3 Most Common Lexus RX Problems Reported by Real Owners
The Lexus RX is among the most reliable luxury SUVs. Still, owners have reported a few notable Lexus RX problems. Let’s examine the typical trouble spots in one of the most dependable Lexus SUVs.
Here are the most common Lexus RX problems
The consumer site RepairPal collects data from real owners regarding issues with all vehicles. The most common Lexus RX problems are as follows:
- Massive oil leak and loss of oil pressure — reported by over 100 owners
- Air-conditioning fault due to failed A/C amplifier — reported by more than 80 owners
- Software upgrades for GPS, radio, and heater operation — reported by over 20 owners
The low number of owners reporting these problems helps place the Lexus RX high on reliability rankings.
A massive oil leak is the most severe Lexus RX problem
More than 100 owners have reported massive oil leaks when their 2007 to 2015 RX hits 63,400 to 214,000 miles. The issue occurs when the oil line bursts. Lexus RX owners have noticed the issue when the ground, engine, and undercarriage become covered in oil or when the “low engine oil” light illuminates. If that happens while driving, the driver must stop the SUV immediately. Continued use could result in total engine failure and a costly repair.
Affected models should be towed to a repair shop. This Lexus RX problem requires replacing the broken line and cleaning the oil-covered areas. RepairPal doesn’t indicate how much owners usually pay to fix the issue.
How can the air-conditioning fault be fixed in this luxury SUV?
The second most common Lexus RX problem is an air-conditioner fault. It typically occurs around 26,000 to 145,000 miles in 2007 to 2013 models. The issue shows an A/C error message on the dashboard caused by a faulty A/C amplifier.
Lexus offers a revised part to correct the situation. The average cost to diagnose the issue is $110 to $139.
How can the GPS, radio, and heater control problems be fixed?
Some Lexus RX owners experience problems with GPS, radio, and heater controls via the touchscreen interface. Unfortunately, owners must take their affected SUVs to an authorized dealership to install the software. That’s because the model years experiencing this problem — 2007, 2010, and 2014 — are too old for over-the-air updates.
Owners say the trouble starts at anywhere from 5,000 to 199,079 miles. And the cost to diagnose this issue runs about $110 to $139.
Is the Lexus RX a reliable luxury SUV?
The Lexus RX earned an excellent reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. That places the RX in the third spot out of 14 luxury midsize SUVs. The ranking is based on three factors:
- Cost: The Lexus RX’s average annual repair and maintenance costs are $550, compared to $807 for luxury midsize SUVs.
- Frequency: RX owners bring their vehicles to the repair shop for unscheduled repairs 0.44 times yearly, compared to 0.6 for the class.
- Severity: The probability of severe repairs for the Lexus RX is 8%, compared to 11% for luxury midsize SUVs.
Is the 2023 Lexus RX a good SUV?
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is a solid luxury SUV. It boasts a sporty build, upscale cabin, and plenty of room for cargo and up to five passengers. This midsize model also has an impressive safety suite and efficient powertrains, including a hybrid version.
U.S. News ranks the 2023 Lexus RX 350 16th out of 23 luxury midsize SUVs. That’s surprising considering the RX’s high reliability. However, this class is highly competitive, with some three-row models, such as the Audi Q8 and Volvo XC90, ranking higher.
