Lexus RX vs Toyota RAV4
For 2005–2021 models, the Lexus RX has 11.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 16.1 for the Toyota RAV4. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Lexus RX
11.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
31% fewer than the Toyota RAV4
- Complaints
- 1,931
- Sold
- 1,746,394
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 76,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 43,000 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 100,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 119,930 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 33,300 mi
Toyota RAV4
16.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Lexus RX’s rate
- Complaints
- 7,118
- Sold
- 4,430,888
- Recall campaigns
- 43
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2014 and 2016–2018. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 67,976 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 24,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 90,900 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 40,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Lexus RX or the Toyota RAV4?
For 2005–2021 models, the Lexus RX has 11.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Toyota RAV4 has 16.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Lexus RX?
The most-reported problem on the Lexus RX is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 76,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota RAV4 is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 60,000 miles.
Which Lexus RX and Toyota RAV4 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Lexus RX: 2006–2008 and 2010; Toyota RAV4: 2006–2008 and 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.