Lexus RX years to avoid (and the best years)
573 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recalls across 16 model years, 2010 to 2025. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 573complaints
- 8recalls
- 72reported crashes
- 5reported fires
- 52reported injuries
- 1reported deaths
Which Lexus RX years should you avoid?
No Lexus RX model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Lexus RX year has 28 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2010 (76), 2021 (69) and 2023 (61).
What are the best Lexus RX years?
The Lexus RX years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2012 (12), 2013 (19) and 2015 (20). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18 | 0.6× | 4 | 5 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2024 | 55 | 2.0× | 4 | 1 | 6 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 61 | 2.2× | 3 | 4 | 5 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2022 | 28 | 1.0× | 0 | 5 | 3 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2021 | 69 | 2.5× | 1 | 9 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Airbags |
| 2020 | 46 | 1.6× | 1 | 6 | 4 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2019 | 34 | 1.2× | 1 | 10 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Fuel system |
| 2018 | 25 | 0.9× | 0 | 3 | 2 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2017 | 47 | 1.7× | 0 | 8 | 7 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2016 | 28 | 1.0× | 0 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2015 | 20 | 0.7× | 0 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 11 | 0.4× | 0 | 3 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Brakes |
| 2013 | 19 | 0.7× | 0 | 3 | 3 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 12 | 0.4× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2011 | 24 | 0.9× | 0 | 4 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2010 | 76 | 2.7× | 0 | 9 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 377 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain103 (27%)
- Airbags & seat belts75 (20%)
- Electrical & infotainment56 (15%)
- Structure & body48 (13%)
- Brakes40 (11%)
Recalls (8)
Safety · 26V162000 · Mar 2026 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V744000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 25V595000 · Sep 2025 · model year 2025
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Seat belts · 25V059000 · Feb 2025 · model years 2024, 2025
A damaged seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Steering · 25V040000 · Jan 2025 · model year 2023
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fuel system · 25V028000 · Jan 2025 · model year 2019
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V482000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2024
A head restraint that is inadvertently removed and not reinstalled can increase the risk of injury during a rear-end crash.
Airbags · 23V865000 · Dec 2023 · model years 2020, 2021
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.