2022 Lexus RX 350 Problems and Complaints

Senior Editor,

Updated on March 24, 2022

The Lexus RX 350 was launched back in 1998 and entered its fourth-generation model in 2015. The 2022 Lexus RX 350 arrived with no significant changes apart from some exterior feature reshuffle and the return of the Black Line variants. Powering the crossover SUV is a 3.5-liter V6 motor that is good for 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. With a base price tag of $45,320, it competes with the likes of the BMW X3, the Volvo XC60, and the Audi Q5 in its segment.

Lexus vehicles were blessed with Toyota’s reliability right from the start and the RX 350 belongs to the same group too. The SUV did face the highest number of complaints against its second-generation model that included reports of the dashboard cracking under heat from sunlight, leaks on the power steering system, and laggy shifts from the transmission. If we compare the RX 350 with its rivals, it enjoys a better position in terms of overall reliability. On the contrary, some of the RX 350’s rivals such as the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 have a slightly higher number of recalls but an almost similar number of complaints or even less in a few model years. Let’s have a more elaborate view of the facts below.

Lexus RX 350 user complaints and problems

The Lexus RX 350 can be considered a great alternative to mainstream German SUVs such as the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. Moreover, it boasts a better overall design than its German counterparts too. On the reliability side, the SUV doesn’t disappoint either. Yes, it did face a hefty number of complaints since its launch but it was for the early second-generation models among which the 2008 model year was the worst hit. The Lexus RX 350 transmission problems were recorded in moderation against its 2016 and 2017 models while the NHTSA reports show that post-2019 MY, the issue was resolved by the manufacturer.

Engine problems

Hesitant acceleration and transmission issues: The maximum number of complaints mentioning hesitation while acceleration and sudden lurching forward were recorded against the third and fourth-gen models of the RX 350. The reports stated that while driving or starting a trip, the affected vehicles’ powertrain would hesitate while accelerating. In some cases, the vehicle would lurch forward due to unintentional acceleration leading to safety concerns. The transmission of the affected vehicles experienced failures which led to the aforementioned issues with the powertrains. Moreover, some isolated reports also mentioned the transmission performing hard upshifts and downshifts that would result in abrupt jerking of the while vehicle.
Fire from engine: The 2015 Lexus RX 350 faced more than a couple of complaints regarding this issue. Almost all the reports state that the affected vehicles were almost destroyed by the fire that started from the engine on its own. Further inspections revealed that there were no external factors behind the random fires. A single complaint related to this issue was recorded where the owner mentioned that the vehicle caught fire after there was smoke from under the hood.

Safety problems

Loss of power in the braking system: A few reports were recorded regarding the loss of power in the braking system. A single complaint mentions that while the engine stays off for a prolonged time, the braking system would lose all power which would result in the brake pedal getting hard to press. In some cases where the vehicle was equipped with the keyless start system and the brake pedal was required to be pressed to start the engine, the driver would be unable to do so owing to the brake pedal getting stiff.
Airbags not deploying: The Lexus RX 350 faced several complaints stating that the airbags of the affected vehicles failed to deploy. In almost all cases the vehicles were involved in accidents including rear-ending and head-on collisions, and in none of the situations, the airbags did not deploy resulting in injuries.
Advanced driver-assist system malfunction: The advanced driver assist system of the RX 350 did face a handful of complaints. In some cases, the forward collision avoidance system would intervene unnecessarily while driving at highway speeds causing safety concerns. Some reports mentioned that the cruise control would malfunction where even after canceling the system, the vehicle would continue to accelerate for a brief moment before slowing down.
Exploding sunroof: Some vehicles of the 2018 Lexus RX 350 faced complaints regarding the explosion of their sunroofs. The reports mention that the sunroof of the affected vehicles exploded randomly while driving or while opening it.

2022 Lexus RX 350 recalls

The Lexus RX 350, especially the fourth-generation model onwards, have shown leaps and bound improvement in terms of its reliability aspect. Apart from the isolated issues, all the other repetitive problems were sorted out by the brand after issuing a few recalls. Among the list of recalls, we can see both the loss of braking power and the stalling of engine issues were addressed.

Recall Date	NHTSA Campaign ID	Component Affected	Recall Issue	Explanation
April 3, 2018	18V211000	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	Brake Assist Vacuum Pump may Fail	A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
January 13, 2020	20V012000	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	Fuel Pump May Fail	If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
November 4, 2020	20V682000	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	Fuel Pump May Fail	If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
February 3, 2021	21V043000	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	Transport Hook May Damage Fuel Filler Pipe	During a rear-end crash, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.

What model year of the Lexus RX 350 to avoid?

The second-generation models of the Lexus RX 350, especially the 2008 and 2009 model years, are considered to be the most problematic ones. Hence, if you’re eyeing the used car market for models from the aforementioned model years, avoiding them would be a safe bet. On the later models, apart from some specific issues with a few vehicles, the overall reliability aspect of the RX 350 is solid.

Should you buy a used Lexus RX 350?

The NHTSA reports of the Lexus RX 350 models from the fourth generation onwards have shown impressive improvement with a decline in complaints. The third-generation models of the SUV recorded the fewest number of complaints and recalls, making them the best option from the used car market.