The Lemon Index

All cars · Lexus RX · 2018

2018 Lexus RX. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index19100 = average car
Complaints22NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold111,641U.S. model year
Per 100K sold20complaints
Year rank#5 of 19#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 3

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S8)FWD20 / 27 / 23Regular$2,700
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S8)AWD19 / 26 / 22Regular$2,850
3.5L 6-cyl hybridAuto (AV-S6)AWD31 / 28 / 30Premium$2,600

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,700 and 20,800 miles. Median 14,500, from 17 complaints with a mileage.

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Fuel or ev drive system32%
Transmission & drivetrain23%
Engine18%
Brakes18%
Speed control14%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
4760405

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 20V012000 Jan 2020 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014

    Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023

Manufacturer communications 190

Lexus filed 190 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • To minimize battery discharge during transportation and storage, the D/C Cut Fuse (10A) has…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Lexus RX350 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus RX350 SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus RX350L SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus RX350L SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20153131100,610Speed control
20164448109,435Airbags
20173945108,307Brakes
20181922111,641Fuel or ev drive system
20194146111,036Fuel or ev drive system
20202322101,059Fuel system, gasoline
20213640115,320Airbags

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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