The Lemon Index

All cars · Lexus RX · 2021

2021 Lexus RX. Advanced data.

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

Lemon Index36100 = average car
Complaints40NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold115,320U.S. model year
Per 100K sold35complaints
Year rank#10 of 19#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 3

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S8)FWD19 / 26 / 22Regular$2,850
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S8)AWD18 / 25 / 21Regular$2,950
3.5L 6-cyl hybridAuto (AV-S6)AWD29 / 28 / 29Premium$2,650

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

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Airbags52%
Body structure12%
Automatic emergency braking10%
Seat belts10%
Brakes5%

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

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
7190607

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 23V865000 Dec 2023 Air Bags / Sensor / Occupant Classification

    Defect. 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 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

    Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

    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. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Le

Manufacturer communications 44

Lexus filed 44 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Condition in which a musty
  • Condition in which a musty

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
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★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20181922111,641Fuel or ev drive system
20194146111,036Fuel or ev drive system
20202322101,059Fuel system, gasoline
20213640115,320Airbags
2022273396,041Electrical
20235067114,033Transmission & drivetrain
20245960118,636Electrical

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

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data