2021 Lexus RX 350 Problems and Complaints

Senior Editor,

Updated on March 22, 2023

As the Luxury division of Toyota, Lexus focuses on offering the ultimate luxury experience and better performance than its affordable counterparts. Unlike most of its competitors, the aggressive styling of the RX doesn’t translate to performance. The same V-6 engine continues to power the 350 models with plenty of refinement and smooth performance. The RX-L models also come with an extra row for better flexibility. The 2021 model only gets a few cosmetic updates to improve the design, all the mechanicals and electricals remain identical. In terms of reliability, Lexus has usually scored high, finishing at the top of its segment, despite the complicated powertrain setups.

So far, the 2021 Lexus RX 350 has only been recalled once, which is significantly lower than the average for the luxury SUV segment. The number of registered complaints also stands relatively low at 8. Let's take a comprehensive look at the reliability and issues of the latest RX.

2021 Lexus RX 350 User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

Engine - In some rare cases, oil leaks were reported by owners, even on low mileage examples.
Fuel efficiency - Several owners report significantly low-efficiency figures even with a conservative driving style, tracing back to issues with the powertrain.
Transmission - Several owners report shifting issues, where the upshifts are too early, causing the car to bog down and shift down soon after.

Electrical Problems

Electrical malfunction - The rain sensors were faulty for some customers, offering limited responsiveness when driving at night.
Infotainment - Several reports were made regarding slow and unresponsive infotainment systems, with some completely failing.

Safety Problems

Seatbelts - In case of some collisions, the seatbelts failed to engage properly, leading to injury, especially for the front seat occupants.
Driver assistance systems - In some rare cases, the pre-collision system caused the engine to rev without input and shift to park.

Exterior Problems

Doors - In some rare instances, owners reported the driver's door opening randomly while the vehicle was on the move.
Sunroof - Water leaking through the sunroof was reported by a few owners, leading to water buildup on the passenger side. Some rare cases of sunroof shattering without any external cause were also reported.

2021 Lexus RX 350 Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	3rd February 2021	21V043000	Transport Hook May Damage Fuel Filler Pipe	In case of a rear-end collision, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.	Lexus will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, remove the rear transport hook, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus' number for this recall is 21LA01.

Should you buy the 2021 Lexus RX 350?

Once again, the Lexus RX 350 proves itself on the reliability front, with no major issues to speak of. The V-6 powertrain remains bulletproof, capable of racking up years of use. Even the hybrid powertrain of the higher trims remains reliable. However, there are several niggles reported by owners like the sunroof leaks and driver assistance system malfunctions. The RX continues to lack on the performance front and is aimed at customers looking for efficiency and comfort above all else, offering plenty of luxury for the price. Overall, if you’re in the market for a luxury crossover, the 2021 Lexus RX 350 fits the bill perfectly.

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