Last updated: 2026-10-10
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 86/100 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 86/100 vs 57/100.
Key Differences
- 1Lexus RX has 31 fewer total recalls
- 2Lexus RX scores 29 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 | 86/100 | 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 |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | 1.2Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 1.2Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.8Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.4Very 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 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| 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 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
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 86/100 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 vehicles sold versus 23.6 for the Tesla Model X. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Lexus RX and Tesla Model X? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Lexus RX and Tesla Model X
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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