Lexus

RX (AL20)

2016-2022 · Midsize SUV · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.3)
988 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
155 Crash Reports
Includes data from: RX 350RX 350LRX 450HRX 450HL
View all 5 generations of the Lexus RX → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

2GR-FKS

3.5L 6-cyl / 259 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
708 complaints 49.7 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
333
other
95
fuel system
84
brakes
74
engine
71

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (333 complaints)
Typical onset: 12,000–61,000 mi
Fuel System Issues (84 complaints)
Brakes Issues (74 complaints)
Typical onset: 20,500–30,800 mi Est. repair: $3,800–$5,000 (8 reports)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lexus RX regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (333 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Fuel System Issues (84 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Brakes Issues (74 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (71 complaints)
engine critical
Body/Trim Issues (56 complaints)
body critical

Recalls (7)

21V043000Mar 1, 2021serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Lexus) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus RX350 and 2021 RX350 vehicles. The transport hook may not have been removed prior to sale. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

20V012000Jan 12, 2020serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

20V682000Apr 10, 2020serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

18V085000Jan 30, 2018serious
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.

18V211000Mar 3, 2018serious
Service Brakes

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. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.

16V198000Jul 3, 2016serious
Service Brakes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

16V053000Jan 1, 2016serious
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h vehicles manufactured November 16, 2015, to December 23, 2015. Due to an improper weld, the gas needed to inflate the driver's knee air bag may escape from the inflator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2016-2022 Lexus RX problems?

The 2016-2022 Lexus RX has accumulated 988 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Fuel System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lexus RX engine is most reliable?

The 2016-2022 Lexus RX was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2016-2022 Lexus RX a good used car?

The 2016-2022 Lexus RX can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 988 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2022 Lexus RX have?

The 2016-2022 Lexus RX has 988 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2016-2022 Lexus RX?

There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2022 Lexus RX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus RX?

Before buying a used Lexus RX, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Fuel System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the RX have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2016-2022 Lexus RX. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 988 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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