The Top 5 Worst Lexus RX 350 Model Years You Should Avoid

So, are you looking to buy a used Lexus RX 350? While many Lexus vehicles are known for their reliability, not all model years are trouble-free. In fact, some RX 350 model years suffer from catastrophic engine failures, transmission defects, and even dashboards that crack apart! If you want to avoid a financial nightmare, here are the worst Lexus RX 350 model years that you should avoid:

• 2007 – Dashboard cracking, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leaks
• 2008 – Power steering rack leaks, and high maintenance costs
• 2010 – Complete engine failures, as well as build quality issues
• 2016 – Transmission problems, and reports of sunroofs exploding
• 2017 – Issues with brake pressure, and poor acceleration

Even Lexus isn’t immune to reliability concerns, and since its introduction in 1997, the Lexus RX line-up has been recalled 113 times across all model years. The 2019 model had the most recalls; 10 so far. These include issues like sticky gas pedals, fuel system faults (nearly ~1.8 million vehicles), and removing a transport hook that was left on by mistake.

Lexus RX 350 Reliability

So far then, not invincible, though it’s still more dependable than most other cars. The Lexus RX 350 isn’t immune to problems, like battery issues that require replacing it with a new one. As we’ll see later, some model years used plastic for the dashboard which is prone to cracking. Plus, the steering system is vulnerable to leaking steering fluid, too.

Not to mention, the Lexus RX 350 had other sporadic problems, like persistent oil leaks, engine problems, and faults with the all-wheel drive system. Regardless of all these woes though, the Lexus RX 350 still ranks highly on the reliability front. While we’ll discuss it in more detail further below, for now, here’s a quick TL;DR on what to look out for:

Model Year	Common Issues	Estimated Repair Costs	Severity Level
2007	Dashboard cracks, engine oil leaks, steering fluid leaks	$1,600+	High
2008	Transmission lag, power steering rack leaks, continued dashboard cracking	$2,000+	Moderate
2010	Engine failures, oil leaks, cooling system issues, rattling body panels, paint discoloration	$2,000+	High
2016	Transmission delays, rough shifting, Bluetooth connectivity issues, exploding sunroof	$2,500+	High
2017	Brake pressure issues, excessive gear shuddering, poor acceleration between 1,500–1,800 RPM	$1,500+	Moderate

2007 Lexus RX 350

The 2007 model year Lexus RX 350 is regarded by many owners to be one of the two worst and most unreliable years to avoid. This particular model year suffers from a slew of issues related to different systems. One of the main issues that make 2007 one of the most unreliable Lexus RX 350 years to avoid is the dashboard. You see, the dashboard is known to crack easily.

Furthermore, these cracks sometimes spread throughout the entire dashboard. Sometimes they can obstruct the dials, making driving the vehicle difficult. The only way to fix this issue in your RX 350 is by replacing the entire dashboard. This is both expensive and time-consuming. This is due to the plastic construction used to make it, which is prone to cracking.

Another common issue of the 2007 Lexus RX 350 is oil leaks from the engine. Leaks of this nature can completely drain your engine oil in less than an hour. This means that an undiscovered oil leak can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Leaks in the steering system are also found in cars from this model year. This can be hard to diagnose and costly to fix.

Consumer Reviews and Common Owner Complaints

To give you a clearer picture of the 2007 Lexus RX 350’s reliability issues, here’s a collection of real-world owner complaints and experiences from platforms like CarComplaints, NHTSA, and Lexus forums:

1. Dashboard Cracking Issues

• “I started noticing fine cracks forming around the edges of my dashboard at around 80,000 miles. Within a year, those small cracks turned into deep fractures across the entire surface. Lexus offered no recall, and a dealership quoted me over $2,000 for a full replacement!” – CarComplaints user from Florida
• “The cracked dashboard reflects light onto the windshield, making visibility a real hazard. Lexus should issue a recall for this.” – NHTSA complaint

