2013 Lexus RX Problems & Complaints

Better than average62% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RX at the same age

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2013 Lexus RX with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 62% fewer than a typical RX model year at the same age, making the 2013 one of the better RX years. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (3 complaints, typically around 151,000 miles).

19complaints
0recalls
3crashes
1fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most common 2013 Lexus RX problems

  • Other / not specified
    737%
  • Electrical system~151,000 miles
    316%
  • Air bags~106,000 miles
    211%
  • Brakes
    211%
  • Body & structure
    211%
  • Driver assistance
    211%
  • Steering
    211%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    15%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    15%
  • Suspension~102,000 miles
    15%
  • Engine & cooling
    15%

Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus RX 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).

Best RX years: 2012, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022, 2025. Compare all years →

What 2013 Lexus RX owners say

Electrical system

Vehicle was parked, engine off, and unattended. An internal electrical fire originated in the overhead/sunroof wiring area. Damage includes melted wiring harness near the sunroof, burned center console, and soot throughout the interior. The fire originated in a constant-power electrical circuit and spread downward into the cabin. There were no aftermarket modifications, no external heat sources, and no objects in the vehicle that could have caused ignition. Ambient temperature conditions were normal and insufficient to cause this damage. This represents a serious safety defect because the fire originated spontaneously within the vehicle's electrical system and could have resulted in a full vehicle fire or injury if occupants were present. The failure appears to involve factory-installed wiring/components and is not consistent with normal wear or external factors.

Mar 2026 · fire

Odometer Fraud: The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 96,575. After reviewing an AutoCheck report by Experian the following day, the contact became aware that the mileage was 151,219.

Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer · 151,000 miles · Jun 2026

2013 Lexus RX engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.5L 6-cyl hybridCVTFWD31 / 28 / 29
3.5L 6-cyl hybridCVTAWD29 / 27 / 28
3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automaticFWD18 / 25 / 21
3.5L 6-cyl8-speed automaticAWD18 / 26 / 21
3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automaticAWD18 / 24 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Lexus RX a good car?

Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 RX rates better than average: 62% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RX at the same age. It is one of the best RX years by this measure. 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 2013 Lexus RX?

The electrical system — 3 complaints, 16% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument panel › speedometer/odometer. Next are the air bags (2) and brakes (2).

How many recalls does the 2013 Lexus RX have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 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 2013 Lexus RX problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 106,000 miles; 0% 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.