Most common 2011 Lexus RX350 problems
Share of the 30 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX350 complaints by model year
Best RX350 years: 2020, 2014, 2022. Years to avoid: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2009. Compare all years →
2011 Lexus RX350 recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 Lexus rx350 passenger cars manufactured from August 30, 2010, through May 18, 2011, and equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (vdim). The calibration for the hydraulic control valves is incorrect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake actuator with a new one, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 8, 2011. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What 2011 Lexus RX350 owners say
Brakes
As I was trying to park my vehicle, it accelerated and hit a building then went backwards. I managed to keep the car from reversing into the street but the brakes did not work and car did not slow down. It hit the building a second time. I put the car in park and it stopped. None of the airbags inflated and the car was totaled. Toyota took no blame for the accident and I'm left without a vehicle. This car is in a group of recalled cars, Lexus does not have records of ever recalling this truck
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. When the brake pedal was depressed at 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle. Another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The contact then crashed into the median. A police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the AWD and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the oil cooler line was leaking. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to an authorized Lexus dealer for assistance. The contact expressed concerns that the failure could have resulted in loss of vehicle control due to traction, as well as a potential for the vehicle to catch on fire due to the oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Parked in driveway in back of house, beside deck after short trip to store. Smelled a melting smell outside. Maybe five minutes later the smell started coming inside the house. We looked outside and saw smoke and thought the house was on fire. We went outside and there was smoke and flames coming from under the hood. Sprayed car with fire extinguisher, which did nothing, then used water hose to spray front of car to keep from the house catching on fire. Car was making popping noises, large amounts of smoke and strong smell. All neighbors came over it was strong. Fire department spent over an hour putting out fire and used their whole tank of water. Front end melted, tires popped, dashboard and windshield destroyed. Cause is unknown
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Lexus RX350. While pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle accelerated to 50 MPH. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a wall and reversed at 50 MPH. The contact switched the gear back into drive and the vehicle accelerated again, which caused the vehicle to crash into the wall again. The contact sustained neck and back injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,557. Updated 10/1/18
On November 3, 2015, Lexus RX350 (2011) came to a complete stop at a parking lot. When the gear was about to be put in to parking, the vehicle suddenly accelerated itself and moved approximately 40 ft forward. The car sprang out going over a cement parking block, iron fence that was dividing one building's parking lot to another, and fell about 5 ft below since the parking lot was in higher level than other building's parking lot. The vehicle kept moving even after falling from the higher ground and came to a stop after hitting a tree.
2011 Lexus RX350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Lexus RX350 a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 RX350 rates better than average: 43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RX350 at the same age. 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 2011 Lexus RX350?
The brakes — 10 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (9) and speed control & acceleration (8).
How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus RX350 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2011 Lexus RX350, the most recent from July 26, 2011 (service brakes, hydraulic). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX350?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2014 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2009. See the full Lexus RX350 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Lexus RX350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 miles; 58% 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.