Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 10% | 2,000 miles |
| 2018 | 3 | 17% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 11 | 24% | 10,000 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 14% | 15,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% | 48,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 13% | 4,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 14% | 21,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 18% | 74,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 33% | 33,000 miles |
| 2010 | 11 | 12% | 30,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% | 67,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 10% | 45,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% | 43,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Car was pdi and delivered on 06/14/20 with an open recall 20la01 that was likely to be a life-threatening issue. Even after pdi was performed, the breaks were disfunctional, so had to take the vehicle for service on 06/19/20. Lexus found that rotors required resurfacing to fix the breaks and at the same time completed the open recall 20la01. However on 07/03/20, the car stalled in the middle of a highway traffic putting the pax thru a life-threatening situation. Car has been finally towed to the service and I am verbally promised that the car has been fixed to not present any life threatening issues. Since it is just 15 days of purchase and vehicle been into the service review for 3 times with some life-threatening open issues, I am requesting Lexus to either refund or provide me a replacement.
On a recent 2500 mile trip on 3 separate occasions while on interstate hiways and passing a vehicle the emergency braking system engaged automatically with warning lights and buzzers going off. This occurred with no other vehicles anywhere around for a quarter mile or more. On one occasion it occurred while driving in the right lane and with no vehicles in sight. Lexus special tech inspected the vehicle and had some calibrations performed but they will not tell me what they found in data captured by the vehicle computer or what actions they took and why they think the vehicle is safe to drive.
On April 15 2020, was entering a parking space in front of a sprouts supermarket at 12500 westheimer rd., houston, texas 77077. The Lexus RX350 (2018) failed to stop and crashed into a large building support column which did serious damage to the Lexus and to the column. This is an expensive car and came equipped with the emergency crash system. This feature did not work to stop the car from hitting the building. In the past it has stopped the car but only most often it does not work...no one was injured nor were any people on the parking area affected.
While traveling north on interstate 95 in the middle lane at approximately 60mph after switching into left lane saw brake lights ahead and stepped on brake pedal. Heard slight pop sound, brake pedal went immediately to the floor. Car did not stop or slow down. Swerved to left to avoid directly hitting car in front of me but hit jersey wall and the car. My car kept going another couple hundred yards before it finally stopped. Car was totaled.without functioning brakes adaptive cruise control or forward collision braking were useless.
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the vacuum pump was defective and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V211000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given a case manager. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000. The contact stated that the vacuum pump was replaced at their expense and is requesting a reimbursement. The vehicle always had issues with the vacuum pump ever since the contact purchased it in 2021. The contact claims that they were told that the vacuum pump issue was normal. …
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that upon a cold start, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the right side of the engine without warning. The contact stated that the knocking noise became louder upon shifting gear but would cease once the engine was warmed up. The contact also noted that the brake pedal was firm while depressing the brake pedal. There was an unknown brake warning message displayed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V211000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under recall. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,800.
Was making a left turn on to a bridge, the car pulled the right a little, I pulled to the left a little to straightened it back up applying the brakes, the car would not stop. There was a line of cars at the red light, I continued applying the brakes, the car would not stop and was picking up speed. I pulled to the left to avoid all the cars. Car still would not stop inspite of pressing my foot hard on the brake. The car continued moving went across a large street, still turning the car to the left to avoid other cars. The car went on to a gas station lot. I continued turning to avoid the gas pumps, still my foot on the brake. The car kept going and stopped when it hit a pole on the gas station lot. The air bags never deployed. The brakes would not work. The car went out of control. The consumer stated the power steering failed while driving. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX350. While attempting to apply the brakes, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle. All the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed and could not be driven. The contact did not know if the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The contact received injuries to the legs, chest, and back. Medical attention was required. The contact called Lexus of towson (1040 york road, towson, md 21204; [phone]) who informed the contact that they were not familiar with the vehicle having the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus RX350 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (12), 2010 (11), 2017 (11), 2011 (10) and 2016 (8) model years. Brake complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Lexus RX350 brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 18V-211 (vacuum, Apr 3, 2018); 11V-377 (service brakes, hydraulic, Jul 26, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lexus RX350 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles; 78% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1 mentions).
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.