2. Engine Oil Leaks

• “At 95,000 miles, I noticed oil spots in my driveway. Took it to my mechanic and found out the engine was leaking oil from multiple places. Lexus dealership quoted me over $3,000 to repair!” – CarComplaints user from Texas
• “Oil leak was so bad that I had to refill every two weeks. The dealership told me it was common on this model year and suggested replacing the valve cover gasket.” – Lexus Owners Club user

3. Power Steering Fluid Leaks

• “My steering felt stiff, and I could hear a whining noise when turning. Turns out my RX 350 had a power steering fluid leak. Lexus service quoted me $1,600+ for repairs.” – CarComplaints user
• “The vehicle suddenly lost power steering at highway speeds. Luckily, I managed to pull over safely. Found out later that this was due to a known steering fluid leak problem.” – NHTSA complaint

2008 Lexus RX 350

Specifically, those steering fluid leaks on the 2007 RX 350 could cost upwards of $1,600 to repair properly. After considering all these issues, it is safe to say that as a buyer on the used market, 2007 is one of the Lexus RX 350 model years to avoid at all costs. Reliability improved quite a bit with the 2008 model year Lexus RX 350, but it’s still not perfect.

The reliability of the Lexus RX 350 for the 2008 model year was not much better than in the preceding year. Although it was less common, the engine oil leaks from the earlier model year remained. Not only that, the fuel efficiency and maintenance costs of the 2008 model year Lexus RX 350 were extremely high compared to other model years.

A new set of issues also reared their ugly heads during the 2008 model year. The gear shifts of the automatic transmission were laggy, and the power steering rack was prone to leaking. Not only that, the cracking of the dashboards continued as well. If you were looking for a reliable luxury SUV, you might want to steer clear of this model year as well.

Consumer Reviews and Common Owner Complaints

On that note, here’s a selection of real-world complaints from RX 350 owners, as found on NHTSA, CarComplaints, and Lexus owner forums, showcasing repeated reliability issues, as well as some problems carrying over from the 2007 model year:

1. Transmission Lag and Hesitation

• “The transmission is sluggish when shifting gears, especially from a standstill. There’s a noticeable delay before it engages, which makes it feel unresponsive in city traffic.” – CarComplaints user
• “I experience a rough and jerky transmission shift at low speeds. It gets worse when accelerating onto the highway. Lexus says it’s ‘normal,’ but it doesn’t feel that way.” – RX 350 owner on Lexus Forums

2. Power Steering Rack Leaks

• “Had to replace my power steering rack due to a fluid leak at just 80,000 miles. It cost me around $1,600, and the dealership said it’s a ‘known issue’ for this model year.” – NHTSA complaint
• “Steering feels heavy, especially in cold weather. Took it in for service and was told the rack and pinion assembly was leaking. Repair cost was shocking!” – RX 350 owner on Edmunds

3. Dashboard Cracking Issues Continue

• “My dashboard has started to crack, just like in older RX models. The cracks keep spreading, and Lexus refuses to cover it because my vehicle is out of warranty.” – Review on CarComplaints
• “I thought Lexus was all about quality, but the dashboard in my 2008 RX 350 is a joke. Cracks everywhere, and replacing it costs over $2,000!” – RX 350 owner on ClubLexus Forum

4. High Maintenance and Fuel Costs

• “Compared to other RX models, my 2008 RX 350 guzzles more gas. I get worse mileage than expected, and maintenance is expensive.” – Fuel economy complaint on NHTSA
• “The RX 350 is a great car, but I wasn’t expecting such high maintenance costs. Transmission flush, steering rack replacement, and oil leaks all added up quickly.” – RX 350 owner on Edmunds

2010 Lexus RX 350

Engine failures were the most common issue with the 2010 Lexus RX 350. Moreover, oil leaks and problems with the cooling system were also frequent. The air conditioning system also had some problems, as well. To fix this issue, the air conditioning and heating servo motor on the passenger side had to be replaced, to the tune of $2,000.

