The Lemon Index2021 Lexus RX.
The 2021 Lexus RX is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 40 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 1 recall, and it gets 21 to 30 mpg combined. The best Lexus RX year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 71 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Lexus RX year. 2021 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.
Recalls 1
- airbags 2023
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
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 44 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Condition in which a musty
- Condition in which a musty
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX 350 SUV FWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX 350 SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX 350 SUV AWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX 350 SUV FWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX 350L SUV FWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX 350L SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Lexus RX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus RX year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus RX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (52%), body structure (12%) and automatic emergency braking (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus RX have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus RX get?
21 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Lexus RX safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Lexus RX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Lexus RX cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Lexus RX have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus RX year is better than the 2021?
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