Lexus RX 2010–2015 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (RX 350 / RX 450h) · AL10
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026498 complaints, 349 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2010 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- 33,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 192
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2010
- Throttle and speed control50 reports · median 16,000 mi
- Engine34 reports
- Electrical system23 reports
Recall areas Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- 59,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 71
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine20 reports
- Brakes15 reports
- Airbag system10 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- 31,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 48
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2012
- Throttle and speed control11 reports
- Electrical system8 reports
- Engine7 reports
Recall areas Electronic stability control (esc)
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- 53,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 90
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2013
- Brakes19 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise18 reports
- Electrical system14 reports
Recall areas Electronic stability control (esc)
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 30
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2014
- Airbag system7 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise6 reports
- Transmission and driveline4 reports
The 2015 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- 27,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 67
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine16 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise16 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system8 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2015, and the 2011 is 4 years older (part of the gap is age). 1 of these years carries fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and shows no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2010–2015 Lexus RX reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 37,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 130,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 349
- Recalls
- 4
Most reported
- Throttle and speed control17.9% of complaints · median 17,000 mi
- Engine17.1% of complaints · median 95,000 mi
- Brakes13.3% of complaints · median 44,000 mi
Owners filed 498 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010–2015 Lexus RX; throttle and speed control leads with 17.9% of them, and half of the 349 that record an odometer reading came by 37,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
27% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 2.3 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2010–2015 Lexus RX last?
On the 2010–2015 Lexus RX, half of the 349 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 37,000 miles and 90% by 130,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
25 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 4 past 200,000 — each one proof that a RX reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Lexus RX 2010–2015 · 349 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 88 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 27% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 4 complaints (1.1%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 2,000
- 25%
- 9,500
- Median
- 37,000
- 75%
- 80,000
- 90%
- 130,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 88 | 25.2% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 33 | 9.5% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 29 | 8.3% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 31 | 8.9% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 34 | 9.7% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 16 | 4.6% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 19 | 5.4% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 9 | 2.6% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 12 | 3.4% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 11 | 3.2% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 15 | 4.3% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 11 | 3.2% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 7 | 2.0% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 6 | 1.7% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 3 | 0.9% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 6 | 1.7% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 7 | 2.0% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 3 | 0.9% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 3 | 0.9% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 2 | 0.6% |
| 200,000+ | 4 | 1.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common RX problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Lexus RX 2010–2015
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Throttle and speed control89 reportsmedian 17,000middle half 5,500–35,000
- Body structure42 reportsmedian 30,000middle half 10,000–56,000
- Problems owners could not categorise62 reportsmedian 43,000middle half 15,000–85,000
- Brakes66 reportsmedian 44,000middle half 15,000–65,000
- Airbag system52 reportsmedian 49,000middle half 28,000–80,000
- Electrical system62 reportsmedian 54,000middle half 5,500–103,000
- Engine85 reportsmedian 95,000middle half 44,000–134,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throttle and speed control | 89 | 17.9% | 17,000 | 5,500–35,000 |
| Engine | 85 | 17.1% | 95,000 | 44,000–134,000 |
| Brakes | 66 | 13.3% | 44,000 | 15,000–65,000 |
| Electrical system | 62 | 12.4% | 54,000 | 5,500–103,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 62 | 12.4% | 43,000 | 15,000–85,000 |
| Airbag system | 52 | 10.4% | 49,000 | 28,000–80,000 |
| Body structure | 42 | 8.4% | 30,000 | 10,000–56,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 38 | 7.6% | 42,000 | 12,000–89,000 |
| Steering | 30 | 6.0% | 45,000 | 14,000–101,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 26 | 5.2% | 52,000 | 34,000–130,000 |
Known problems with the 2010–2015 RX
Accelerator Pedal / Floor Mat Entrapment 2010
Included in Toyota/Lexus's floor mat pedal entrapment recall campaign, where an unsecured or incorrect all-weather mat can trap the accelerator pedal; remedy involved pedal reshaping, mat replacement and brake-override software.
Before you buy a 2010–2015 RX: the 3-minute check
Generated from 349 mileage-tagged complaints, 4 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check accelerator pedal / floor mat entrapment on 2010 cars. What it looks like: Known problems.
- Years differ here: from 30 to 192 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
RX problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi66% below | At 90k mi78% below | At 120k mi88% below | At 150k mi93% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throttle and speed control | 5,500–35,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 44,000–134,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 15,000–65,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 5,500–103,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 15,000–85,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 28,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 10,000–56,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Lexus RX 2010–2015 · 349 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 66% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 88% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2010–2015 Lexus RX recalls (4)
NHTSA records 4 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
Sep 2014 · 2015 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…
Feb 2014 · 2012–2013 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel…
What can happen. If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact…
Jun 2012 · 2010 · Vehicle Speed ControlA stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h vehicles, manufactured from November 28, 2008, through September 1, 2010, and model year 2008 through 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2007, through September…
What can happen. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The free fix. Toyota and Lexus will notify owners of affected vehicles and dealers will modify or replace the accelerator pedal and replace any driver's floor mat not specified for the vehicle. Owners of the Lexus…
Jul 2011 · 2011 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis could result in increased stopping distances and/or a failure to adequately correct a vehicle slide…
The defect. 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. Due…
What can happen. This could result in increased stopping distances and/or a failure to adequately correct a vehicle slide, which could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. 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.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 498 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 101 (20.3%)
- Fires
- 20
- Injury reports
- 55
- Fatality reports
- 3
RX problems by model year
The 2010 drew the most complaints of this generation, 192, most of them about throttle and speed control, and the 2014 the fewest, 30. A typical year drew about 69.
That makes the 2010 stand out at roughly 2.8 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 192 | 144 | 33,000 | Throttle and speed control (50) | 1 |
| 2011 | 71 | 49 | 59,000 | Engine (20) | 1 |
| 2012 | 48 | 34 | 31,000 | Throttle and speed control (11) | 1 |
| 2013 | 90 | 59 | 53,000 | Brakes (19) | 1 |
| 2014 | 30 | 17 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (7) | 0 |
| 2015 | 67 | 46 | 27,000 | Engine (16) | 1 |
What RX owners reported
The contact owns a 2015 Lexus RX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was shaking and vibrating, and it was loose. The vehicle was taken to a local independent dealer who replaced the control arms, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who…
2015 · 118,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that the four rear tires were replaced with Blackhawk Tires, Tire Line: Street HH11, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: 1YJEERYLY. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle…
2012 · 30,000 miles · Tyres
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to either the left or right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the front control arms…
2013 · 102,000 miles · Suspension
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH the front driver seat heater was activated and moments later smoke and flames were present coming from the center console of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle the fire department was called to the scene…
2011 · 150,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 349 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other RX generations
- RX 1999–2003 637 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- RX 2004–2009 1,074 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- RX 2016–2022 165 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system