Is the 2016 Lexus RX350 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Lexus RX350 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Lexus RX350?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Lexus RX350 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Lexus RX350

● Typical for this model

2016 Lexus RX350
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:54:42.764Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 58
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2016: 58 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	0
2005	0
2006	0
2007	167
2008	126
2009	97
2010	94
2011	30
2012	33
2013	29
2014	15
2015	42
2016	58
2017	46
2018	18
2019	31
2020	7
2021	1
2022	10
2023	4

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

16% · 9 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Auto accident / other driver fault- 20 + miles per hour in motion front end collision/ impact . Frame damage to both sides of SUV. Total 3 passengers. No airbags deployed on front driver. No airbags deployed at all.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-20

Was making a left turn on to a bridge, the car pulled the right a little, I pulled to the left a little to straightened it back up applying the brakes, the car would not stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-11

Also filed under Service brakes

While driving at 30-35 miles per hour I hit a mini van from behind in stop and go traffic. My Lexus at this point had 2500 miles was 3 months old and I was driving alone with no passengers.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-02

Also filed under Structure

Service brakes

14% · 8 reports

CRASHINJURY

Power train

12% · 7 reports

CRASH

Visibility/wiper

9% · 5 reports

Vehicle speed control

9% · 5 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

My 2016 Lexus 350 rx was in the garage. I needed to move the car forward so I put it in drive. As soon as I released the brake, the car shot forward with great speed (Unintended acceleration).

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-01

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2016-03-07Air bags16V053000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h vehicles manufactured November 16, 2015, to December 23, 2015.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the knee air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-05-04Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic16V198000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016...

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-30Air bags18V085000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Lexus RX350 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V053000 · Air bags
Recall 16V198000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 18V085000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Lexus RX350 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Lexus RX350 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Lexus RX350?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Lexus RX350 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.