Avoid: 2021, 2004 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2014 · Best recent: 2022
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 29 model years, the Lexus RX has 4,336 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 78 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes. 2007 drew the most complaints (347), 1998 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (6).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Lexus RX vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $48,889–$55,751.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2023 | 67 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2021 | 281 |
| 2020 | 154 |
| 2019 | 170 |
| 2018 | 125 |
| 2017 | 150 |
| 2016 | 121 |
| 2015 | 87 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2013 | 109 |
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2011 | 91 |
| 2010 | 269 |
| 2009 | 132 |
| 2008 | 323 |
| 2007 | 347 |
| 2006 | 285 |
| 2005 | 221 |
| 2004 | 327 |
| 2003 | 30 |
| 2002 | 105 |
| 2001 | 195 |
| 2000 | 245 |
| 1999 | 259 |
| 1998 | 6 |
Highest: 2007 (347 complaints). Lowest: 1998 (6).
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, comfort, and low ownership costs. The RX is consistently described as a "bombproof," comfortable, and quiet vehicle built to last well over 150,000 miles with minimal issues.
Described as outdated, with inferior connectivity and interface.
Perceptions of cheaper-feeling materials, hard plastics, and a less luxurious feel compared to previous RX generations and some competitors.
Multiple reports of 12V auxiliary battery failures or draining at low mileage, suspected to be a manufacturing defect.
Noted as an ongoing ownership cost negative.
Noted as a practical drawback compared to more boxy competitors.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RX. Individual model years are broken down above.
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