The most significant Lexus RX issues are a passenger occupant-sensor recall on 2020–2021 RX 350 and RX 450h (23V865), in-tank fuel pump recalls on 2017–2020 RX 350 and RX 350L, a steering-knuckle recall on some 2026 models, the 2010 floor-mat pedal recall and a VVT-i oil hose campaign on 2007–2009 RX 350.
CarWhere lists 19 documented RX issues, including 18 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
RX 2nd gen RX problems (2004–2009)
VVT-i oil hose can leak (Limited Service Campaign) (2007–2009)
Moderate- Generation:
- RX 2nd gen (2004–2009)
- Years:
- 2007–2009
- Powertrain:
- RX 350 (V6)
Toyota ran a Limited Service Campaign, not a safety recall, because the rubber section of the oil supply hose to the VVT-i actuator on 2GR-FE V6 engines can degrade and leak oil. Lexus says the campaign covered 2007–2009 RX 350 (and 2007–2008 ES 350); dealers fitted a newly designed hose at no charge. The campaign has closed, so replacement today is at the owner’s cost.
Symptoms
- Oil leak at the rear of the engine
- Abnormal engine noise
- Oil pressure warning light
Check before buying
- Ask a Lexus dealer whether the VVT-i oil hose campaign was completed on the VIN
- Look for oil residue around the hose and engine valley area
Sources: [20]
Hybrid inverter transistors can overheat (RX 400h) (recall 13V396) (2006–2008)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 2nd gen (2004–2009)
- Years:
- 2006–2008
- Powertrain:
- RX 400h
Transistors in the Intelligent Power Module inside the inverter on 2006–2008 RX 400h models can be damaged by heat, turning on several warning lamps and possibly stalling the hybrid. Dealers replace the IPM free of charge. Earlier campaign 11V342 addressed inadequately soldered transistors on 2006–2007 RX 400h. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Check-engine, master warning and brake warning lights together
- Hybrid stalls or goes into limp mode
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 13V396 (2013-09) · 133,081 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [21][22]
Floor carpet cover can interfere with the accelerator (recall 11V112) (2004–2007)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 2nd gen (2004–2009)
- Years:
- 2004–2007
- Powertrain:
- RX 330, RX 350, RX 400h
If the forward retention clip for the floor carpet cover in front of the center console is not installed correctly on 2004–2007 RX 330, RX 350 and RX 400h models, the cover can lean toward the accelerator and interfere with the pedal arm. Dealers replace the cover with a redesigned one free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Accelerator pedal catches on trim
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 11V112 (2011-02) · 769,379 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [23]
Crankshaft pulley ring may slip (recall 11V539) (2004–2006)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 2nd gen (2004–2009)
- Years:
- 2004–2006
- Powertrain:
- RX 330, RX 400h
Too little adhesive between the outer ring and rubber damper of the crankshaft pulley on certain 2004–2005 RX 330 and 2006 RX 400h models built June 2004 to March 2005 can let the outer ring misalign, causing noise and a battery-discharge warning. Dealers check and replace the pulley as needed. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Noise from the front of the engine
- Battery discharge warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 11V539 (2011-11) · 420,326 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [24]
RX 3rd gen RX problems (2010–2015)
Floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal (recall 12V305) (2010)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 3rd gen (2010–2015)
- Years:
- 2010
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 450h
An unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal in the wide-open position on 2010 RX 350 and RX 450h models. Dealers modify or replace the pedal and replace non-specified driver floor mats. Toyota later paid $17.35 million to settle NHTSA claims about the timeliness of this recall, without admitting a violation. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Pedal slow to return or sticks against the mat
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
- Make sure only one correctly secured driver’s floor mat is fitted
NHTSA recall: 12V305 (2012-06) · 164,601 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [16][17]
Brake actuator fault may disable ABS and stability control (recall 14V054) (2012–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 3rd gen (2010–2015)
- Years:
- 2012–2013
- Powertrain:
- RX 350
An electrical component inside the brake actuator on certain 2012–2013 RX 350 models can develop higher resistance, lighting the VSC, ABS and traction control warnings and switching those systems off. Dealers update the skid control ECU software free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- VSC, ABS and traction control warning lights
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V054 (2014-02) · 261,114 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [18]
Fuel may leak from a fuel delivery pipe (recall 14V576) (2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 3rd gen (2010–2015)
- Years:
- 2015
- Powertrain:
- RX 350
Fuel can leak from one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine bay on certain 2015 RX 350 models, creating a fire risk. Dealers replace any suspect pipe free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell in or around the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V576 (2014-09) · 15,872 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [19]
RX 4th gen RX problems (2016–2022)
Passenger occupant sensor may short, disabling the airbag (recall 23V865) (2020–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 4th gen (2016–2022)
- Years:
- 2020–2021
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 450h
A short circuit can develop in the Occupant Classification System sensor on 2020–2021 RX 350 and RX 450h models, which can prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor as needed, free of charge. This is one of Toyota’s largest recent campaigns, covering roughly a million vehicles. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Passenger airbag OFF indicator lit with an adult in the seat
- Airbag warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 23V865 (2023-12) · 999,901 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 20V682) (2017–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 4th gen (2016–2022)
- Years:
- 2017–2020
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 350L
The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump may fail on 2017 and 2019–2020 RX 350 and 2018–2020 RX 350L models, among many Toyota and Lexus vehicles, which can cause rough running or a stall while driving. Dealers fit an improved pump free of charge. Related campaigns 20V012 and 25V028 cover other build ranges, including 2019 RX 350L. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Check-engine or master warning light
