Few luxury crossovers compare to the Lexus RX in comfort and reliability. Most years are solid options. But those from 2010, 2016, and 2017 are among the worst, with major oil leaks and bad fuel pumps. Consider an RX from 2014 or 2018 for the best experience.
Key Points
- The Lexus RX sets the bar for the luxury crossover segment. Most years from the SUV’s first and second generations are extremely reliable.
- One outlier from the model’s first generation, the 2010 RX, has 148 complaints registered against it. This is more than three times as many as those from 2011.
- Second-generation RX SUVs from 2016 and 2017 have six separate recalls combined. Most concern serious problems with the airbags or fuel pump.
- The best RX models most likely to yield a great experience are those from 2014 and 2018. These vehicle have fewer reported problems than other years.
- Costing $10,000 less than a 2020 model and likely still having factory coverage, the 2018 Lexus RX is the best year of the vehicle to have sitting in your driveway.
2010 Lexus RX Lands on ‘Worst’ List Over Oil Leak Emptying Tank, Causing Loss of Engine Power
The Lexus RX first hit U.S. shores in 1998 and remains one of the brand’s best-sellers. Looking at models from 2010 to present, most have been very reliable, but there are a few outliers.
The 2010 Lexus RX has had one recall over a floor mat that could cause the accelerator pedal to stick.
The sport utility vehicle has also received nearly 150 registered complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For a 12-year-old vehicle, these figures are quite low. However, it still lands on the model’s worst list.
Owners of 2010 RX Describe Dangerous Driving Scenarios Due to Oil Leak Issue
Consumer complaints are fairly isolated, but there is a concerning trend in the engine and cooling categories.
Out of 29 NHTSA complaints, all but five concern oil leaking from a defective rubber oil cooler pipe. Most owner reports echo a near-identical story.
“I was driving along and started seeing a flashing ‘low oil pressure warning’ alert,” says one owner. “Within seconds, the engine started revving uncontrollably and would not make power. It had lost all engine oil… The problem was later diagnosed as a blown oil cooler pipe.”
Lexus has not released a recall over this problem, but a couple technical service bulletins indicate they will cover the fix under warranty.
2016 and 2017 Lexus RX SUVs are Among Worst Years Due to Three Recalls Each Over Dangerous Airbag Problems
Lexus released the all-new second-generation RX for the 2016 model year. While reliability was still above par, a couple early-year hiccups make RX SUVs from 2016 and 2017 some of the worst.
There are only around 110 registered complaints for both years combined. However, the number of issued recalls spikes to three for both years, with three being unique in 2016 and three in 2017.
Unfortunately for the Lexus RX, most were pretty serious.
2017 RX Also Has Fuel Pump With High Chance of Failing
In nearly 49,000 Lexus units from 2015 and 2016, defective airbag pressure sensors may affect deployment. Another 5,100 RX units from 2015 and 2016 were recalled over knee airbags that can leak inflator gas, also affecting deployment.
Two major recalls were issued over faulty fuel pumps in the 2017 RX. Simply put, the fuel pump has a higher-than-average chance of failing, starving the engine of gasoline.
One of these fuel pump recalls also includes RX models from 2018, 2019, and 2020. This doesn’t qualify them as one of the SUV’s worst but should still be noted.
Owners should be watchful for signs of a faulty fuel pump, including reduced performance, engine sputtering, surging, and poor fuel economy.
Best Years for Lexus RX Include 2014 and 2018 Models, Which Offer Fewer Reported Problems, More Value
Avoiding the above-mentioned RX years should help you dodge the worst outcome. But those after the best experience should consider a first-generation 2014 RX, which has never been recalled and has less than 20 NHTSA complaints.
Models from 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015 are good years for a first-gen. RX, but just the 2014 edition claims the title of best.
RX shoppers considering a second-gen. SUV should look at one from 2018, which has few complaints. The 2018 RX does have a recall over a faulty fuel pump, but it still outperforms most later years.
The 2019 model was hit with three recalls and just isn’t worth the extra $10,000 price tag.
With the Lexus powertrain warranty lasting for six years or 70,000 miles, the average 2018 model should still have some coverage left.
Photos: Lexus
