Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Lexus RX Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Lexus RX scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 9 recalls and 166 owner complaints.
2019 received a facelift update for the Fourth generation (AL20; 2015).
Recalls
9
Complaints
166
Complaint Rate
15
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$551
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
9 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 received a facelift update for the Fourth generation (AL20; 2015).
- Changes: Upgraded Lexus Safety System+; New interior technology including larger touchscreen.
- Year 4 in this generation (2016–2022).
- 4th generation RX (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
Fourth generation (AL20; 2015)
Should You Buy the 2019 Lexus RX?
The 2019 Lexus RX earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2019 received a facelift update for the Fourth generation (AL20; 2015).
Its complaint rate (15 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2020 Lexus RX, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2018 Lexus RX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Strong reliability score
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
- Well-established generation
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: Fuel pump (16 complaints)
Compare 2019 Lexus RX With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 9 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16)
- SERVICE BRAKES (9)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- FUEL SYSTEM (7)
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4)
- ENGINE (4)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- STRUCTURE (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
Recall Overview
9
recalls on record
The 2019 Lexus RX has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
41
Fires
0
Injuries
9
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Lexus RX Recall Details
9 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Lexus RX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TA01 and 25LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Lexus) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus RX350 and 2021 RX350 vehicles. The transport hook may not have been removed prior to sale. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Consequence
During a rear-end crash, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Lexus will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, remove the rear transport hook, free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus' number for this recall is 21LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
2019 Lexus RX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Lexus RX Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
5Maintenance rating: 5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$551
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2019 Lexus RX Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Brake Bleed | $122 – $179 |
| Distributor Cap Replacement | $231 – $327 |
| Brake Booster Replacement | $1,378 – $1,718 |
| Power Steering Control Module Replacement | $1,051 – $1,096 |
| Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement | $107 – $128 |
| Engine Leak Inspection | $153 – $224 |
| Starter Relay Replacement | $140 – $161 |
| Engine Leak Inspection | $153 – $224 |
| Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement | $1,847 – $2,118 |
| Engine Oil Level Sensor Replacement | $607 – $778 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2019 Lexus RX
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect brake actuator for noise or failure
- Check for transmission jerking or hard shifts
- Verify fuel pump recall completion and parts availability
- Test for unintended acceleration during gear changes
- Examine for rodent damage to wiring
- Test air conditioning for consistent cooling
- Check for structural cracks near driver seat
Check Any 2019 Lexus RX's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 RX in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Lexus RX with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Lexus RX Common Problems by Component
166 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly involving the fuel pump. Common symptoms include stalling, especially in heavy traffic or at high speeds, and difficulty starting the vehicle after refueling. Several complaints note that these problems occur despite a recall being issued, with parts often unavailable for extended periods. One report involves a crash attributed to unintended acceleration, indicating potential safety risks. These issues appear across various mileages, suggesting they may not be tied to vehicle age or usage. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the associated recall delays.
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX frequently report issues with the vehicle's brake system, specifically related to the brake actuator and rotors. Common symptoms include a honking or barking noise when brakes are applied, a soft or stiff brake pedal, and vibrations or pulsations during braking. Some complaints mention the need for frequent rotor replacements every 6,000 miles due to warping. Safety implications are notable, with three reports involving crashes, where brakes either failed to engage properly or resulted in loss of control. These issues often appear around 30,000 miles or shortly after vehicle delivery, suggesting potential concerns for used car buyers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX report multiple electrical system issues, with some incidents leading to crashes. Common problems include rodent damage to soy-based wiring and brake actuator noise, with several complaints highlighting repeated attempts to address these issues without resolution. Symptoms often involve unexpected acceleration, sudden deceleration, and malfunctioning warning indicators, with some reports noting these problems occurring at high mileage or after extended use. Safety concerns are significant, as two reports describe crashes related to sudden acceleration or brake system failures, and other owners report loss of power in traffic. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and their impact on vehicle safety and reliability.
