Last updated: 2026-03-04

Lexus RX

0 Lexus RX Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Lexus RX average of 85/100

All Lexus RX years score consistently around the model average of 85/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2022 90/100 and the weakest is 2019 82/100.

Verdict

All Lexus RX years score consistently around the model average of 85/100 (82–90 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2022 90/100 and the weakest is 2019 82/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Lexus RX Problems?

Top reported issues across all Lexus RX model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

AIR BAGS

73 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

55 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

51 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

23 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

POWER TRAIN

22 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES

19 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

Best Lexus RX Year to Buy Instead

85
ExcellentReliability score: 85 out of 100, rated Excellent

2018 Lexus RX

The 2018 Lexus RX has excellent reliability.

Score: 85/100 (Excellent)3 recalls87 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Lexus RX Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Lexus RX Reliability Scores by Year

2018 Lexus RX (2018)85/100
2019 Lexus RX (2019)82/100
2020 Lexus RX (2020)86/100
2021 Lexus RX (2021)86/100
2022 Lexus RX (2022)90/100
2023 Lexus RX (2023)85/100
2024 Lexus RX (2024)85/100
2025 Lexus RX (2025)83/100
Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lexus RX years should you avoid?
All Lexus RX years in our database score consistently around the model average of 85/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Lexus RX?
The best year for the Lexus RX is 2022, with a reliability score of 90/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 35 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Lexus RX have?
Across all years in our database, the Lexus RX has a total of 42 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Lexus RX worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 90/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 85/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Lexus RX problems?
The most common Lexus RX problems are air bags (73 complaints), unknown or other (55 complaints), electrical system (51 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Lexus RX reliable long-term?
The Lexus RX has an average reliability score of 85/100 across all model years in our database, rated "excellent". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Lexus RX generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Lexus RX generation is the Fourth generation (AL20; 2015) with an average score of 86/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2022 Lexus RX a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Lexus RX is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 90/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 35 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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