2013 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (23% of complaints); the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
49
owner complaints
3
fire reports
63,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: service brakes (23%)3 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Service Brakes (brakes)23% · 9 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)13% · 5 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)13% · 5 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)8% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)8% · 3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)8% · 3 complaints
“Odometer Fraud: The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 96,575. After reviewing an AutoCheck report by Experian the following day, the contact became aware that the mileage was 151,219.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
“I was just driving regular and the rx350 started to jerk and apply the breaks by itself and slip and go side ways and the car behind me almost hit me because my Lexus started to stop hard and fast .im pressing the gas but it's not accelerating.the engine wanted to stop and very dangerous I'm scared to even drive the vehicle.i am the 3rd owner and now i know why the otheer people don't want it .there is a recall for that problem but im new to the car recalls so im not to shure what to do to get the car repaired .i would like this fix especially because it is a recall .thanks”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2026
“AC or Heating stopped working on Passenger side and Rear after not using it for a couple of weeks. I checked online and a lot of RX350 owners have this issue.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to either the left or right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the front control arms were torn and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,786.”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2025
“I was in the Toyota advantage dealer in Barbousville WV to see why my park assist after replaced are stating there still out per Toyota I need a Wire Harness that's on back, back, back order now that's two critical items my car needs and I'm in a new place where I need GPS to work and no one has any ideal when the parts will be available for the Wire Harness nor the Air Bag well per Lexus just wait that does not work for me.”Owner report · Lane Departure · Oct 2024
“This vehicle is missing along with a 25 year old driving it We need GPS data to locate this vehicle however Toyota motor corps is not cooperating in getting this data to us, please help us.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2024
“Rear hatch door let loose and hit my wife in head knocking her out temporarily. Lexus dealership would not run diagnostic unless I paid them 150.00. My 8year or 100,000 mile warranty ran out in 2021.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2023
“I have had a reoccurrence of a warning light "Trac Off- Check AWD" ( All Wheel Drive}. This is, apparently, an indication that the Vehicle Stability System has been turned off. The car is now less safe/ controlled in slippery inclement conditions. In researching this issue, I have found numerous indications that many drivers have experienced this problem with Vrious Lexus models and model years. Dealer service departments appear to be baffled and unable to correct the problem. The attempted/unsuccessful repairs have been costly.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2023
“Had so many issues with this car. Transmission went out at 52k (was replaced under warranty), and at 86k, it went out again. Car overheated and won't move in traffic. Had to push and move it to the side. Had a independent shop rebuild the transmission. Notified Lexus, but won't help due to it was not taken into their dealer. Nothing came on the dash, nor showed any symptom prior to the incident. Thanking you in advance for looking into this matter.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2022
“There seems to be a barking noise when pressing the brakes even when engine is not on. Local shop could not diagnose the issue. I heard this could be the regenerative system that is expensive to repair. Braking seems ok but I am concerned as I thought there were some recalls on brake booster for this year but they say not on my car.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines3.5L
Cylinders6
FuelGasoline
Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 · 4x2
How other years compare
Check your exact RX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Lexus RX reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Lexus RX. The most complained-about area is service brakes (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Lexus RX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 63,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.