Best and worst Lexus RX years — which to avoid

The Lexus RX has always been considered one of the most reliable SUVs on the market, but despite its reputation, it’s not so easy to buy a model that will serve you for years without trouble. The sad reality is that even the RX has some bad model years with plenty of problems, so you must know the worst Lexus RX years to avoid before making the purchase.

We may be able to help you with that as our team reviewed NHTSA submissions and complaint reports by fellow RX owners to bring you first-hand reliability information. That’s why we’ll deliver a list of both the best and worst Lexus RX years along with more details on common issues that plagued the problematic models, so let’s get right into it.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Lexus RX years

In the making of this guide, we used all of the available sources of information to assess the RX’s reliability, but without including any unverified details. So, we started by taking a look at NHTSA records and complaints, official recalls, and driver ratings and reviews.

Our team also considered details we found on Lexus RX forums and sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, but we first double-checked all these before we came up with the verdict on this model. So, by all those details, here’s a list of best and worst years:

Most common Lexus RX problems

Every vehicle has its fair share of problems, and the Lexus RX is no exception. You must know these likely problems before you purchase the car to understand what you are most likely up against. Using this knowledge to construct a maintenance plan perfect for the vehicle will save you money and stress.

Here are the most common Lexus RX problems you should expect from a Lexus RX.

1. Wandering steering wheel

If your steering wheel wanders, you would have difficulty moving the car in a straight line. You would have to adjust the steering, which can be stressful continually. Worn steering gears, excessive caster, and loose or worn steering linkages are some reasons your steering may wander. Because of this, it’s no wonder that a regular Lexus RX driver may wonder – why does my steering wheel shake at high speed?

Drivers of the 2015 RX 350 complained the most about this issue. Some of the most common causes of the problem on the RX 350 were suspension problems, uneven tire pressure or mismatched tires, steering gear binding, and excessive wheel toe-out.

2. Oil leakage

Drivers of the 2007 to 2015 RX 350 suffered the most from this issue. They reported that the engine leaked oil while they were driving.

The problem must be identified and resolved as soon as possible. The leakage can cause overheating, which in turn damages other components of the engine. Because replacing a faulty oil line costs less than $100, it is essential that you deal with it right away or as soon as possible.

3. Defective rain sensors

The Lexus RX 350 features a sensor that recognizes when a downpour begins. It also senses how much rain falls and regulates the wiper’s speed to follow the obtained data.

If you have a 2017 RX 350 redesign, your chances of getting this problem are higher than drivers of other models. The major complaint these 2017 RX 350 drivers have is that the sensors have decreased efficiency at night. There have also been reports of the wiper malfunctioning even when the dial is at maximum sensibility.

4. VVT problems

The variable valve timing (VVT) system reduces the air-fuel mixture entering the engine, reducing emissions. The system inadvertently enhances the vehicle’s power, increasing its maximum speed and improving handling and drivability.

Certain VVT problems have particularly plagued 2007 to 2008 and 2012 models causing them to have their check engine lights, AWD, and traction control warning lights illuminated. Moreover, if the camshaft timing oil control valve is faulty, the affected vehicles would store P0014 and P0012 error codes until they are cleared manually and the oil control valve replaced.

5. Transmission failure

Some drivers of the RX 350 have reported transmission issues that cause their RX 350 to hesitate before moving and eventually lose power some days after. The 2013 model was most notorious for having this problem.

Bad bearings, faulty control modules, and contaminated or low transmission fluids are the primary reasons the RX350 develops transmission failure.

6. AC failure

Some AC units of the RX 350 have been reported to blow hot air instead of cold air. The cause of the issue is attributed to a defective AC amplifier. Drivers of the 2007 to 2013 RX 350s were most affected by this issue. If the A/C blows hot air, it’s a big deal for driving convenience, especially during summer time.

