The Lemon Index2016 Lexus RX.
The 2016 Lexus RX is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 48 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 44, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 22 to 30 mpg combined. The best Lexus RX year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 93 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Lexus RX year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 47K miles on the car (55 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- airbags 2018
The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.
- brakes 2016
These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation.
- airbags 2016
Due to an improper weld, the gas needed to inflate the driver's knee air bag may escape from the inflator.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Lexus told dealers about
Lexus sent dealers 273 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- To minimize battery discharge during transportation and storage, the d/c cut fuse (10a) has…
- To minimize battery discharge during transportation and storage, the D/C Cut Fuse (10A) has…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX350 SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX350 SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX450h SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX450h SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I understand that my car has a possible problem with the takata air bag and I want them replaced before a death occurs.
2016 Lexus RX owner · NHTSA complaint 10872445
More owner reports
I hit other car I press break . Brake not work air bag not come out, precoluation not work.
NHTSA complaint 11013044
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 complaint 11055748
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Lexus RX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus RX year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2016 Lexus RX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (21%), brakes (19%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Lexus RX have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Lexus RX get?
22 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Lexus RX safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Lexus RX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,000 and 47,000 miles. The middle report was at 20,100 miles, from 55 complaints.
Does the 2016 Lexus RX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Lexus RX cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Lexus RX have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus RX year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works