Last updated: 2026-03-28
Lexus RX vs Tesla Model X: Reliability Compared
Lexus RX
Tesla Model X
Choosing between the Lexus RX and the Tesla Model X? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus RX currently leads with an average score of 85/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Lexus RX is more reliable than the Tesla Model X, scoring 85/100 vs 57/100.
Key Differences
- 1Lexus RX has 31 fewer total recalls
- 2Lexus RX scores 28 points higher in reliability
- 3Lexus RX has 16.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Lexus RX vs Tesla Model X: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Lexus RX | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 85/100 | 57/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 42 | 73 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 7.5 | 23.6 |
| Year Wins | 8 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus RX and Tesla Model X?
| Component | Lexus RX | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | 4.7Average |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.5Very Low | 3.2Average |
| STEERING | —None | 3.5Average |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 3.5Average |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 1.4Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.8Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | 1.1Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 1.3Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | 0.9Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.2Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Lexus RX vs Tesla Model X Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Lexus RX | Tesla Model X | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 83/1005R / 9C | 66/1003R / 13C | Lexus RX |
| 2024 | 85/1009R / 48C | 61/1008R / 17C | Lexus RX |
| 2023 | 85/1005R / 45C | 47/10016R / 183C | Lexus RX |
| 2022 | 90/1000R / 35C | 72/1000R / 0C | Lexus RX |
| 2021 | 86/1005R / 209C | 51/10023R / 38C | Lexus RX |
| 2020 | 86/1005R / 130C | 51/10010R / 120C | Lexus RX |
| 2019 | 82/1009R / 166C | 54/1006R / 83C | Lexus RX |
| 2018 | 85/1003R / 87C | 51/1007R / 148C | Lexus RX |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Lexus RX scored 90/100 and the 2022 Tesla Model X scored 72/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Lexus RX vs Tesla Model X: Common Questions
- Is the Lexus RX more reliable than the Tesla Model X?
- Based on our data, the Lexus RX is more reliable with an average score of 85/100 compared to 57/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Lexus RX or the Tesla Model X?
- The Tesla Model X has more recalls (73) compared to the Lexus RX (42). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Lexus RX or the Tesla Model X?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus RX has a lower complaint rate at 7.5 per 10,000 sold versus 23.6 for the Tesla Model X. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Lexus RX comparisons
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue