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Lexus RX Powertrain and Chassis Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2016 - 2018 Lexus RX Reliability by Generation2016 - 2018 Lexus RX
25.428571428571% Best 82% Worst
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2010 - 2015 Lexus RX Reliability by Generation2010 - 2015 Lexus RX
0% Best 33% Worst
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2004 - 2009 Lexus RX Reliability by Generation2004 - 2009 Lexus RX
22.571428571429% Best 77% Worst
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TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the Lexus RX

Lexus RX Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearComment
2013 The strongest advantage of any Lexus over its German competitors isn't how it looks or how it drives, but how long it lasts without becoming a headache. The LS large luxury sedan might be the king here, but the RX also does very well based on our members' Car Reliability Survey responses. For the 2010s, the first model year of the current generation, not a single owner (out of 30 participating) reported a repair during 2012. For the 2004s, the first model year of the second-generation RX, only two out of 29 owners reported a repair. This would be impressive for new cars, much less some that have been driven about 90,000 miles while aging for eight years. One caveat: the 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport (and only the F Sport) is the first (and so far only) model equipped with Toyota's new eight-speed automatic transaxle. New transmission designs often have teething issues, which probably explains why Toyota/Lexus is only offering it in a single low-volume application this year. Buy an RX 350 F Sport, and for no additional charge you can beta test the new transmission! We don't have reliability data for the current Cadillac SRX (not quite enough owners have signed up yet), but judging from other GM models one probably would not age as well. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt by rating the Lexus only "better" rather than "much better." Check the latest Lexus RX reliability stats. full 2013 Lexus RX review
2016 The longer someone intends to keep a car and the higher the priority they place on reliability, the more likely I am to recommend a Toyota or Lexus no matter what I think of the car itself. No other manufacturer has as consistently produced cars that tend to require few repairs for ten-plus years. Cadillac and Lincoln have mixed records. Sometimes their cars are fairly reliable, sometimes they are awful. Previous MKXs have been reliable, but the new one shares little with them. The related 2015-2016 Edge has been pretty good so far. Based on a new platform and with a new engine and a new transmission, the XT5's reliability is entirely unknown. The previous all-new Cadillac, the 2013 ATS, has been troublesome. Risk-averse buyers who prefer the XT5 should wait for the 2018. full 2016 Lexus RX review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Lexus RX

Lexus RX Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
Lexus just makes a very good quality vehicle full 2010 Lexus RX review
2010 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Personal experience with my previous car, a Toyota LandCruiser HDJ100. My RX450h is one year old: no problems reported in 18.000 miles. One of my friend has a 10 years old RX300 with 190.000 miles: no problems reported too. full 2010 Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic AWD
Proven brand history of being one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. full 2008 Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD
Lexus vehicles have always been reliable. So far so good with our current vehicle. full 2008 Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Consistent reliability in Consumer Reports. Decent warranty. full 2008 Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic AWD
brand reputation and proven performance for long-term problem-free operation full 2008 Lexus RX review
2006 4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD
From checking with other owners, online forums and CRO, and my own experience, this car is as worry free as it gets. Just no problems, at all. full 2006 Lexus RX review
2004 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic FWD
I like never having to take it in for repair. I mean never! full 2004 Lexus RX review
2004 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic AWD
No major repairs in 77k miles full 2004 Lexus RX review
2004 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Made by Toyota, enough said. full 2004 Lexus RX review
Lexus RX Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2004 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic FWD
WE HAD A 2004 RX - LOVED EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE TRANSMISSION - EXTREMELY JERKY AND FELT LIKE IT WAS NOT GOING TO GET IN GEAR - THE SUV WOULD LITERALLY JERK AROUND. LEXUS SAID IT WAS FINE AND NOT TO WORRY (NO WARRANTY THOUGH) - NO COVERAGE - NO MORE LEXUS full 2004 Lexus RX review
2002 4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
4-speed automatic FWD
Even after doing alot of research prior to my purchase, I had a major repair just after hitting 100k. The transmission went out and apparently it was very common in the RX300. full 2002 Lexus RX review