The Lemon Index2023 Lexus RX.
The 2023 Lexus RX is so far better than average by owner complaints: 67 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 50, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 24 to 36 mpg combined. The best Lexus RX year is 2014.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 67 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Lexus RX year. 2023 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 4K to 12K miles on the car (10 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
- back over prevention 2026
The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- back over prevention 2025
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
- steering 2025
An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag.
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 132 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2023MY RX500h may require a transaxle and transmission control module (TCU) replacement for
- The subject vehicles are equipped with a Data Communication Module (DCM) which supports the use
- Vibration or shudder sensation from the transmission
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX 350 SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus RX 350h SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The transmission is jerking at times and it failed to accelerate at one point after coming to a complete stop. Notified Lexus and still working to fully resolve the issue but they just denied my request to reevaluate the issue.
2023 Lexus RX owner · NHTSA complaint 11767782
More owner reports
Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.
NHTSA complaint 11734180
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Lexus RX reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 50; 100 is average). The best Lexus RX year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2023 Lexus RX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (19%), engine (16%) and electrical (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Lexus RX have?
3 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Lexus RX get?
24 to 36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 Lexus RX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Lexus RX cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Lexus RX have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Lexus RX year is better than the 2023?
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