Lexus RX: best & worst years

No Lexus RX model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Lexus RX year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2022 Recommended 8 Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.; Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.; Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive. Full report ↗
2014 Recommended 8 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.; Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.; ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty. Full report ↗
2012 Recommended 8 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.; Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.; ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty. Full report ↗
2024 Recommended 7 Early-build electrical and infotainment software glitches reported on the redesigned fifth-generation model.; Some early-build squeaks, rattles, and body/structure complaints typical of a first-model-year redesign, plus scattered 12-volt battery drain reports. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Early-build electrical and infotainment software glitches reported on the redesigned fifth-generation model.; Some early-build squeaks, rattles, and body/structure complaints typical of a first-model-year redesign, plus scattered 12-volt battery drain reports. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.; Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.; Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.; Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.; Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.; Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.; Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.; Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.; Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.; Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.; Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive. Full report ↗
2016 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.; Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.; Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive. Full report ↗
2015 Recommended 7 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.; Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.; ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 7 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.; Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.; ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty. Full report ↗
2011 Recommended 7 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.; Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.; ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty. Full report ↗
2009 Recommended 7 Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.; ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty. Full report ↗
2006 Recommended 7 Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.; ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty. Full report ↗
2005 Recommended 7 Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.; ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.; Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.; ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.; ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 6 Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.; ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty. Full report ↗

Lexus RX problems by year

2024 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2024 Lexus RX continues the all-new fifth generation with turbo and hybrid power; Lexus's reliability reputation and strong resale are intact, but the redesigned platform and tech are still new, with some early electrical complaints.

  • Early-build electrical and infotainment software glitches reported on the redesigned fifth-generation model.
  • Some early-build squeaks, rattles, and body/structure complaints typical of a first-model-year redesign, plus scattered 12-volt battery drain reports.

2023 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2023 Lexus RX launched the redesigned fifth generation with new powertrains and a modern 14-inch touchscreen; expected reliability and resale are strong, but as a first-year model it carries limited long-term data and some early-build glitches.

  • Early-build electrical and infotainment software glitches reported on the redesigned fifth-generation model.
  • Some early-build squeaks, rattles, and body/structure complaints typical of a first-model-year redesign, plus scattered 12-volt battery drain reports.

2022 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2022 Lexus RX is the most refined year of the fourth generation: excellent reliability, class-leading resale, and the fewest reported problems of the run. A safe, comfortable luxury-SUV buy.

  • Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.
  • Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive.

2021 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2021 Lexus RX offers top-tier reliability and resale; most reported issues are tied to an airbag safety recall, so verify completion. Comfortable and durable, with strong safety scores.

  • Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.
  • Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive.

2020 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2020 Lexus RX pairs benchmark reliability and resale with much-improved touchscreen-capable infotainment; a strong, low-maintenance luxury SUV.

  • Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.
  • Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive.

2019 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2019 Lexus RX is a reliable, comfortable luxury SUV; note the Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall (stalling) and confirm it was remedied. Otherwise strong resale and durability.

  • Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.
  • Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive.

2018 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2018 Lexus RX is reliable and plush but falls in the Denso fuel-pump recall window (stalling risk) and uses the fussy touchpad infotainment; verify the recall and it is a strong long-term pick.

  • Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.
  • Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive.

2017 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2017 Lexus RX delivers excellent reliability, comfort, and resale; main gripes are the distracting Remote Touch infotainment and costly out-of-warranty brake-actuator repairs.

  • Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.
  • Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive.

2016 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2016 Lexus RX launched the fourth generation with bolder styling and better handling; reliability and resale are excellent, though first-year infotainment ergonomics frustrate.

  • Low-pressure fuel pump (Denso) can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving; addressed by safety recall on earlier fourth-generation builds.
  • Subject to an airbag-related safety recall; many owners report long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake booster/actuator can develop a squealing noise or, less often, reduced braking assist; replacement is expensive.

2015 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2015 Lexus RX is among the most reliable years of the third generation, with proven 200k-mile longevity, strong resale, and low running costs; handling is soft and the Remote Touch controller fiddly.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.
  • Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.
  • ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty.

2014 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2014 Lexus RX is a standout for reliability, among the fewest complaints of the generation, comfortable, durable, and holding value well.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.
  • Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.
  • ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty.

2013 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2013 Lexus RX is a reliable, comfortable luxury SUV with strong resale; the new Remote Touch infotainment is the main annoyance and early-engine oil-cooler-line care applies.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.
  • Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.
  • ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty.

2012 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2012 Lexus RX is very reliable with low reported problems, comfortable and long-lived; an excellent used luxury-SUV value.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.
  • Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.
  • ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty.

2011 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2011 Lexus RX offers strong reliability, comfort, and resale; watch the engine oil-cooler line on higher-mileage examples.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.
  • Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.
  • ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty.

2010 Lexus RX Caution

The 2010 Lexus RX opened the third generation and falls in the unintended-acceleration/floor-mat recall window; verify recall completion and oil-cooler-line condition. Otherwise reliable and comfortable.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed parking, linked to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall affecting early third-generation models.
  • Rubber engine oil-cooler line can burst and rapidly drain all oil with little warning (Toyota later switched to a metal line); undetected, it causes catastrophic engine damage.
  • ABS actuator failures can cause wheel lockup in wet conditions or loss of braking assist; repairs are costly and frequently out of warranty.

2009 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2009 Lexus RX 350 closes the second generation with refinement and proven reliability; inspect the V6 oil-cooler hose and aging dashboard on higher-mileage cars.

  • Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.
  • ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty.

2008 Lexus RX Caution

The 2008 Lexus RX (350/400h) is comfortable and durable but carries the generation's signature risks: oil-cooler-hose failure, melting dashboard, and costly ABS-actuator repairs.

  • Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.
  • ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty.

2007 Lexus RX Caution

The 2007 Lexus RX 350 introduced the V6 and has the generation's highest complaint volume: oil-cooler-hose oil loss, sticky/melting dashboard, and unintended-acceleration reports. A good SUV that needs a careful inspection.

  • Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.
  • ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty.

2006 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2006 Lexus RX (330/400h) is a reliable, comfortable luxury SUV with strong longevity; budget for aging-related dashboard and brake-actuator issues.

  • Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.
  • ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty.

2005 Lexus RX Recommended

The 2005 Lexus RX 330 is a durable, comfortable luxury SUV with a strong reliability record; at this age, inspect the dashboard, brakes, and steering rack and budget for wear repairs.

  • Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.
  • ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Lexus models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.