MotorDeets

Lexus Rx problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Rx from 1999 to 2026: 958 owner complaints and 20 recalls across 28 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2010 (77), 2008 (70), 2021 (70). Best fuel economy: 36 mpg combined (2026).

Lexus Rx
Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Other / unknown173
Engine144
Transmission & drivetrain134
Airbags128
Electrical118
Brakes101
Body & structure83
Fuel & propulsion55

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199903519
200002919
200101918
200201218
20030418
200414020
200512720
200613227
200705826
200807025
200903420
201007730
201102929
201201229
201301929
201401229
201502029
201602830
201704730
201802630
201913430
202014630
202117030
202202930
202336236
202445736
202542136
20263936

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Lexus Rx.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Lexus Rx manual

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Lexus Rx?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2010 (77), 2008 (70), 2021 (70).

How many recalls has the Lexus Rx had?

Across 1999–2026, NHTSA lists 20 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).