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 suffered from several build quality issues, too. The exterior paint discolored easily, and some body panels were known to rattle while driving. This included the doors and the front hood, not to mention other exterior body panels. Interestingly, all that rattling often happens when the temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Consumer Reviews and Common Owner Complaints

When it comes to reliability, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 saw improvements in some areas but as we looked at earlier, it continued to be plagued by a few notorious reliability issues, including engine failures, oil leaks, and poor build quality. Showcasing that it lies among the Lexus RX 350 model years to avoid, here’s a collection of real-world complaints from NHTSA, CarComplaints, and Lexus owner forums:

1. Engine Failures and Oil Leaks

• “I was driving on the freeway when my engine suddenly stalled. No warning, nothing. Mechanic said the engine seized up due to an oil leak I didn’t even know about. Lexus quoted me over $6,000 for a replacement.” – User on CarComplaints
• “This RX 350 burns oil way too fast. I check the dipstick every other week, and it’s always running low. Dealer says it’s ‘within spec,’ but I’ve had to top up oil constantly.” – Owner on Lexus Forums

2. Paint Peeling and Rattling Panels

• “The paint on my RX 350 started peeling after just a few years. The clear coat is coming off, and now it looks terrible. Lexus refuses to cover it under warranty.” – NHTSA complaint
• “There’s a rattling noise from the doors and dashboard, especially when it’s cold. The dealership says it’s normal, but it makes the car feel cheap.” – RX 350 owner on Edmunds

3. Faulty Air Conditioning and Heating System

• “The A/C blows warm air no matter what settings I use. The dealer said it’s the servo motor and quoted me $2,000 for the repair. Definitely not what I expected from Lexus.” – RX 350 owner on CarComplaints
• “Every winter, the heater on the passenger side stops working. I’ve had it ‘fixed’ twice, but it always comes back.” – RX 350 owner on ClubLexus

4. Transmission Jerking and Delays

• “The transmission hesitates before shifting gears, especially at low speeds. It makes merging onto the highway a nightmare. Lexus says it’s ‘normal behavior,’ but it feels broken.” – NHTSA complaint
• “At around 90,000 miles, my transmission started shifting hard and jerking when going from 2nd to 3rd gear. Dealer suggested a full transmission replacement… not what I wanted to hear.” – User on CarComplaints

2016 Lexus RX 350

The 2016 model year Lexus RX 350 suffered from major transmission issues. Shift delays were the main indication of these problems and early signs of transmission faults. Ignoring these issues for too long worsened the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and sometimes made it undrivable. There were some issues in the interior of the 2010 Lexus RX 350, as well.

The Bluetooth connection was unreliable and incurred many connection issues. On top of that, the sunroof of some models exploded while driving. This is sure to have been a terrifying experience for the passengers. At the end of the day, the harsh, inconsistent, and unreliable transmission marks 2016 as another entry in our list of Lexus RX 350 years to avoid.

Consumer Reviews and Common Owner Complaints

Common complaints with the 2016 Lexus RX 360 include harsh and unpredictable transmission behavior, faulty Bluetooth connectivity, and even exploding sunroofs. To prove that it ranks among the Lexus RX 350 model years to avoid, here’s a selection of real-world experiences from Lexus RX 350 owners on NHTSA, CarComplaints, and owner forums:

1. Transmission Hesitation and Harsh Shifting

• “There is a noticeable delay between pressing the gas pedal and the car actually moving. At stop signs, it hesitates so much that it feels unsafe.” – User on CarComplaints
• “Shifting between gears is jerky and inconsistent. Sometimes it lags, other times it slams into gear. Dealer reset the transmission software, but the issue came back.” – Owner on Lexus Forums
• “The car shudders when accelerating, especially in stop-and-go traffic. It makes driving in the city frustrating and uncomfortable.” – RX 350 owner on Edmunds

2. Bluetooth and Infotainment System Glitches

• “The Bluetooth disconnects randomly during calls. It worked fine for a few months, then started cutting off mid-conversation. Lexus has no fix.” – RX 350 owner complaint on NHTSA
• “Pairing my phone is a nightmare. Sometimes it works, other times it refuses to connect. Even when it does connect, music playback is choppy.” – RX 350 owner on CarComplaints

