2016-2025 model years · 1,100+ owner reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 2016-2025 Lexus RC has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.0T) with 1,100 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $250 to $1,400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2023-2025 Lexus RC, multiple late-model Toyota/Lexus owners, including RC-platform owners, have reported intermittent dead 12V batteries after the vehicle sits for a short period. The pattern is consistent with the Data Communication Module (DCM)/telematics system not entering sleep mode, causing parasitic draw and eventual no-start conditions. Owners typically experience repeated jump-starts, battery replacement that does not permanently solve the issue, and dealer diagnosis pointing to abnormal key-off current draw.
Confirm the complaint with a battery state-of-health test and a parasitic draw test after all modules should be asleep. If draw remains elevated, inspect DCM/telematics operation, software level, and related fuses/connectors; dealers typically apply software updates or replace the affected module if current draw remains out of spec. Battery replacement alone is often only a temporary fix unless the root parasitic draw is corrected.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2023-2025 Lexus RC, owners have reported intermittent multimedia glitches on newer Lexus vehicles using the current infotainment stack, including frozen screens, delayed boot-up, dropped CarPlay/Android Auto sessions, and occasional audio loss until the system is restarted. On the RC, these complaints are especially frustrating because many climate, phone, and navigation functions are integrated with the head unit. The issue is usually software-related rather than a hardware failure, though some cases involve USB cable/port sensitivity.
Verify whether the problem occurs with both wired and wireless phone connections and check for multimedia software updates. Dealers typically update the head unit software, reset the multimedia system, and inspect USB ports/cables; if the issue persists, they may replace the head unit or related interface hardware. Using a high-quality certified cable often reduces disconnect complaints.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2022 Lexus RC 2.0L 8AR-FTS Turbo, the direct-injected 2.0L turbo in the RC200t and RC300 accumulates carbon deposits on the intake valves identically to the IS with the same engine. Without port injection to wash the valves, carbon buildup causes progressive performance degradation starting around 40,000 miles.
Walnut shell blasting of intake valves every 40,000-60,000 miles. Install an oil catch can to reduce the rate of carbon accumulation. Use top-tier fuel to minimize deposit formation.
Parts and tips from 1,100+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2023-2025 Lexus RC, owners of current RC models continue to report steering wheel shake or brake pedal pulsation during moderate-to-hard braking, often at relatively low mileage. In many cases the underlying issue is rotor thickness variation or pad material transfer rather than a true one-time rotor 'warp.' The symptom is more noticeable after repeated heat cycles, aggressive driving, or long periods of light use followed by harder braking.
Road-test to confirm pulsation and measure rotor runout and thickness variation with a dial indicator/micrometer. If out of spec, resurface or replace rotors and pads as a set, clean hub mating surfaces, and properly torque wheels to prevent recurrence. A proper bed-in procedure for new pads/rotors helps reduce repeat complaints.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2023-2025 Lexus RC, a recurring owner complaint on the RC coupe is trim-related rattles, especially from the door panels, dashboard area, and rear interior trim/shelf. The coupe body style, low-profile tires, and firm suspension tuning can transmit enough vibration to create intermittent buzzes that are difficult to duplicate at the dealer. While not a mechanical failure, the issue is well documented by owners and can be persistent on rough pavement or in cold weather.
Technicians usually need a ride-along to isolate the exact source, then remove trim panels and apply felt tape, foam isolators, or revised clips where panels contact each other. Re-torquing loose fasteners and checking for items in the trunk/rear shelf area can eliminate many noises. Because the problem is often intermittent, documenting road speed, temperature, and road surface helps diagnosis.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 2016-2025 Lexus RC has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.0T), Battery Discharge and No-Start from DCM/Telematics Module Staying Awake, Brake Pedal Vibration or Pulsation from Front Rotor Thickness Variation. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2016-2025 Lexus RC has 5 known issues documented across 1,100+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Lexus RC issues range from $0 to $1,400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Lexus RC. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2016-2025 Lexus RC with 5 documented issues documented across 1,100+ owner reports.
The direct-injected 2.0L turbo in the RC200t and RC300 accumulates carbon deposits on the intake valves identically to the IS with the same engine. Without port injection to wash the valves, carbon buildup causes progressive performance degradation starting around 40,000 miles. Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: medium.
Multiple late-model Toyota/Lexus owners, including RC-platform owners, have reported intermittent dead 12V batteries after the vehicle sits for a short period. The pattern is consistent with the Data Communication Module (DCM)/telematics system not entering sleep mode, causing pa… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.
Owners of current RC models continue to report steering wheel shake or brake pedal pulsation during moderate-to-hard braking, often at relatively low mileage. In many cases the underlying issue is rotor thickness variation or pad material transfer rather than a true one-time roto… Repairs typically run $450-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Owners have reported intermittent multimedia glitches on newer Lexus vehicles using the current infotainment stack, including frozen screens, delayed boot-up, dropped CarPlay/Android Auto sessions, and occasional audio loss until the system is restarted. On the RC, these complain… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: low.
A recurring owner complaint on the RC coupe is trim-related rattles, especially from the door panels, dashboard area, and rear interior trim/shelf. The coupe body style, low-profile tires, and firm suspension tuning can transmit enough vibration to create intermittent buzzes that… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
