2021 Lexus RX
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2017 | 45 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
68% of complaints: air bags — 47 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving on the freeway in Stockton California and I entered into a connecting on-ramp curve going about 30mph and a lady hit me from behind on the passenger side going 65mph as she was trying to change lanes to get behind me and my car...
NHTSA ODI report, 20240625
6% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240603
6% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving on the freeway in Stockton California and I entered into a connecting on-ramp curve going about 30mph and a lady hit me from behind on the passenger side going 65mph as she was trying to change lanes to get behind me and my car...
NHTSA ODI report, 20240625
4% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The sole occupant driver drove into a slightly elevated driveway and stopped. The driveway is maybe 5 degree incline. The shift select lever was placed in Park and the Driver visually confirmed it was in park.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220728
SAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022...
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024.
Campaign 23V865000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V865000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Lexus RX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Lexus RX is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus RX?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus RX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.