3. Sunroof Spontaneously Exploding

• “Driving down the highway, suddenly the sunroof shattered into thousands of pieces. No impact, no warning. It was terrifying!” – NHTSA complaint
• “I was parked when my sunroof exploded for no reason. Lexus refused to cover it under warranty, saying it was an ‘external factor.’ Total repair cost: $1,800.” – User on CarComplaints

4. Noisy Interior and Dashboard Rattles

• “For a luxury SUV, the interior rattles a lot. The dashboard and center console creak every time I hit a bump. Dealer says it’s ‘normal.’” – RX 350 owner on Lexus Forums
• “Wind noise is much louder than I expected. Sounds like a window is slightly open even when everything is sealed tight.” – RX 350 owner on Edmunds

2017 Lexus RX 350

Low brake pressure was the main concern regarding the reliability of the 2017 RX 350. Accelerating from a standstill between the second and fourth gears was troublesome for some owners as well. Specifically, when the RX 350 is running between 1500 – 1800 RPM, it shudders and rattles excessively. This makes the driving experience unpleasant.

If you are on the hunt for a Lexus RX 350, we advise you to refrain from buying vehicles that were manufactured in these model years. Although you may find a good deal now, you will have to go through many reliability issues down the line. Instead, my recommendation would be to go and look out for some of the more reliable, dependable model years of the RX350.

This included the Lexus RX 350s made for the 2011, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021 model years. Out of all these, 2018 is well-regarded as the most reliable model year thus far. It was a mix of reliability, safety, and power, all wrapped into a luxurious package. It had a four-star safety rating, and the number of customer complaints was lower compared to other years.

With the introduction of the 2018 Lexus RX 350, the towing capacity was increased from 1,500 lbs to 3,500 lbs. This was great news for folks who liked to tow things. And, given an average lifespan of 250,000 to 300,000 miles (or about 16 – 20 years), the Lexus RX 350, with proper maintenance, ought to be a reliable companion for many years.

Consumer Reviews and Common Owner Complaints

The 2017 model year was plagued by brake pressure issues, acceleration problems, and transmission shuddering. Some owners even report harsh gear shifts, excessive cabin noise, and unsettling vibrations during driving! To prove that 2017 counts as one of the Lexus RX 350 years to avoid, here are some real-world complaints from owners on NHTSA, CarComplaints, and Lexus forums:

1. Brake Pressure Issues and Soft Brake Pedal

• “The brake pedal feels way too soft. I have to push it down further than expected to get any real stopping power. It doesn’t feel safe.” – RX 350 owner on NHTSA
• “Tried emergency braking once, and the response was delayed. It made me nervous driving in stop-and-go traffic.” – User on CarComplaints
• “Took my RX 350 to the dealer because of weak brakes. They bled the system, but it still feels spongy. Not what I expected from a Lexus.” – RX 350 owner on Lexus Forums

2. Acceleration Lag and Transmission Shuddering

• “The car hesitates when accelerating. Between 1,500 – 1,800 RPM, it shakes and stutters. Feels like the transmission is confused.” – User on CarComplaints
• “Accelerating from a stop is unpredictable. Sometimes it moves fine, other times it lags. It’s annoying, especially in traffic.” – RX 350 owner on Lexus Forums
• “I feel a vibration in the gas pedal when shifting from second to fourth gear. Dealer says it’s ‘normal behavior.’” – RX 350 owner on Edmunds

3. Excessive Road and Wind Noise

• “For a luxury SUV, it’s really noisy inside. Lots of wind noise on the highway, and the tires make a humming sound.” – User on CarComplaints
• “There’s a constant rattling sound near the dashboard. Dealer couldn’t find the source and told me to ‘turn up the radio.’” – RX 350 owner on Lexus Forums
• “I upgraded to this RX 350 expecting quietness, but it’s worse than my old Camry. Wind noise is unbearable at 70mph.” – RX 350 owner on Edmunds