Fans of the Lexus RX, the brand’s first and longest-running crossover, have plenty to celebrate, thanks to few recalls and a low number of complaints. The 2010 RX falls off the mark with almost 150 complaints, the most of any model year from 2010 onward.
Key Points
- The third-generation Lexus RX arrived in 2010, garnering a single recall and 148 complaints in its first year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- All model years since have anywhere from no recalls to three, along with double- to single-digit complaints on record.
- Earlier recalls cover issues involving improperly calibrated brake actuators, more recent recalls cover the fuel pump and transport hook.
- Complaints for the 2010 model year include 47 for sudden unintended acceleration, 22 for leaking rubber oil lines.
Third-gen. Lexus RX Caught in Sudden Unintended Acceleration Scandal in its First Year
Introduced in 2008 for the 2010 model year, the third-generation Lexus RX hit the factory line in February 2009. Though it has the famed reliability of parent company Toyota behind it, this generation of the brand’s first and longest-running crossover fell into the “first year is the worst year” trap. Compared to subsequent years, including the first year of the fourth-gen RX, 2010 was the nadir of quality in the crossover’s continuous pursuit of perfection.
The 2010 RX got caught up in a big recall affecting also 2008 through 2011 Toyota Land Cruisers, involving the floor mat catching and trapping the accelerator pedal, leading to sudden unintended acceleration; the recall became part of a series of civil penalties the NHTSA imposed upon Toyota, according to Auto Safety.
As far as the 148 complaints go, 47 reference the sudden unintended acceleration recall. Another 22 focus on a pinhole-sized defect in the rubber oil lines spraying oil around the engine bay. The issue was fixed with newer metal replacement parts.
Brake Actuator Woes, Leaky Fuel Delivery Pipe Dull Third-gen. Lexus RX’s Shine
The 2014 model year is the only model year between 2010 and the present where no recall is attached to the Lexus RX. The remainder of the third generation, though, faced a pair of recalls through its life in the first half of the New ’10s. The first involved the brake actuator on 2011 through 2013 models.
Specifically, on the 2011 Lexus RX equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, the calibration for the hydraulic controls was incorrect, leading to the right front wheel not being able to brake properly. Dealers were instructed to install a new unit free of charge.
Meanwhile, 2012 and 2013 models suffered from a software issue leading to both ABS and stability control being disabled. The fix here involved updating the Skid Control ECU free of charge.
As for the 2015 model year, the last for the third-gen RX, a leaky fuel delivery pipe in the engine bay could lead to a potential fire. Here, dealers replaced the affected parts free of charge.
Fuel Pump Failures, Transport Hook Troubles Stalk Fourth-gen. Lexus RX
The best-selling luxury crossover/SUV in the United States entered its fourth and current incarnation in 2015 for the 2016 model year, receiving a brand-new version of the brand’s infamous “Spindle Grille,” plus a new “floating roof” design, where the C-pillar is split in two sections by way of a black plastic trim piece.
The 2016 model year kicked-off with three recalls exclusive to it: Two covering airbags (sensor failures leading to deployment malfunction, and inflator gas leaks from the driver-side knee airbag), one linked to the brake actuator (again) with a damaged O-ring not being able to provide adequate brake pressure when needed the most.
Subsequent model years through the present day have one or both issues affecting the fuel system. The first involves the fuel pump on 2017 through 2020 RX models. In short: the pump may fail, leading to loss of power at the wrong time. A free improved replacement from the dealer fixes the problem.
The second covers a temporary part that should have been removed upon delivery to the dealership: The transport hook. On 2019 and 2021 models, the hook remains on the RX, which could puncture the fuel filler pipe in a rear-end collision. Owners are instructed to bring their Lexus to their dealer, where a service tech will remove the hook.
Lexus RX is Still Tops for a Reason, Despite Rough 2010 Model Year
Toyota’s famous reliability, combined with tons of luxury, gives the Lexus RX a solid edge in the luxury crossover market.
While the 2010 model year was the roughest as far as complaints are concerned, all years since have fewer complaints, with the newest models collecting a handful at most.
Still, the pursuit of perfection remains just that: A pursuit. It appears, though, that the RX is well on its way to achieving its goal.
Bottom line: Aside from the 2010 model year, the Lexus RX is a solid buy in the luxury crossover market.
Photos: Lexus
