Most common 2007 Lexus RX problems
Share of the 58 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX complaints by model year
Best RX years: 2012, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022, 2025. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2007 Lexus RX:
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I.
What 2007 Lexus RX owners say
Brakes
Toyota and Lexus are aware of the fact that what is called break actuator assembly, part number 44050-48191 (for Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2006-2007, and new part number for Lexus RX400h 2006-2007) and 44510-48060 (old/original part number for RX400h 2006-2007) are faulty resulting in the break system failing creating an extremely dangerous situation. Toyota extended the warranty for the part, but this extended warranty does not cover all vehicles, as it is not a recall. (The extended warranty has a maximum 150K miles or 10years clause but this is beyond the point regardless.) The part and repair costs more then $3000 at a Toyota/Lexus dealer. …
Electrical system malfunction began (to my best calculation & recollection) in summer 2021 with the first of four battery malfunctions in one year. Each time, AAA discovered low battery response and recommended battery replacement. This time around, battery was replaced about two weeks prior, due to battery failure/AAA reporting would not accept charge. THE NEW BATTERY FAILED (8/3) and the starter broke while attempting to charge. Mechanic repaired starter and battery accepted the charge. No problem, right? Wrong. This driver drove about 30 miles and while driving, the electrical system shut down altogether. With I believe ALL WARNING LIGHTS LIGHTING UP, extremely dangerous situation. NO BREAKING, NO STEERING, NO WARNING. Fortunately, it occurred in a suburban residential area as opposed to the highway. …
Body & structure
The liftgate on our 2007 Lexus rx350 has a very hazardous safety issue. When pushing the auto liftgate button in the car to open the liftgate it opens for a couple of seconds but then without warning will start to shut on its own. There is no safety feature that keeps if from closing even if you are standing there emptying groceries, etc. Both my son and I almost got our heads crushed by the liftgate coming down on us. The car is stationary when this happens. It does not happen if the liftgate is opened manually. We feel that this is a huge saftety concern for anyone who does not know to move away because the liftgate will come right down on your head.
The cable holding the spare tire up underneath the car snapped while I was at a stop light, resulting in my tire and it's cover falling onto the road
Electrical system
Electrical system malfunction began (to my best calculation & recollection) in summer 2021 with the first of four battery malfunctions in one year. Each time, AAA discovered low battery response and recommended battery replacement. This time around, battery was replaced about two weeks prior, due to battery failure/AAA reporting would not accept charge. THE NEW BATTERY FAILED (8/3) and the starter broke while attempting to charge. Mechanic repaired starter and battery accepted the charge. No problem, right? Wrong. This driver drove about 30 miles and while driving, the electrical system shut down altogether. With I believe ALL WARNING LIGHTS LIGHTING UP, extremely dangerous situation. NO BREAKING, NO STEERING, NO WARNING. Fortunately, it occurred in a suburban residential area as opposed to the highway. …
Put key into ignition port and heard and felt a klunk. Key was then freely moving and connecting to nothing inside the ignition chamber. So vehicle would not turn over at all. Had towed to town closer to home. And Currently having towed to mechanic shop for further evaluation. The only symptom the car was having previously was a mysterious scratching sound coming from what sounded like the right side of the hood near the firewall. Took to mechanic and he drove the car and heard the sound but could not pin point it, said nothing was scrubbing the fan or anything else he could see. And to bring it back if it got worse. Never did we think it was the starter nor the ignition chamber. The only way to know now....is to replace it and see if that noise is still there. There were no other warnings. The danger in this is being stranded. Still needs to be evaluated by mechanic.
2007 Lexus RX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 28 / 25 / 26 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | 4WD/AWD | 27 / 25 / 26 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Lexus RX a good car?
Based on 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 RX rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the RX at the same age. It is one of the RX years we suggest avoiding. 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 2007 Lexus RX?
The brakes — 13 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (10) and electrical system (9).
How many recalls does the 2007 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2007 Lexus RX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022 and 2025. See the full Lexus RX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Lexus RX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 95,000 miles; 9% 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.