Lexus RX problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 680 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file for the Lexus RX (2005–2026). The 2021 RX has the most serious complaints, most often about airbags.
- Complaints
- 680
- Recalls
- 10
- Model years
- 22
- Worst year
- 2021
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Lexus RX years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2021 Lexus RX — 70 complaints, 9 crashes; top problem: Airbags
- 2017 Lexus RX — 47 complaints, 8 crashes; top problem: Engine
- 2023 Lexus RX — 62 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2024 Lexus RX — 57 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Electrical System
- 2020 Lexus RX — 46 complaints, 6 crashes; top problem: Airbags
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2012 (12 complaints).
Every Lexus RX model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RX | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2025 RX | 21 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2024 RX | 57 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2023 RX | 62 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 3 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2022 RX | 29 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Electrical System |
| 2021 RX | 70 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 1 | Airbags |
| 2020 RX | 46 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 1 | Airbags |
| 2019 RX | 34 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2018 RX | 26 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Brakes |
| 2017 RX | 47 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 | Engine |
| 2016 RX | 28 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Body & Structure |
| 2015 RX | 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Engine |
| 2014 RX | 12 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | Brakes |
| 2013 RX | 19 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Electrical System |
| 2012 RX | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System |
| 2011 RX | 22 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Engine |
| 2010 RX | 43 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Engine |
| 2009 RX | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2008 RX | 44 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Brakes |
| 2007 RX | 30 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Brakes |
| 2006 RX | 22 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2005 RX | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Brakes |
Most common Lexus RX problem areas (all years)
- Engine119 complaints
- Electrical System107 complaints
- Airbags102 complaints
- Brakes101 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech64 complaints
- Body & Structure57 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion56 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain46 complaints
- Steering24 complaints
- Wheels & Tires23 complaints
Complaint trend
Lexus RX recalls
Risk: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A damaged seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A head restraint that is inadvertently removed and not reinstalled can increase the risk of injury during a rear-end crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Risk: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Other Lexus models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology