What are the most common Lexus RX problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 16,200+ owner reports, the 2000-2025 Lexus RX has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement, Dashboard Melting and Sticky Surface, Excessive Oil Consumption 2GR Engine. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Lexus RX reliable?
The 2000-2025 Lexus RX has 13 known issues documented across 16,200+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Lexus RX problems?
Repair costs for known Lexus RX issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement, typically costs $2,800-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Lexus RX is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Lexus RX. 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 2000-2025 Lexus RX with 13 documented issues documented across 16,200+ owner reports.
What is the 2000-2003 Lexus RX U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement?
Early first-generation RX300 models are well known for premature automatic transmission failure, especially on AWD vehicles but also on FWD examples. Owners report delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse, harsh shifting, slipping on acceleration, and eventual loss of movement; t… Repairs typically run $2,800-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2014 Lexus RX Dashboard Melting and Sticky Surface?
The RX350 and RX450h dashboards develop the same melting, sticky surface defect seen across the Lexus lineup. The dashboard material chemically degrades in heat and sunlight, creating a reflective glare hazard on the windshield. The RX is the highest-volume model affected, genera… Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Lexus RX Excessive Oil Consumption 2GR Engine?
The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in the RX350 consumes excessive oil, often requiring a quart every 1,500-3,000 miles. The piston ring design allows oil to bypass into the combustion chamber, and the PCV system contributes to the problem. Toyota acknowledged the issue with a TSB covering pisto… Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2022 Lexus RX 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder?
The Aisin 8-speed automatic in the fourth-generation RX develops a noticeable shudder or vibration during light throttle acceleration, particularly in the 25-45 MPH range during torque converter lockup. The shudder is caused by torque converter clutch material wearing into the tr… Repairs typically run $200-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2019 Lexus RX Water Pump Premature Failure?
The water pump on the RX fails prematurely due to internal seal and bearing wear. Coolant weeps from the pump weep hole and the bearing develops play, causing a whining or grinding noise from the front of the engine. Failure rates are highest between 60,000-100,000 miles. Repairs typically run $500-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2017 Lexus RX AC Evaporator Core Refrigerant Leak?
The AC evaporator core in the RX develops pinhole leaks from internal corrosion, causing slow refrigerant loss. The system gradually loses cooling capacity over weeks or months as the charge leaks through the evaporator. This is an expensive repair because the entire dashboard mu… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2004-2006 Lexus RX Steering Intermediate Shaft Clunk and Loose Steering Feel Over Bumps?
Second-generation RX330 models commonly develop a clunk or knock felt through the steering column, especially at low speed over small bumps or during quick steering inputs. Lexus issued service information for intermediate steering shaft noise, and owners often describe the sensa… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2004-2006 Lexus RX Rear Main Seal / Engine Oil Leak at Timing Cover and Lower Engine Seals?
RX330 owners frequently report persistent engine oil leaks that are often diagnosed at the rear main seal, timing cover area, or other lower engine sealing surfaces. The leak may start as minor seepage but can progress to oil spots on the driveway, burning oil odor, and contamina… Repairs typically run $700-$2,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Lexus RX 12V Battery Discharge and No-Start from Telematics/DCM Staying Awake?
Multiple 2023-2025 RX owners have reported dead 12V batteries, repeated jump-starts, and intermittent no-start conditions after the vehicle sits overnight or for a few days. The issue has been tied in owner reports and Toyota/Lexus service communications to excessive parasitic dr… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Lexus RX Brake Pedal Vibration/Grinding and Extended Stopping Feel from ABS Actuator Software Logic?
Some current-generation RX owners report an unexpectedly harsh ABS event at low speeds over bumps, manhole covers, or rough pavement, accompanied by grinding or pedal kickback and a sensation of reduced braking for a moment. This complaint pattern has appeared on Toyota/Lexus TNG… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2006 Lexus RX Power Steering Pressure Hose Leak and Pump Whine from Fluid Loss?
Both RX300 and RX330 generations commonly develop power steering fluid leaks, especially from the high-pressure hose and related line connections. Owners report red fluid on the driveway, groaning or whining while turning, and heavier steering effort as fluid level drops. If igno… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Lexus RX Front Camera / Millimeter-Wave Radar Misalignment Causing PCS and Driver-Assist Warnings?
Owners of the current-generation RX have reported recurring messages such as 'Pre-Collision System Malfunction,' 'Front Camera Unavailable,' or temporary loss of adaptive cruise and lane functions. These complaints appear in NHTSA filings and owner forums, often after windshield… Repairs typically run $250-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Lexus RX Infotainment Screen Freezing, Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Dropouts, and Rebooting Head Unit?
The new-generation RX uses Lexus Interface, and owners have widely reported frozen center displays, laggy touch response, black screens, audio loss, and unstable wireless smartphone integration. Complaints and forum threads describe random head-unit reboots, failure to reconnect… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: low.
