2017 Lexus RX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Lexus RX, most often about engine. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Crashes
8
Fires
0
Injuries
7
Median mileage
32,730 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 10 of 47 complaints (21%).
  • Brakes (9) and driver assistance & safety tech (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 32,730 mi.
  • Owners reported 8 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries.
  • It ranks 2nd of 22 Lexus RX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 68% more complaints than the 2016 model year (28).

2017 Lexus RX problems by category

  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    14 complaints
  • Engine · 1 crash
    10 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    9 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 3 crashes
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 3 crashes
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    3 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    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
Unknown or other14
Engine10
Service brakes8
Electrical system3
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking3
Forward collision avoidance: warnings2
Air bags2
Fuel/propulsion system2

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Lexus RX complaints that list mileage.

2017 Lexus RX recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2017 Lexus RX complaints

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

  1. Filed Aug 14, 2026OHCrashTowedAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    After slowly making a left into a parking space at Dunkin Donuts and trying to deploy my brakes, my car lunged forward spontaneously accelerating, jumped two curbs and hit a barrier and the window of the store. The impact of the crash wrecked my front end and the radiator was damaged and was laying on the ground. With this intense impact, the airbags did not deploy on impact. My insurance agency totaled the car. After the crash the warning came on the screen that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11757073 · source
  2. Filed Aug 7, 2026TXFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    There are recalls for 2017 Lexus RX350’s for their fuel filters being faulty. Mine is not on the list. I have taken my car to many mechanics and in the last few months I’ve had my front and back brakes replaced, new struts, new tires and more done on the vehicle and nothing is helping. They have checked my mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensors, spark plugs, transmission and everything they can think of to try and see why it is having such a hard time transferring power to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11755574 · source
  3. Filed Apr 23, 202659,380 miWABrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with brake actuator assembly, bleeder plug cap, brake actuator cover, and brake fluid reservoir assembly failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate…
    NHTSA complaint #11733292 · source
  4. Filed Mar 22, 2026TXBody & Structure
    Summary of Issues: 1.On March 3, 2026, I contacted my service manager regarding my inability to open the driver’s side door. I also reported persistent rattling sounds coming from the interior panels and driver’s side door, extending toward the rear of the vehicle that leads to the gas cap door. I was forced to enter through the front passenger door. 2.On March 4, 2026, I dropped my vehicle off at Lexus service department. My service manager got into my vehicle and was…
    NHTSA complaint #11726231 · source
  5. Filed Feb 15, 2026AZBrakes
    My vehicle is experiencing a mechanical failure of the brake actuator/booster assembly, manifested by a "squawk/bark" noise and abnormal pedal feel during braking. This is a known defect recognized by Lexus under Customer Support Program 23LE04. The dealership technician confirmed the noise is present and recommended a full replacement of the ABS actuator. However, Lexus is denying coverage because the onboard computer has not yet triggered a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).…
    NHTSA complaint #11718075 · source
  6. Filed Dec 21, 2025NDSeats & Seat Belts
    My vehicle has 39800 miles (64k kms). I have the exact same issue with my driver side heated seat. The lowest setting may take time to warm up then gets scorching hot. Eventually after heating it up, I will turn it off manually to stop heating it, as it burns. My wife also mentions that the passenger side as well doesn’t seem to heat much. At this low of kms, I should not have this issue but saw someone else have the exact same issue. I have not taken it to the dealer yet as…
    NHTSA complaint #11706357 · source
  7. Filed Nov 5, 2025FLOther / Unknown
    My vehicle, a 2017 Lexus RX 350 with approximately 111,872 miles, experienced a near-total failure of the infotainment/navigation screen approximately five months ago (around June 2025). The system would only display the introductory safety message, backup camera feed, a single radio station, and basic map locator functionality—rendering the navigation, full audio controls, climate integration, and touch interface inoperable. This issue severely impacted the vehicle's…
    NHTSA complaint #11697705 · source
  8. Filed Aug 28, 2025WA1 injuredSeats & Seat Belts
    NHTSA Safety Complaint – Seat Heater Defect Vehicle: 2017 Lexus RX 350 Mileage at purchase: 45,430 Purchase date: Feb. 17, 2025 Dealer: Lexus of Tacoma at Fife, WA Description of Problem: The driver’s seat heater does not function properly. It is slow to activate (5–6 minutes), then overheats uncontrollably even when set to “LOW.” On multiple occasions, the seat became hot enough to cause burns through clothing. Defect Confirmed by Dealership Service Staff: Dealership staff…
    NHTSA complaint #11683711 · source

Compare the 2017 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