Being a midsize SUV that targets the luxury audience, the Lexus RX 350 puts itself in a highly competitive segment. Luxury isn't the only focus for the RX as it manages to score 85 on J.D.Power’s reliability scale and 8.9 on iSeeCars, which is considered to be great. This is further supported by the fact that the RX lineup sold over 111,000 units in 2019 but when compared to the previous year, the user network has slightly decreased. The RX 350 also holds 43 complaints and 3 recalls NHTSA but is not affected as its rivals like the Acura MDX, the Land Rover Discovery, and the Ford Explorer either carry more issues or lesser sales than the Lexus. Although the 2019 RX 350 is a good pick considering its high scores and user network, the 2018 model would be a better bet as it proves to be slightly better in terms of reliability. The 2019 Lexus RX 350 sells in the used market for an average value of $39,000, which proves it to hold good value as it was originally introduced for $43,820.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Forward collision sensor – Users reported that the collision warning would go on while the traffic outside is way ahead. The sensors would even engage the emergency braking at random times and the dealers found the sensors to need re-calibration. Doing so resolved the issue.
- Transmission – The gear shifts on the SUV were said to be rough and delayed at times, disturbing the overall drive quality. It was found that the powertrain control module had a glitch that needed to be reset.
Structural Problems
- Water leak – Users stated that the park assist on the SUV malfunctioned and provided false warnings. This was diagnosed and the dealers found the dashboard modules to have been exposed to moisture from the rain. It was noticed that the water leak due to a design flaw was the cause and the dealers replaced the electrical module along with a minor modification to prevent the leak from happening again.
Mechanical Problems
- Propulsion system – It was reported that the users failed to accelerate at times and some vehicles would even stall while driving. This was said to be a common issue among the RX350 owners and Lexus found this to be happening due to a fuel pump malfunction for which a recall was later issued.
Safety Problem
- Liftgate – It was found that the rear hatch was too heavy and would not stop if there is a person in its way after pressing the close button. This could lead to fatal injuries and the dealer discovered it to happen due to a fault in the rear hatch sensor. Dealers replaced the necessary part and the liftgate problem was resolved.
2019 Lexus RX350 recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
3rd February 2021 |
21V043000 |
Transport Hook May Damage Fuel Filler Pipe |
It's possible that the transport hook wasn't taken off before the sale. Due to this, these cars do not meet the criteria of FMVSS number 301, "Fuel System Integrity." The fuel filler pipe may sustain damage from the transport hook during a rear-end collision, raising the likelihood of a fire. |
Owners will be informed by Lexus, and dealers will check the rear transport hook and, if necessary, remove it free of charge. |
|
2. |
4th November 2020 |
20V682000 |
Fuel Pump May Fail |
The gasoline tank's internal low-pressure fuel pump could malfunction. Engine stalling while driving increases the likelihood of a collision if the fuel pump malfunctions. |
Owners will be notified by Toyota, and dealers will upgrade the fuel pump assembly at no additional cost. |
|
3. |
13th January 2020 |
20V012000 |
Fuel Pump May Fail |
Multiple models from the Toyota lineup face a fuel pump failure that stalls the vehicle at random times. This can increase the chances of a collision. |
Toyota will give owners notice, and dealers will free-of-charge replace the fuel pump. The recall was initiated on May 4, 2020. |
Should you buy the 2019 Lexus RX 350?
Being from the house of Toyota, the RX 350 has managed to hold the reliability factor very well. The car is also known to be very easy to maintain and it proved to hold its value as the SUV has a good demand in the resale market. Despite having numerous issues relating to its electronics and structure, Lexus wasted no time in coming up with solutions. There was also a major fault with the fuel pump and this sure did affect the sales of the vehicle compared to the previous year's model but Lexus addressed the issue by rolling out recalls. We see no reason for one to skip the 2019 Lexus RX 350 but it is recommended to get the transmission and front sensors diagnosed along with checking if the car has received the recall repair pertaining to its fuel pump.
