The best and worst Lexus RX years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Lexus RXs old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2020 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2006–2008 and 2010 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2021 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2006 Lexus RX · 20.3 per 10,000 sold (2.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Hybrid or EV traction battery and inverter, typically around 109,000 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
2007 Lexus RX · 25.9 per 10,000 sold (3.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 121,164 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
2008 Lexus RX · 28.6 per 10,000 sold (3.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 70,000 miles; then power steering pump, rack and lines.
2010 Lexus RX · 18.2 per 10,000 sold (2.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Stalling and no-start, typically around 33,250 miles; then master cylinder and booster.
Years with the fewest complaints
2012 Lexus RX · 4.6 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Stalling and no-start, typically around 20,000 miles.
2014 Lexus RX · 2.6 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 15,000 miles.
2018 Lexus RX · 4.1 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 12,000 miles.
2020 Lexus RX · 5.3 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration, typically around 858 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Lexus RX year: 8.7 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Lexus RX?
Among Lexus RXs old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2008 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 28.6, about 3.3× a typical Lexus RX year. The 2006–2007 and 2010 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Lexus RX?
The 2014 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Lexus RXs from 2005–2021: 2.6, against 8.7 for a typical year. The 2012, 2018 and 2020 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2008 Lexus RX?
The most-reported problem on the 2008 Lexus RX is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 70,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Lexus RX years ranked?
The 2022–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.