- Rough running
- Engine stall or no-start
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 20V682 (2020-11) · 1,525,742 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9][10][11]
Brake booster vacuum pump may fail (recall 18V211) (2017)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 4th gen (2016–2022)
- Years:
- 2017
- Powertrain:
- RX 350
The oil gallery in the rotor of the brake booster vacuum pump on some 2017 RX 350 models may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause a sudden loss of brake assist. Dealers replace the vacuum pump free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Hard brake pedal
- Brake warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 18V211 (2018-04) · 6,046 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
Airbag sensors may fail (recall 18V085) (2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 4th gen (2016–2022)
- Years:
- 2016
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 450h (incl. F SPORT)
Airbag pressure and/or acceleration sensors may fail on 2016 RX 350 and RX 450h models, including F SPORT, so the front or side/curtain shield airbags may not deploy in a crash. Dealers replace sensors by serial number free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 18V085 (2018-01) · 48,672 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]
Driver knee airbag inflator may leak (recall 16V053) (2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 4th gen (2016–2022)
- Years:
- 2016
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 450h
An improper weld on the driver’s knee airbag inflator in 2016 RX 350 and RX 450h models built November 16 to December 23, 2015 can let the inflation gas escape, so the knee airbag may not inflate properly. Dealers inspect and replace the knee airbag as needed, free of charge.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 16V053 (2016-02) · 5,072 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14]
ABS actuator O-ring may be damaged (recall 16V198) (2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 4th gen (2016–2022)
- Years:
- 2016
- Powertrain:
- RX 350
A damaged O-ring in the ABS actuator on 2016 RX 350 models built October 26, 2015 to February 8, 2016 can cause improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, traction or stability control activation (FMVSS 126). Dealers inspect and replace the actuator as needed, free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- ABS, TRAC or VSC warning lights
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 16V198 (2016-04) · 16,656 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15]
RX 5th gen RX problems (2023–present)
Front steering knuckles may crack (recall 26V598) (2026)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 5th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2026
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 350h, RX 500h
A manufacturing error can leave the front steering knuckles on certain 2026 RX models prone to cracking and breaking, which can cause loss of steering control. Dealers inspect and replace the knuckles as needed, free of charge. The campaign is 617 vehicles across the 2026 RX, TX and Grand Highlander.
Symptoms
- Clunking or wandering steering
- Steering feels loose or pulls suddenly
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 26V598 (2026-09) · 617 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
Rearview camera image may not display (recall 26V162) (2023–2026)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 5th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2023–2026
- Powertrain:
- RX 350
On certain 2023–2026 RX 350 models the rearview camera image may not appear in reverse, failing FMVSS 111. Dealers update the camera software or replace the camera, free of charge. The campaign also covers 2022–2025 NX 250/NX 350 and 2024–2026 TX 350. The unit count is the whole campaign across every listed model.
Symptoms
- Blank or missing camera image in reverse
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 26V162 (2026-03) · 144,200 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
Instrument panel may not show speed and warnings at startup (recall 25V595) (2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 5th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2025
- Powertrain:
- RX (2025)
An instrument panel software error at startup can stop the display from showing vehicle speed and the brake and tire-pressure warning lights on certain 2025 RX models and many other Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Dealers update the software over the air (non-PHEV) free of charge. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Blank speedometer or missing warning lights after starting
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 25V595 (2025-09) · 591,377 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged (recall 25V059) (2024–2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 5th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2024–2025
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 350h, RX 500h
The second-row center seat belt webbing on certain 2024–2025 RX models may be damaged and not meet FMVSS 209. Dealers inspect the webbing and replace the belt assembly if necessary, free of charge. The campaign also covers 2025 NX models and the 2025 Camry Hybrid. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Symptoms
- Frayed or cut webbing on the rear center belt
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 25V059 (2025-02) · 40,922 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Driver airbag may not deploy (steering spiral cable) (recall 23V480) (2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 5th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2023
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 350h, RX 500h
A poorly welded connection inside the steering column spiral cable on certain 2023 RX models can separate and deactivate the driver’s airbag. Dealers inspect and replace the spiral cable as needed. Recall 25V040 covers 2023 RX 350s that may have been repaired incorrectly under 23V480. The unit count is the whole campaign, which also covers Toyota models.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 23V480 (2023-07) · 152,927 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5][6]
Front head restraints can be pulled out without the release (recall 24V482) (2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- RX 5th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2024
- Powertrain:
- RX 350, RX 350h
The front head restraints on certain 2024 RX 350 and RX 350h models can be removed without pressing the lock release, failing FMVSS 202. Dealers replace both front head restraints free of charge. The campaign also covers 2024–2025 NX models.
Symptoms
- Front head restraint lifts out without pressing the release button
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 24V482 (2024-06) · 11,418 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]