Last updated: 2026-04-20
2020 Lexus RX Reliability Report
The 2020 Lexus RX scores 86/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 5 recalls and 130 owner complaints.
Recalls
5
Complaints
130
Complaint Rate
13per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$551
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600–$2,850
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (20)
- TIRES (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the Fourth generation (AL20; 2015) (2016–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation RX (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2016: Fourth generation (AL20; 2015) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Lexus RX?
The 2020 Lexus RX earns an Excellent 86/100 reliability score. 2020 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
At 13 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2021 Lexus RX, which scored the same. See also the 2019 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
- −Moderate recall count
- −AIR BAGS issues reported (20 complaints)
Compare 2020 Lexus RX With
2020 Cadillac XT5
Reliability: 71/100
2020 Acura MDX
Reliability: 62/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Reliability: 64/100
2020 BMW X3
Reliability: 59/100
2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Reliability: 42/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (20)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2020 Lexus RX. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
16
Crashes
0
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Lexus RX Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Lexus RX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Consequence
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
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.
Buying a used 2020 Lexus RX? Check its history first
Every 2020 Lexus RX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Lexus RX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Lexus RXRepair 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.
2020 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,150–$3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
18–20 city / 25–27 hwy MPG
Hybrid
29–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,850–$2,950/yr
Fuel + repair
29–31 city / 28 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
| RX 350 AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| RX 350 L 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| RX 350 L AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 450h AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 31 | 28 | 30 | $2,300 |
| RX 450h L AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 29 | 28 | 29 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Lexus RX.
Inspect tires for premature wear or chunks missing
Check for any unresolved airbag recall repairs
Test sunroof operation and inspect for any signs of previous damage
Verify fuel system operation for any abnormal noises or power loss
Test vehicle speed control for unexpected acceleration during braking
Ensure trunk closes securely without multiple attempts
2020 Lexus RX Common Problems by Component
130 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
20 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Lexus RX frequently report issues with airbag recalls, specifically mentioning that parts for the recall repair are not available, leading to delays in addressing the problem. Many complaints highlight that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable timeframe for providing a remedy, with some owners having received recall notifications as early as December 2023. Two complaints involve crashes where airbags did not deploy; in one incident, occupants sustained injuries, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly in the event of a collision, due to the unresolved airbag recall. Buyers considering this model should be aware of the ongoing recall and the associated delays in obtaining necessary repairs.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lexus RX frequently report issues with the sunroof unexpectedly exploding while driving, with no apparent external impact, leading to potential safety hazards such as injuries from falling glass. Complaints also describe problems with the vehicle's low fuel gauge, which activates with only 18 miles of range remaining, differing from previous models and potentially causing difficulties in finding a gas station. Additionally, some owners experience persistent trunk closure issues, requiring multiple attempts to secure it, which can be particularly inconvenient during travel. These issues typically arise within the first year of ownership, with some owners seeking dealership assistance for resolution.
TIRES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lexus RX frequently report issues with premature tire wear and deterioration, particularly with the Michelin Premier LTX tires. Complaints describe the tires shredding, coming apart in chunks, or deteriorating in layers, with occurrences noted as early as 14,000 to 37,000 miles, despite being rated for 60,000 miles. Symptoms often include slight loss of air pressure and a sensation of oscillation, which some owners initially mistook for tire balance issues. Multiple reports highlight the risk of tire rupture and the potential for related vehicle component failures, such as strut damage. These issues present a potential safety concern due to the risk of tire failure while driving, which could affect vehicle control.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Lexus RX report issues primarily related to unexpected acceleration and electrical malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly, with one owner experiencing this after a fuel pump modification, leading to a crash. Another report describes sudden acceleration resulting in a crash into a building, causing injuries. Additionally, there are instances of the vehicle shutting off while driving, and one case where a filter box caught fire, damaging cables. These issues appear at various mileage points, with one crash occurring around 17,000 miles. Safety implications include crashes, injuries, and potential fire hazards, which prospective buyers should consider.
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lexus RX frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with symptoms often including vehicle shaking and abnormal engine noises while driving. Some describe a loss of motive power and unresponsive acceleration, particularly around mileage ranges of 11,500 to 14,000 miles. Several complaints highlight difficulties in obtaining recall repairs for the fuel pump, with parts not being available despite receiving notifications. While no crashes or fires are mentioned, the recurring nature of these issues and the potential for stalling could be of concern to prospective buyers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Lexus RX report incidents involving unexpected acceleration while attempting to brake, often resulting in crashes. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle moves forward independently when the brake pedal is depressed, with no warning lights illuminated. Both reported incidents involve low-speed scenarios, such as parking or entering a garage, and occur at relatively low mileages, around 240 miles in one case. Safety implications are significant, as both complaints resulted in crashes, though no injuries were reported. This information is crucial for potential buyers to consider, especially regarding the vehicle's behavior in low-speed environments.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintMy 2020 Lexus RX 350 Navigation and Multimedia screen turns blank/black when headlights are on. The vehicle is available for inspection. When the car is put in reverse, the ability to see the safety back up view or any other peripheral safety monitoring views are gone. There were no warning messages prior to the failure. Lexus dealership was able to confirm the malfunction and performed a reset, which did not correct the malfunction. The federally mandated backup camera system is no longer functioning.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintWhile into a road trip from Florida to Tennessee on I-75 the sunroof spontaneously exploded. The interior sunshade was closed. Otherwise the glass shards would have entered the interior. The glass most likely would have caused cut injuries to the driver (my wife) and I. Also, it may well have caused her to lose control of the vehicle resulting in a very serious accident while driving at 75 mph. My insurance company classified it as vehicle mechanical failure and not covered by my insurance. They indicated this has happen to other vehicles including Lexus. The replacement cost for glass and labor was $1,087.75
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintAbs actuator noise voice
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintI was driving about 75mph on the interstate and there were no vehicles or other objects near me when my car braked on its own as if there were a vehicle/object in close proximity to the front of my vehicle.
When Do 2020 Lexus RX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lexus RX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lexus RX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2022
2021
2020
(Current Model)
Lexus RX Years to Avoid
No Lexus RX years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Lexus RX maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
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(selected) | 86/100 | +4 | Excellent | 5 | 130 |
| 2019 | 82/100 | -3 | Excellent | 9 | 166 |
| 2018 | 85/100 | — | Excellent | 3 | 87 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Lexus RX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lexus RX?
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus RX have?
Is the 2020 Lexus RX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Lexus RX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lexus RX.
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