Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Lexus RX Reliability Report
The 2021 Lexus RX has excellent reliability, but owners report an unrepaired passenger air bag sensor recall with no parts available.
Recalls
5
Complaints
209
Complaint Rate
18.1per 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
Mid-pack among RX years with excellent reliability, but marked by passenger air bag sensor complaints and parts delays; the 2022 shows fewer complaints and no recalls.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (45)
- STRUCTURE (4)
- SEAT BELTS (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
- Year 6 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.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Lexus RX?
Reliability is excellent, and it sits well above average among 2021 SUVs. Within the RX line it lands in the middle of nine scored years. The 2020 rates about the same, and the 2022 rates better. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars. Owners filed 209 complaints, or 18.1 per 10,000 sold.
The passenger air bag is the main problem. Of the complaints, 45 fall under air bags, and most trace to an unrepaired recall on the front passenger occupant sensor. Owners say dealers have no parts, in some cases after two years and repeated visits. Some cars show an SRS message or air bag warning light. One crash report says the passenger air bag did not deploy in a deer strike. Seat belt reports are few but serious. In crash reports, belts did not lock, and two drivers describe spinal compression fractures.
Before buying, ask for proof that every air bag recall was completed on that exact car. The 2022 had 35 complaints and no recalls, so it is worth a look.
Compared to the 2022 Lexus RX, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 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: Unrepaired recall drives most of these complaints (45 complaints)
Compare 2021 Lexus RX With
2021 Cadillac XT5
Reliability: 73/100
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Reliability: 68/100
2021 Lincoln Aviator
Reliability: 62/100
2021 Toyota Venza
Reliability: 79/100
2021 BMW X3
Reliability: 61/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (45)
- STRUCTURE (4)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2021 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
18.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
27
Crashes
0
Fires
27
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Lexus RX Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 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 (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.
Buying a used 2021 Lexus RX? Check its history first
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Lexus RX, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 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.
Lexus RX Resale Value
The Lexus RX is estimated to retain about 68.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Lexus RX model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.
- Value Retained
- 68.4%
- Depreciation
- 31.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 720
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Lexus RX depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com2021 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 2021 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 2021 Lexus RX.
Check the VIN for open recall 23V865000 and ask the dealer whether the passenger air bag sensor parts are available yet.
Start the car and confirm the SRS and air bag lights go out, then recheck with a bag on the passenger seat.
Yank every seat belt sharply, including the rear right, to confirm it locks, then check that it retracts without twisting or tangling.
Lift the floor mats and press the carpet on the passenger side, checking for dampness, mold, or a musty smell.
Look for water stains near the sunroof edges and for chips or cracks in the moonroof glass.
Open and close the power liftgate several times using the key fob, the cabin button, and the liftgate button.
Check the tire brand. If they are Bridgestone Ecopia 422 Plus, look for bulges or tread separation.
On a highway test drive, listen for sudden downshifts or unusual noises. Then park on a slope in Park to confirm it holds.
2021 Lexus RX Common Problems by Component
209 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
45 complaintsSafety-relatedAn unrepaired recall drives most of these complaints. Federal recall 23V865000 covers a front passenger occupant sensor that can short circuit and keep the passenger air bag from deploying. Most owners report that dealers still have no parts, some after as long as two years and repeated visits. Some cars show an SRS message or air bag warning light, and one owner says a handbag on the passenger seat triggers it. In one crash report, the passenger air bag did not deploy in a deer strike. One dealer declined a trade-in because the recall was still open.
STRUCTURE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedNo single failure dominates these reports. In one, the driver's door opened by itself at highway speed with no warning light or chime. In another, the power liftgate would not open or close from the key fob, the cabin button, or the door button, and the foot-activated opener never worked. One owner reports water leaking past the sunroof edges onto the passenger floor after heavy rain and a car wash because the drains failed. One crash report says the brakes did not stop the car in reverse, and neither automatic braking nor the rear warning activated.
