. The vehicle was in motion when the rupture occurred. It appears that Lexus is aware of this problem but did not contact me nor apply the warranty extension for my case. I feel a recall is warranted due to the abrupt failure of the hose, engine damage caused, and the likely hood of being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 RX Hybrid rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RX Hybrid at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock › abs warning light. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and speed control & acceleration (2).
How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2015 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2008 and 2007. See the full Lexus RX Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.