2016 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
28
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 28 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)6 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)4 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)3 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)1 complaint
“*Driver-side entry failure = primary access point compromised * Could trap occupants if internal handle fails or after an accident * Emergency responders rely on driver-side access first * This is not normal wear and tear-it's a safety-related failure.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from underneath the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2025
“The electronic screen on dashboard that displays map, HVAC, etc. turns pink then black and disappears for several minutes. One then has no control over the various functions displayed on the screen. I've done a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for several minutes...to no avail. Thank you.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“As I was driving southbound on I five in the state of Washington in Stanwood area 8:00 AM my sunroof exploded, causing me to swerve into other lanes and a distraction for other drivers There were no warnings. The sunroof was in a close position, not being used. The vehicle went into repair today being August 1. We did take pictures. Had there been cars directly on either side of me accident would have occurred.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jul 2025
“Timing Cover gasket leak. Apparently this is very common problem with 2016 Lexus RX 350 due to a bad design by Lexus. Lexus is quoting ~7000 to fix”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2025
“Car has a continuous gas smell after start up. When a/c or heat is turned off the car cabin smells of gaslione. I have taken to the car to lexus dealership repeatedly and have been advice car operates as intended. There is also a hissing noise coming from the rear driverside tire area near the gas tank.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2024
“Good Afternoon, This is in relation to Customer Support Program (20LE02) - Rear Inside Door Handle May Become Inoperative. The Rear right inside door handle of my Lexus 350 became inoperative recently, but I never received a notice regarding 20LE02.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2024
“Loss of power brake assist. The Lexus dealer diagnosed a failed vacuum pump. This is common with the 2016/2017 RX 350's. Lexus has admitted a manufacturing problem with the pumps and has a service bulletin (L-SB-0010-18) and a safety recall on the 2017's (JLD J2D). The recall should be extended to the 2016's. There are tons of people posting on the internet about failed vacuum pumps and resultant safety issues.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2024
“The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the moon roof independently fractured. The contact stated no object had struck the moon roof to cause the fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the moon roof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Nov 2023
“The vehicle sustained water damage due to Hurricane Ida in September 2021 and was repaired at the dealership. In February 2023, the battery needed replacing for a third time since then and I was told that the front and rear carpeting was soaking wet, again, and it was due to the moonroof rails being clogged. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being assessed and repairs should be borne by the dealer/manufacturer; NOT THE CONSUMER. If this is specific to my vehicle only, then I have a lemon. If it has happened to others, then it should be recalled.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 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
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Is the 2016 Lexus RX reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Lexus RX. The most complained-about area is structure.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.