Worst Lexus RX years to avoid

All the RX350 models are prone to having problems, but some have too much of it that you are better off avoiding them. Below are the Lexus RX years you should avoid if you want your money’s worth:

• 2007
• 2008
• 2010
• 2016
• 2017

Now that we’ve gone through the worst part, it’s time to discuss the model years that are best avoided, as well as the one that make the best possible choice on the used car market.

Second-generation RX (2007 model year)

The 2007 model had the most problems. Drivers complained tirelessly about the issues that continually sprung up from the model to the point where others looking for an RX 350 learned to avoid the vehicle altogether.

Aside from the common problems with other RX 350s, like oil leaks, the 2007 model also had water pump leaks and rack and pinion leaks. These two leaks cost up to $4,000 to repair. For the safety and security of your pocket, you should avoid this model too.

Third-generation RX (2008 and 2010 model year)

The 2008 RX 350 is reliable but features the most common problems as the 2007 model. You can expect cracked dashboards, power steering system leaks, and ignition coil failures with the 2008 model, making it inconvenient as these issues often materialize at odd times.

Though the number of complaints for the 2010 model year is not like that of 2007, owning this car is still an inconvenience. It had massive oil leak problems and loss of oil pressure. The AC amplifier was also prone to failing quite early, leaving you with a faulty air conditioner.

Furthermore, you would have to upgrade the heater, radio, and GPS software frequently. Practically all the common problems the RX350 could suffer were present in the 2010 model.

Fourth-generation RX (2016-2017 model years)

The main problem that makes the 2016 RX 350 model undesirable is its acceleration issue. Drivers have complained about its speed and acceleration even when the brake pedal is depressed.

The model was also notorious for its stalling engine. The structural integrity was also another cause for concern, as many drivers reported the sunroof exploding unexpectedly. The model is a dangerous problem and a potential cause of crashes and accidents.

The 2017 model inherited the engine stalling and sunroof explosion problems from the 2016 model but had some additions that made the 2016 model look better.

There are some electrical problems and a fault in the AC drain plug design that promoted damage to the carpeting and padding. It also had brake and transmission issues.

What are the best Lexus RX years to buy?

The Lexus RX is incredibly reliable and would serve you well if you buy a suitable model. The most important question is – what are the best Lexus RX years? The best Lexus RX years are 2011 and 2018, but all of the listed ones will do as reliable picks:

• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2018
• 2019
• 2021

The latest RX 350s come with the latest advancements in innovation designed to improve the driver experience and safety. If you are looking for a used RX 350, the 2018 model is your best bet for the most quality and durability.

2011 Lexus RX

Among the third-gen models, the 2011 Lexus RX is the best possible pick since it has the least amount of reports and complaints, while also having proved its value through high mileage that most of them can achieve. Drivers have reported their RX equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine going strong even after 200,000 miles and occasionally even more than that mark.

Plus, the car didn’t showcase any issues related to those that the 2008 and 2010 RX had before it, so it’s a reliable pick to get if you are looking for a slightly older option.

2018 Lexus RX

If you are choosing between the more recent RX models, we’d advise going for the 2018 one. Now after more than 5 years have passed since its release, we are starting to see the initial reliability results and they are mostly satisfactory. Not only did Lexus solve the faulty A/C system and unexpected acceleration that the previous 2017 model had, but it also upgraded its engine reliability with interior block improvements.

With a great overall rating submitted through driver reviews, the 2018 model outshines all of the other fourth-gen options.

Is the Lexus RX worth buying?

The Lexus RX is a reliable vehicle, and its price is quite reasonable considering its extended range of features. If you buy a suitable model, you get an excellent dose of luxury and performance in one package.

If you take cars as investments, the RX 350 is a worthy investment. It is one of the top five luxury vehicles that maintain its value well in the market.

Thinking about which years might be a miss for cars like Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, and Volkswagen Atlas? We’ve gone through all the details to point out the years that might not be your best bet. With our help, you can pick your next car like a pro, making sure it’s one you’ll be happy with for the long haul.