Last updated: 2026-03-04

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent
2019 Lexus RX

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$551

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
69/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
100/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
71/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
89/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16)SERVICE BRAKES (9)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)

9 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

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)

2016redesign
2017
2018
2019selected
2020
2021
2022

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 20.3

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

25V028000

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.

21V043000

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.

20V682000

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Air Bags)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

Lexus RX Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

5Maintenance rating: 5 out of 5

Based 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.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated 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.

16
9
8
7
7
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)Other (7)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

16 complaints total1 crash

SERVICE BRAKES

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

9 complaints total3 crashes

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total2 crashes
FUEL SYSTEM (7 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Owners 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.

7 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

4 complaints total2 crashes
ENGINE (4 complaints)

ENGINE

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

3 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total1 injury

When Do 2019 Lexus RX Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

30,000–45,000 milesBrake actuator noise
1,000–33,000 milesTransmission shifting issues

Best & Worst Lexus RX Years

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.

avg 85
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Lexus RX reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201885/100Excellent
201982/100Excellent
202086/100Excellent
202186/100Excellent
202290/100Excellent
202385/100Excellent
202485/100Excellent
202583/100Excellent

Lexus RX Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202684/100 (predicted)Predicted10
202583/100-2Excellent59
202485/1000Excellent948
202385/100-5Excellent545
202290/100+4Excellent035
202186/1000Excellent5209
202086/100+4Excellent5130
2019(selected)82/100-3Excellent9166
201885/100Excellent387

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Lexus RX reliable?
Yes, the 2019 Lexus RX is considered highly reliable with a score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 9 recalls and a complaint rate below the segment average, placing it among the more dependable vehicles in its class.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Lexus RX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Lexus RX include: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (7 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus RX have?
The 2019 Lexus RX has 9 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Lexus RX expensive to maintain?
Maintenance cost estimates aren't available for the 2019 Lexus RX, but its high reliability score of 82/100 and complaint rate below the segment average suggest below-average ownership costs.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue