Most common 2010 Lexus RX problems
Share of the 77 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 →
What 2010 Lexus RX owners say
Engine & cooling all 23 →
Oil cooler high pressure line, rubber elbow, pin hole oil leak/spray. TSB: POL.14.02 (NHTSA: 10056509). Leaked oil out with check engine light/low oil pressure warning just as I arrived home. Line of oil in driveway. Diagnosed leak from this rubber elbow. One quart of oil left in oil pan. After review of NHTSA website (and many, many Google hits) found this to be a well known problen by Lexus. No recall ever issued. I never received written notice from Lexus, and dealership that vehicle has been to many times never mentioned anything. Lexus denies any extended warranty at this time. Absolutely unacceptable.
The the VVI oil line failed in April of 2024. Contacted Lexus corporate via phone and problem was never resolved. Fast forward to November 2024 and after paying to have VVI oil line replaced the motor failed on the highway. Mechanic said complete engine failure. THIS CAR WAS A CERTIFIED USED LEXUS AND THEY FAILED TO REPLACE THE VVI DURING THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS! Prior to buying this used car from an individual I called Hendricks Lexus 6935 W Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66203 and spoke to service advisor Willie who said if you have any problems with that vehicle bring it in and Lexus IS making good on the hybrid vehicles. After purchase I went to Hendricks 9300 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153 multiple times for parts and service history. I spoke to parts manager, service manager and several others and NOT ONE PERSON INFORMED ME OF THE PROBLEM AND IMMEDIATE NEED FOR CONCERN! …
Brakes
In about 2016, ABS light went on and I took it for repair at an independent auto shop for $400. A few months later,received a notice from Lexus of ABS issues so after speaking to Lexus, USA and sending a copy of receipt,I received a credit for having already paid to fix it. Fast forward to feb 2023 and ABS, brake,etc..lights all go on. Received estimate from Southbay lexus for over $5200 to fix Abs actuator assembly and hoses and pump kit, etc.. Found out today online after turning it in for repair at Lexus Southbay that there was primary coverage and secondary coverage offered for this exact issue and a safety/recall letter was supposed to be sent out starting in 9/2020 to owners of Lexus 2010-2012 RX450H vehicles. I never received that letter, so I missed that deadline to receive an inspection/service. Was I and my family in danger? …
Abs actuator failure causing wheels to lock up in wet conditions along with loss of control..I nearly crashed into pedestrians when it failed. suddenly check abs light came on along with abs system malfunction...I could've been killed or killed someone. lexus will not cover the repair though they did for customers under 50k miles and under warranty which is completely criminal. Any lexus of Toyota highlander with abs assembly part # 44510-48080 needs to be recalled and replaced at Toyota and lexus immediately. They want $4000 to fix the system knowing they sold a critical safety part that malfunctions.
Speed control & acceleration
The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2010 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that she had taken her son's vehicle to the car wash. The contact stated while at a complete stop, in the carwash drive-through, the vehicle accelerated independently and the driver's side of the vehicle crashed into the wall on the left side of the carwash bay. Heavy metal structures fell on the vehicle. As a result, the windshield was shattered and the ceiling of the vehicle was bent. The air bags failed to deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact sustained two large contusions below the knee of her left leg. The injured area later became swollen and bruised. The contact sought medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
As I was pulling in a business center to park, I step on the brake but the car would not stop. The accelerator continues and caused my car to run into a power box at a business. This caused the business to have a power outage for the entire day. The weather was clear. It was 11:30 am. There was no car around the parking lot many spaces were emptied. Im very fortunate that the car ran into the power box otherwise the car would have driven itself into the street! I'm a great driver for more than 20+ years and no tickets or accidents. Insurance carrier had declared as total loss due for the impact. Airbags did not deployed.
2010 Lexus RX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 32 / 28 / 30 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD | 30 / 28 / 29 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Lexus RX a good car?
Based on 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 RX rates avoid: 2.6× 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 2010 Lexus RX?
The engine & cooling — 23 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › oil/lubrication › oil cooler. Next are the brakes (18) and speed control & acceleration (10).
How many recalls does the 2010 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 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 2010 Lexus RX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 53% 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.