Lexus RX 2016–2022 problems by year and mileage
4th generation (RX 200t/300, RX 350, RX 450h, RX L) · AL20
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026477 complaints, 165 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2016 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 93
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2016
- Problems owners could not categorise23 reports
- Brakes14 reports
- Transmission and driveline13 reports
Recall areas Air bags — side/window · Electronic stability control (esc) · Air bags — knee bolster
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- 13,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 103
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Problems owners could not categorise26 reports
- Brakes18 reports
- Engine17 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 47
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2018
- Brakes10 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise10 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system9 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 68
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2019
- Fuel and propulsion system24 reports
- Forward collision avoidance13 reports
- Brakes13 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Fuel system, gasoline — storage
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2020 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 56
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2020
- Airbag system21 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise10 reports
- Engine6 reports
Recall areas Air bags — sensor · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2021 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 71
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2021
- Airbag system47 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise8 reports
- Body structure5 reports
Recall areas Air bags — sensor · Fuel system, gasoline — storage
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2022 Lexus RX
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 39
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2022
- Problems owners could not categorise12 reports
- Electrical system8 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system5 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2016; earliest: the 2017, and the 2016 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age). 5 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2016–2022 Lexus RX reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 13,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 52,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 165
- Recalls
- 9
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Airbag system19.9% of complaints · median 25,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise19.9% of complaints · median 11,000 mi
- Brakes13.2% of complaints · median 10,000 mi
Owners filed 477 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016–2022 Lexus RX; the airbag system leads with 19.9% of them, and half of the 165 that record an odometer reading came by 13,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
48% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 1.0 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 2016–2022 Lexus RX last?
On the 2016–2022 Lexus RX, half of the 165 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 13,000 miles and 90% by 52,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
Figure 1 · Lexus RX 2016–2022 · 165 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 103 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 48% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 10%
- 883
- 25%
- 3,000
- Median
- 13,000
- 75%
- 30,000
- 90%
- 52,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 103 | 62.4% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 34 | 20.6% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 21 | 12.7% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 5 | 3.0% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 1 | 0.6% |
| 120,000–140,000 | 1 | 0.6% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common RX problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Lexus RX 2016–2022
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Engine59 reportsmedian 6,500middle half 2,000–16,000
- Fuel and propulsion system57 reportsmedian 7,500middle half 1,000–17,000
- Transmission and driveline36 reportsmedian 8,500middle half 2,000–18,000
- Brakes63 reportsmedian 10,000middle half 2,000–18,000
- Problems owners could not categorise95 reportsmedian 11,000middle half 3,000–24,000
- Electrical system49 reportsmedian 12,000middle half 2,500–18,000
- Airbag system95 reportsmedian 25,000middle half 16,000–46,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 95 | 19.9% | 25,000 | 16,000–46,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 95 | 19.9% | 11,000 | 3,000–24,000 |
| Brakes | 63 | 13.2% | 10,000 | 2,000–18,000 |
| Engine | 59 | 12.4% | 6,500 | 2,000–16,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 57 | 11.9% | 7,500 | 1,000–17,000 |
| Electrical system | 49 | 10.3% | 12,000 | 2,500–18,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 36 | 7.5% | 8,500 | 2,000–18,000 |
| Body structure | 32 | 6.7% | 11,000 | 9,000–25,000 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 30 | 6.3% | — | — |
| Throttle and speed control | 29 | 6.1% | 5,000 | 2,000–10,000 |
Known problems with the 2016–2022 RX
Low-pressure Fuel Pump (Denso) 2018–2020
Denso low-pressure fuel pump impellers can deform and bind, causing rough running, no-start and engine stall while driving; part of the large multi-brand Denso fuel pump recall covering roughly MY2018-2020 vehicles.
Before you buy a 2016–2022 RX: the 3-minute check
Generated from 165 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for problems owners could not categorise repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 11,000 miles — a newer example may not have reached that mileage yet, so ask what was repaired under warranty and what the warranty still covers.
- Ask for brakes repair records. Same question here: a median of 10,000 miles.
- Check low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) on 2018–2020 cars. What it looks like: Known problems.
- 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 mi96% below | At 90k mi99% below | At 120k mi99% below | At 150k mi100% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 16,000–46,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 3,000–24,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 2,000–18,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 2,000–16,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 1,000–17,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 2,500–18,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 2,000–18,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Lexus RX 2016–2022 · 165 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2016–2022 Lexus RX recalls (9)
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (4), the airbag system (3), the hydraulic brake circuit (1) (why one area can repeat).
Jan 2025 · 2019 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
What can happen. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers…
Dec 2023 · 2020–2021 · Air BagsAn air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry…
What can happen. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed…
Feb 2021 · 2019, 2021 · Fuel System, GasolineDuring a rear-end crash, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. During a rear-end crash, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Lexus will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, remove the rear transport hook, free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at…
Nov 2020 · 2017–2020 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting…
Jan 2020 · 2017–2019 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service…
Apr 2018 · 2017 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or…
Jan 2018 · 2016 · Air BagsIf the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota…
Apr 2016 · 2016 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…
Feb 2016 · 2016 · Air BagsA defective inflator may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A defective inflator may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the knee air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 477 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 75 (15.7%)
- Fires
- 3
- Injury reports
- 33
- Fatality reports
- 1
RX problems by model year
The 2017 drew the most complaints of this generation, 103, most of them about problems owners could not categorise, and the 2022 the fewest, 39. A typical year drew about 68.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 93 | 55 | 20,000 | Problems owners could not categorise (23) | 3 |
| 2017 | 103 | 54 | 13,000† | Problems owners could not categorise (26) | 3 |
| 2018 | 47 | 17 | under 30 reports | Brakes (10) | 2 |
| 2019 | 68 | 23 | under 30 reports | Fuel and propulsion system (24) | 4 |
| 2020 | 56 | 8 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (21) | 2 |
| 2021 | 71 | 4 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (47) | 2 |
| 2022 | 39 | 4 | under 30 reports | Problems owners could not categorise (12) | 0 |
What RX owners reported
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…
2017 · 59,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the SRS alert message was displayed. The passenger’s side seat belt warning light was illuminated for two minutes. The contact received notification of…
2021 · 76,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that after refueling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more pronounced while the vehicle was parked in the garage, and the garage was filled with a gasoline odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle…
2022 · 35,000 miles · Fuel system
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…
2016 · 98,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 165 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 2010–2015 349 reports with mileage, most about throttle and speed control