FUEL SYSTEM (7 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX frequently report issues related to a recall for the fuel system, specifically noting that the necessary parts for the repair are not available. Many complaints highlight that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable timeframe for providing these parts. Symptoms are generally absent as most owners have not experienced a failure, but one owner does mention an abnormally loud sound while driving at 35-40 mph. The complaints do not indicate any crashes, fires, or loss of control. This information suggests that potential buyers should verify the status of this recall and parts availability if considering this model.
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the power train of the 2019 Lexus RX, particularly related to shifting and acceleration. Complaints frequently mention improper shifting when the vehicle is cold, hard gear upshifts and downshifts, and abrupt jerking during gear changes. Some owners describe a delay in acceleration and unexpected increases in RPMs, with instances of the vehicle accelerating beyond the set cruise control speed. These issues are noted at various mileage points, including as low as 1,116 miles and up to 33,000 miles. Safety implications include concerns about the vehicle's control during acceleration and deceleration, though no crashes or fires are reported. These symptoms could be significant for potential buyers considering a used model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, including failure to blow cool air during long drives and clogged AC drains leading to condensation and mold in the footwell. Complaints often describe the AC working initially but then failing to maintain a comfortable temperature, particularly during hot weather, and some owners note persistent wet carpets due to drainage issues. Another reported problem involves the navigation system marking random points of interest without driver input, causing navigation disruptions. Additionally, some owners experience partial failure of the blind spot monitoring system on the passenger side, which intermittently fails to detect vehicles. These issues, while varied, highlight potential discomfort and safety distractions for drivers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden unintended acceleration and unexpected activation of the emergency braking system. Two complaints involve crashes occurring during parking maneuvers, where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly, resulting in collisions with stationary objects. Another complaint describes the emergency braking system engaging without apparent cause while driving on highways, accompanied by warning lights and alarms. These issues are reported at mileage as low as 21,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for crashes and loss of vehicle control, particularly during parking and highway driving.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX report issues with engine performance, primarily involving stalling and loss of power. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as irregular acceleration, engine shaking, and the illumination of the check engine light paired with a "trac off" warning. These issues often occur at varying speeds, with one owner noting problems around 25 mph and another experiencing power loss at highway speeds. The mileage at which these issues arise varies, with one case noted at approximately 32,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for hazardous situations when the vehicle loses power during acceleration or while passing, with some owners expressing concern about the danger to themselves and others.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX report issues related to airbag functionality, with specific complaints about airbag non-deployment during crashes. One incident involves a severe collision where the airbag failed to deploy, resulting in a concussion and neck injury for the driver, suggesting potential airbag sensor or system failures. Another complaint highlights misrepresentation of previous airbag deployment in a vehicle's history, which could impact future airbag performance. These reports typically involve significant accidents, indicating possible safety implications for potential buyers.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus RX report structural issues, with one complaint describing cracks in the driver side upper frame extending from the driver's seat to the rear passenger area. Another owner highlights a problem with the back door hatchback, noting it is heavy and lacks a sensor to stop its closure, resulting in an injury when it closed unexpectedly. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, particularly the risk of injury from the hatchback door. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the complaints, but potential buyers should be aware of these issues when considering this model.
When Do 2019 Lexus RX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lexus RX Years
Best Lexus RX Years to Buy
The best Lexus RX year is 2022 with a reliability score of 90/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (86/100) and 2020 (86/100).
Lexus RX Years to Avoid
No Lexus RX years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Lexus RX years-to-avoid analysis →Lexus RX Reliability Score Trend
Lexus RX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 85/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 86/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 86/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 90/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 85/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 85/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent |
Lexus RX Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 83/100 | -2 | Excellent | 5 | 9 |
| 2024 | 85/100 | 0 | Excellent | 9 | 48 |
| 2023 | 85/100 | -5 | Excellent | 5 | 45 |
| 2022 | 90/100 | +4 | Excellent | 0 | 35 |
| 2021 | 86/100 | 0 | Excellent | 5 | 209 |
| 2020 | 86/100 | +4 | Excellent | 5 | 130 |
| 2019(selected) | 82/100 | -3 | Excellent | 9 | 166 |
| 2018 | 85/100 | — | Excellent | 3 | 87 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Lexus RX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Lexus RX?
How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus RX have?
Is the 2019 Lexus RX expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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