SEAT BELTS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedIn crash reports, belts fail to lock and hold occupants. Three crash reports describe five injuries. Two say the driver's belt did not engage in a front impact or after an off-road bounce, and both describe a compression fracture of the spine. Another says the rear right belt failed to hold a child in a booster seat, who was thrown into the front seat and center console. In one case, a manufacturer inspection found the belts working normally. A separate report describes a rear belt that wrapped around a child so tightly it had to be cut off.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsThese three reports describe unrelated problems. In one, the transmission suddenly dropped to a lower manual gear at about 65 mph with loud noises, leaving the driver barely in control, soon after a 15,000-mile service. Another blames a failed HVAC condensate drain for water under the carpet and mold at about 19,000 miles. That owner cites service bulletin L-SB-0020-21 and says the dealer refused to fix it under warranty. The third report points to the passenger air bag sensor recall.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsThis group covers a rollaway, shattered glass, and a recall delay. In one injury report, the vehicle rolled down a slight driveway incline after the driver confirmed it was in Park and stepped out with the engine running. Another says the moonroof glass burst into small fragments on the interstate in daylight, with no other cars nearby and nothing striking it. The third owner says that after several dealer visits, there is still no fix for the air bag recall dated Dec 20, 2023.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedBoth complaints involve Bridgestone Ecopia 422 Plus tires in size 235/55R20. In one, a tire failed within seconds at 70 mph and left almost no rubber on the rim. A tire technician blamed separation of the steel belt, and the driver kept control and reached the shoulder. The other is a crash report that describes a tendency to hydroplane in rain and almost no grip in light snow. That owner says the anti-lock brakes kick in at single-digit speeds.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintFront wiper motor damaged two times in fourth years. First time on 2023 and was replaced by warranty at the Lexus Dealer and the second time was damaged on August 22, 2025. Now it is damaged but not covered by warranty at this time with 52,000 miles on the car. The wiper motor was damaged and it can not move down to hide inside down the hood, when the front wipers on they moved and the wiper hits the hood and peel the hood's paint.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintBrake actuator failed with exact symptom in [XXX] Repaired in dealer and the same symptom comes back within 2k miles. It seems a design flaw that affected many lexus rx hybrid and toyota highlander hybrid cars, and likely due to air being trapped in the brake lines or brake actuator components. Air in these system is a major safety hazards. Please help to make it a recall and ask Toyota to come up with a solution that really solve this issue. Similar experience from many other owners. One forum thread is attached here for reference. There are many more. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintWhile driving, the front driver's side tire and wheel detached from my vehicle, causing significant damage. My vehicle was last serviced at dealer on September 2024. During this service, significant maintenance and repair work was performed, including machining rotors, wheel alignment, and tire rotation. I am concerned that either a malfunction or an improper connection of the wheel has led to this incident. Since service, I have driven approximately 2,000 miles and have not had the car serviced by any other provider. My driving has been limited to general day-to-day use, with no long road trips or encounters with curbs or potholes. The evening prior to the incident, I noticed minor steering wheel shaking while driving over 60 mph and a slight grinding noise. I decided to make an appointment for service on the next day. Unfortunately, while en route to the service appointment, the entire driver side wheel and tire detached as I was making a right turn to enter the highway.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owned a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while his wife was stopped at a red light, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle traveling around 65 MPH. During the collision, the driver's side seat reclining mechanism failed to hold the seat in an upright position, allowing the seat to fall backward, resulting in the driver sustaining injuries that the contact attributed to the failure. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed and injuries were reported. The contact's wife was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for nondescript injuries to her left hand, left wrist, and both shoulders and bruising to her right hip. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was later informed that the vehicle was inspected and that the driver's seat reclining mechanism did not show signs of failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Best & Worst Lexus RX Years
Best Lexus RX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2022
2021
(Current Model)
2020
Lexus RX Years to Avoid
No Lexus RX years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 82 and 95 across 9 scored model years.
Lexus RX Reliability Score Trend
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 |
| 2026 | 95/100 | Excellent |
Lexus RX Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 95/100 | +12 | Excellent | 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(selected) | 86/100 | 0 | Excellent | 5 | 209 |
| 2020 | 86/100 | +4 | Excellent | 5 | 130 |
| 2019 | 82/100 | -3 | Excellent | 9 | 166 |
| 2018 | 85/100 | — | Excellent | 3 | 87 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Lexus RX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus RX?
Does the 2021 Lexus RX have air bag problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus RX have?
Is the 2022 Lexus RX better than the 2021?
Don’t buy a 2021 Lexus RX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Lexus RX
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Lexus RX does best on repair costs (100/100) and worst on complaint severity (76/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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