Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Lexus RX Reliability Report
The 2021 Lexus RX scores 86/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 5 recalls and 209 owner complaints.
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
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?
The 2021 Lexus RX earns an Excellent 86/100 reliability score. 2021 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
At 18.1 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 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 issues reported (45 complaints)
Compare 2021 Lexus RX With
2021 Cadillac XT5
Reliability: 73/100
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Reliability: 68/100
2021 Toyota Venza
Reliability: 79/100
2021 BMW X3
Reliability: 61/100
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Reliability: 53/100
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: 17.5
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
Every 2021 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
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 for unresolved airbag recall and confirm parts availability
Inspect HVAC system for water intrusion and mold under carpets
Test brake system for responsiveness and check for any actuator issues
Verify door and hatch functionality, including key fob and manual operation
Examine tires for signs of delamination or abnormal wear
Confirm seat belt retraction and locking mechanisms function properly
2021 Lexus RX Common Problems by Component
209 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
45 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Lexus RX frequently report issues related to airbag recall repairs being unavailable for extended periods, often exceeding two years. Common symptoms described include the airbag warning light illuminating, especially when objects are placed on the passenger seat, and concerns over the passenger side airbag potentially not deploying due to weight calculation errors. Complaints often mention that parts for the recall repair are not expected to be available until 2025 or 2026, with some owners experiencing these issues as early as 76,000 miles. Safety implications include reports of two crashes and two injuries, although specific details on these events are limited. Potential buyers should be aware of the ongoing recall and the extended timeline for parts availability when considering a used 2021 Lexus RX.
STRUCTURE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Lexus RX report several structural issues, with a focus on malfunctioning doors and drainage problems. Complaints frequently mention driver and hatch doors unexpectedly opening or failing to operate correctly, with one instance leading to a crash when the driver side door opened while driving. Additionally, there are reports of the rear hatch door not responding to the key fob or manual buttons, resulting in difficulties with loading and unloading. Another issue involves water leakage through the sunroof drain system, leading to water entering the passenger compartment. Safety implications are evident in the door malfunction that led to a crash, and buyers should be aware of these potential issues when considering a used 2021 Lexus RX.
SEAT BELTS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Lexus RX report issues with seat belt functionality, particularly during collisions. Common failure patterns include seat belts not engaging properly, as seen in incidents where seat belts failed to restrain occupants, resulting in injuries such as compression fractures and bruising. Complaints frequently mention seat belts either not locking or remaining extended, with no prior warning lights or messages indicating a problem. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with one specific report at 58,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes and injuries, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lexus RX report issues primarily related to the HVAC system and electrical components. Complaints frequently mention HVAC condensate drain failures leading to water intrusion and mold growth in the cabin, particularly around 19,000 miles, causing health concerns and potential electrical damage. Additionally, some owners describe sudden transmission issues and vehicle control problems, attributed to an oily residue on the spiral cable, with symptoms appearing around 12,728 miles. These issues may pose safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and compromised air quality, which are important considerations for potential buyers of this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lexus RX report issues related to the vehicle's parking system and structural integrity. One complaint describes a parking system failure where the vehicle rolled unexpectedly after being placed in park, resulting in a driver injury. Another owner details an incident where the moon roof exploded while driving, with no external impact or nearby traffic, raising potential safety concerns due to the risk of glass fragments. These reports do not specify mileage but involve significant safety implications, particularly regarding the parking system and moon roof integrity.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Lexus RX report issues related to the performance of Bridgestone Ecopia tires, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Commonly noted symptoms include tire delamination leading to rapid deflation and poor traction on snow and ice, which in one instance resulted in a crash at low speeds. The complaints highlight tire failures occurring with less than 2,000 miles on new vehicles. Safety implications are evident, with reports of hydroplaning and ineffective anti-lock braking in snowy conditions, leading to difficulty in controlling the vehicle. Car buyers should be aware of these potential tire performance issues when considering a used 2021 Lexus RX.
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.
When Do 2021 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 2026 with a reliability score of 95/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (90/100) and 2021 (86/100).
2026
2022
2021
(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 86/100.
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 |
| 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?
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus RX have?
Is the 2021 Lexus RX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 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.
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