2016 Lexus RX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Lexus RX, most often about body & structure. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
67,500 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Body & Structure is the most-reported problem area, named in 7 of 28 complaints (25%).
  • Engine (5) and electrical system (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 67,500 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
  • It ranks 18th of 22 Lexus RX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 40% more complaints than the 2015 model year (20).

2016 Lexus RX problems by category

  • Body & Structure
    7 complaints
  • Engine
    5 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    4 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    3 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Structure:body6
Engine5
Power train4
Electrical system4
Unknown or other3
Service brakes3
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly1
Air bags1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Lexus RX complaints that list mileage.

2016 Lexus RX recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2016 Lexus RX complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jul 20, 2026CAEngine
    I am reporting a safety issue with a 2016 Lexus RX350, VIN [XXX], with about 60,000 miles. The vehicle is registered in [XXX] and was being driven to [XXX] when it suddenly overheated on XXX near [XXX]. The warning lights appeared while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed. The driver immediately took the first available exit within about one minute. The failed system appears to be the engine cooling system, specifically the water pump. The vehicle is currently at…
    NHTSA complaint #11751679 · source
  2. Filed Apr 24, 2026CTElectrical System
    *Driver-side entry failure = primary access point compromised * Could trap occupants if internal handle fails or after an accident * Emergency responders rely on driver-side access first * This is not normal wear and tear—it’s a safety-related failure.
    NHTSA complaint #11733701 · source
  3. Filed Oct 27, 2025VAElectrical System
    The electronic screen on dashboard that displays map, HVAC, etc. turns pink then black and disappears for several minutes. One then has no control over the various functions displayed on the screen. I've done a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for several minutes...to no avail. Thank you.
    NHTSA complaint #11695726 · source
  4. Filed Sep 26, 202598,000 miMSAirbagsBrakesLighting
    The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from underneath the brake pedal. No…
    NHTSA complaint #11690010 · source
  5. Filed Aug 2, 2025WAVisibility & Wipers
    As I was driving southbound on I five in the state of Washington in Stanwood area 8:00 AM my sunroof exploded, causing me to swerve into other lanes and a distraction for other drivers There were no warnings. The sunroof was in a close position, not being used. The vehicle went into repair today being August 1. We did take pictures. Had there been cars directly on either side of me accident would have occurred.
    NHTSA complaint #11678000 · source
  6. Filed Jul 19, 2025PAOther / Unknown
    I was driving and pressed the button to close the sunshade on the panoramic sunroof when I heard this like a grinding noise. The cloth sunshade stopped moving. Then I heard a pop noise, and the sunshade came down, and it hit me more on the back of the neck. Then I heard something fall on the floor behind me in the back seat area. I couldn't pull over right away, stopped at a store, and there was a black, plastic and metal piece that was on the floor in back. The sunshade…
    NHTSA complaint #11674688 · source
  7. Filed Jun 18, 2025VAEngine
    Timing Cover gasket leak. Apparently this is very common problem with 2016 Lexus RX 350 due to a bad design by Lexus. Lexus is quoting ~7000 to fix
    NHTSA complaint #11667776 · source
  8. Filed Apr 29, 2025CABody & Structure
    I am formally submitting a vehicle defect complaint regarding my 2016 Lexus RX 450h, which is experiencing premature and extensive paint degradation, including clear coat peeling, flaking, and fading. This issue is not due to environmental exposure or neglect, but rather a clear indicator of a factory defect related to substandard paint application and adhesion failure. This concern directly aligns with known and previously acknowledged factory paint failures affecting both…
    NHTSA complaint #11657565 · source

Compare the 2016 Lexus RX with another vehicle →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology