Lexus RX Problems by Year

We compared every Lexus RX model year from 1999–2026 using 960 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 10 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022 and 2025, which drew far more complaints than other RX years at the same age. The best years are 2012, 2013 and 2014.

27model years
960complaints
10recalls
2023, 2024worst years
2012, 2013best years

Complaints by model year

’99’00’01’02’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26352919124027325870347729121912202847263447702962592211
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus RX. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2026111.5×3ElectricalFew
2025229.5×4ElectricalCaution
20245927.0×4ElectricalAvoid
20236227.0×3TransmissionAvoid
20222910.8×—ElectricalAvoid
20217017.8×1AirbagAvoid
2020477.7×1AirbagAvoid
2019343.9×1Fuel SystemAvoid
2018262.2×—BrakeCaution
2017473.9×—EngineAvoid
2016281.9×—BodyCaution
201520−15%—EngineAverage
201412−46%—BrakeGood
201319−62%—ElectricalGood
201212−85%—EngineGood
201129−23%—EngineAverage
2010772.6×—EngineAvoid
2009341.2×—EngineAverage
200870typical—EngineAverage
2007581.4×—BrakeCaution
200632−46%1ElectricalGood
200527−15%1BrakeAverage
2004401.3×1BodyAverage
200212−54%—TransmissionGood
200119typical—TransmissionAverage
2000291.9×—TransmissionCaution
1999352.7×—TransmissionAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median RX year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Lexus RX problems

Latest Lexus RX recalls

Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm

NHTSA recall 26V-598 · Sep 17, 2026 · 617 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX350, RX500 Hybrid, TX500 Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 2, 2026.

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 26V-162 · Mar 18, 2026 · 144,200 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026.

Back over prevention › Display function

NHTSA recall 25V-744 · Oct 30, 2025 · 1,024,407 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.

Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 25V-595 · Sep 11, 2025 · 591,377 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the…

Seat belts › Rear/other › Webbing

NHTSA recall 25V-059 · Feb 6, 2025 · 40,922 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt webbing and replace the seat belt assembly if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 20, 2025.

All 10 Lexus RX recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lexus RX should you avoid?

2023, 2024, 2021, 2022, 2025 and 2020 — these years have the most complaints relative to other RX years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2023.

What is the best year for the Lexus RX?

2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other RX years at the same age, followed by 2013 and 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Lexus RX problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (157), transmission & drivetrain (134) and air bags (127). Engine complaints peak in the 2010 model year.

How many recalls has the Lexus RX had?

10 recalls across 1999–2026. The model year with the most is 2024. See all Lexus RX recalls by year.

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.