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Lexus RX

2021 only

86 classified complaints 1 recall

115,320 sold in the US for 2021.

6.1 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

The 2021 Lexus RX has 86 classified complaints on record for that year specifically, plus 1 recall. The most common issue in this year is Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically surfacing around 76,000 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2021 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Lexus RX report for every year combined.

2021 Milemark Score

A8.4

Compared with other SUVs, 2019–2021 model years; 5.5 is typical.

Part of the 2016–2022 generation, graded A (9.8) overall.

  • Complaints per 10,000 sold (30%) 9.1
  • Problems as it ages (years 5–8) (25%) —
  • Repair cost exposure (15%) 10.0
  • Crash, fire & injury reports (15%) 5.5
  • Crash-test ratings (10%) —
  • Safety recalls (5%) 8.1
The numbers behind it
Complaints per 10,000 sold
6.0
Crash/fire/injury reports per 10,000
0.95
Recalls (weighted)
2
Expected repair $ per car
$0
Median mileage on complaints
—
NHTSA overall stars
—

How the score works.

Where this year fits

2021

2024

Complaints filed per individual model year — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2021 only

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 55 complaints · 4.8/10k sold

Median onset: 76,000 miles. 10.9% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 6 complaints · 0.5/10k sold

Onset mileage not consistently reported.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 6 complaints · 0.5/10k sold

Median onset: 24,000 miles. 16.7% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 3 complaints · 0.3/10k sold

Onset mileage not consistently reported.

More common in older model years.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Parking brake, including electronic · Brakes 3 complaints · 0.3/10k sold

Onset mileage not consistently reported. 100.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration · Electrical 3 complaints · 0.3/10k sold

Onset mileage not consistently reported.

More common in newer model years.

Which other vehicles have driver-assist problems? →
Tire wear and premature wear patterns · Wheels and tires 2 complaints · 0.2/10k sold

Onset mileage not consistently reported.

Blower motor and blend-door actuators · Heating and A/C 2 complaints · 0.2/10k sold

Onset mileage not consistently reported.

Typical repair: $150–$460 nationally.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

How does 2021 compare with other RX years? Every model year ranked by complaints per 10,000 sold. See years →

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2021 model year. See the full Lexus RX report for every year and full specs/safety data.