Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Lexus RX350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On Friday September 29 2017 my wife was driving her 2007 rx 350 and she noticed a line of oil leading to her vehicle as it was backed into a parking space. After checking the oil she noticed the vehicle had lost 4 quarts of oil. Upon investigating further it was observed that the engine lost that amount of oil in just a few miles. When we delivered the vehicle to our repair shop on October 4th we were told that it was the rubber oil line that sprung a leak. They said they have replaced many of these as they are a design flaw from Lexus directly. The new part was immediately ordered from Lexus and is to be installed when it comes in. After all of this I have a question. If this is such a problem part which has been now altered to eliminate the rubber portion on the part, why would I be charged for this part? This has been a known problem for quite some time. …
I purchased a used 2007 Lexus rx 350 from carmax in September of 2014. The car has been at the Lexus dealership 4 times already for rattle in back of car, ignition switch replacement, oxygen sensor replacement and 80,000 mile service. This month (August 2016) the care began to make a rattle just after starting the engine. Upon contacting my local Lexus dealership, I was told that the sound I am hearing is the vvt gear which will need replacing. The estimate given to me was $4K. What makes this even more interesting is that my husband owns a 2009 Toyota highlander. His vehicle makes the exact same noise upon starting the engine. He too was told that he needed the vvt gear replaced for a cost of $6K which was only the labor portion. …
While sitting at a stop at engine idle, the check oil indicator light flashed followed by a short rough idle. The vehicle was pulled over and parked and a phone call made to the local Lexus dealer. It was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealership due to the nature of the warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer ship. Upon inspection by the service department at the Lexus dealership, the oil cooler hose had exploded causing a loss of engine oil. At the writing of this note, information was shared that indicated a newer version of the oil cooler hose would need to be installed. Any potential damage to the engine would have to be accessed after the replacement of the hose and clean-up of the under carriage of the vehicle and insulation surrounding the underside of the car was completed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lexus RX350. The contact's wife stated that upon accelerating the vehicle after exiting a roundabout, dust began to emit from the exhaust pipe. The contact's wife drove to a gas station and discovered that the engine oil was empty. The contact then refilled the oil but by the next day, the oil had completely leaked out of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to Lexus of maplewood (3000 us-61, maplewood, mn 55109) where they initially discovered metal shavings in the oil line. The oil line was replaced however, they also discovered that the cam gears in upper engine were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and stated that they would provide a callback. The contact had not received a callback. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Shortly after buying the vehicle used (one previous owner), upon cold start a loud rattling noise could be heard coming from the engine area for about 30 seconds. Took to a Toyota/Lexus dealership for routine oil change, vehicle inspection, and asked the technicians to also address the noise. We were told that they couldn't reproduce it, and that it shouldn't be a problem. Driving down the freeway in greater milwaukee, the car stopped functioning. After visiting a local mechanic, then later resorting to a Lexus dealership, found that the vvt bolts had fractured. All of this is exactly as outlined in NHTSA campaign 13V395000. Now we have a dead luxury SUV due to an engineering problem, but Lexus will not provide any resolution to their known problem, even with physical evidence (photos, and failed parts still in hand).
When I drive at above 60 MPH, there is a rattling sound. I took it to the dealership and they are unable to pinpoint the issue even after removing the roofrack, the roof insulation and tightening all the bolts. I have found numerous postings online but Lexus still refuses to let us know the issue. Please help! It is very concerning that a loose part might cause major accident or event death. Http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/7588/Lexus/rx-350/Lexus-rx-350-rattles http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/67986-2010-rx-350-has-noisy-interior-rattles/ http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2117891/rx-350-Lexus-rattling-noise see photo. Http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-second-generation/337671-annoying-clattering-noise-above-left-ear-of-driver.html
I was driving on a country road and noticed A/C was acting odd, then temp gauge went to bottom of dial. I couldn't stop on this road. I was trying to get to granddaughter's house. I stopped at light and couldn't start it. I called aaa and car was transported to Lexus dealer who tested car and said engine failed. There were 122000 miles when tested at dealer. The car has been dealer serviced the entire time. It was serviced at 120,000 and all systems OK. I've had an 80 datsun that lasted 250,000 miles. The dealer said that used engine $8500. I expected much better from Lexus. Reading some NHTSA reports there seem to be a rash of oil lines failing. There was no water hose problem according to dealer checking it
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lexus RX350. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (metro Lexus, 13600 brookpark rd, cleveland, oh 44135) where it was diagnosed that the cooling pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: 1801240854. The failure mileage was 129,827.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lexus RX350. When starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal rattling noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the variable valve timing gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V395000 (engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lexus RX350. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the low oil warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was towed to the Lexus dealer where it was diagnosed that, due to the wrong engine oil cooling hose being installed, the part exploded and the motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Engine complaints in other RX350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Lexus RX350?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Lexus RX350, 29% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Lexus RX350 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Lexus RX350, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Lexus RX350 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 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.