Lexus RX Lexus RX

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Lexus RX repairs by problem area

Engine (26%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (11%)

Other (8%)

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Chart based on 1092 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Lexus RX.

Lexus RX transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (17%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (17%)

< $100 (41%)

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Chart based on 54 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2017 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

20000 mi Vehicle would not upshift or downshift at highway speed. Could not accelerate. Dealer "could not replicate the problem/symptoms". 
22000 mi Experienced same symptoms as on November trip; start of a road trip, transmission would not upshift of downshift. Could not accelerate. Took it immediately to Dealer. Dealer could not replicate symptoms after 7 days. 
23000 mi Scheduled meeting with Regional Lexus/Toyota Field Technical Specialist. Regional specialist went on 1 hour test drive/ride and then connected his computer/laptop to my vehicle. After 2 hours into a data dive, he identified a recurring problem on the days at the times and at the speeds I reported to the Dealer that the car severely malfunctioned. He diagnosed the problem to be the malfunctioning of the 4th gear solenoid. He authorized replacement of the entire transaxle/transmission. I have not experienced any problems with the new transaxle/transmission. 

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2016 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic FWD

20000 mi TSB to reprogram retransmission and correct sluggish shifting 

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2016 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

16000 mi Software update on transmission controller per a Lexus TSB. Vehicle originally lagged in normal mode and had to be driven in sport mode to get quick downshifts when passing. After TSB, response time is improved, but still lags in some areas. The transmission is still not Lexus smooth as in other vehicles from the same brand even after the software update. 
3277 mi Hesitation in shifting and certain driving situation in city traffic conditions. TSB to reprogram ECU was completed. 

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2015 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

36456 mi Transmission (delayed engagement issue) Park to Drive takes 3 seconds Dealership had to replace the whole transmission and warranty covered the full cost with free loaner. 

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2013 Lexus RX

Engine not specified

2000 mi tranny/drivetrain vibrated noisily at 1100 rpm and between 20-30 MPH. Dealer had to call Lexus for repair advice which taking several days. Repair resolved it, dealer stated moisture in fluid caused problem. 

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2013 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

25000 mi I was having transmission issues. The techs said it was normal but it was the reason I sold it. 

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2012 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

275-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

120000 mi CV boot split, replace CV drive axle, - EDIT: Turns out dealer lied about CV Boot rip and throwing grease. Repair shop called me to come get the car, no charge. 

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2012 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

275-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

79980 mi

R 100
Noise in rear diff identified as potential failure of viscous coupling on rear diff 

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2010 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

275-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

89432 mi

US $327
Driver side CV boot torn, replaced both boots CV boots were replaced but clamp was not put on with enough force by the shop, Shop will fix at their expense 
114800 mi

US $600
Replaced cv joint, rod and leaking boot 

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2010 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

275-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

30400 mi ECU update under warrenty 
54000 mi AWD went out while driving to NJ. They had to drop the engine and replace a gear. This is not the first problem I've had with this Lexus 

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2009 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

102000 mi Dealer submitted for out of warranty coverage and Lexus paid for the repair. This is why I drive a Lexus and why I use the dealer for repairs!! 
116100 mi Dealer felt because I was just 10k out of warranty that they would try to get Lexus to pay. They did and I paid nothing for this axle or CV joint repair. This is why I buy only Lexus! 
107000 mi Drive Axel 
54000 mi

US $100
Torn CV boot RF, 

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2009 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

94240 mi

C $4200
driveshaft bushings, 

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2008 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

74000 mi Oil leak in transfer case 

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2008 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

69000 mi Main shaft bearing needed to be replaced 

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2008 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD

41000 mi Axle needed replacement. Was causing wobble through the steering wheel. 

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2007 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

52000 mi Joints and boots leaking 
166300 mi

US $87
left front axle came apart while doing the control arm replacement. With the current mileage on the car it was wise to replace the complete axle. 
46000 mi new transmission 

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2007 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

121000 mi

US $75
Auxiliary transmission cooler leaking. Servicing mechanic bypassed auxiliary cooler until I decide if I want to replace the OE part. Note, the auxiliary cooler came with the towing package option, and is not in anyway detrimental to operate the vehicle with this bypassed. 

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2007 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

130820 mi

$500
Previous hybrid braking problem I had was finally solved by replacing the front left CV axle. The abs ring was broken. 

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2006 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD

196000 mi

US $500
CV joint boot failed 

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2006 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

83300 mi

US $700
Had CV joint and front axel replaced 

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2005 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

97000 mi

US $200
Hard shifting during acceleration or deceleration, changing the fluid immediately improved this. 

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2004 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

71900 mi

US $327
Transmission drain plug leaking. Automatic transmission oil flush, replaced drain plug and gasket. 

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2004 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

78000 mi

US $1400
Had Powertrain Control Computer replaced, wouldnt shift into 4th gear. 
78100 mi

US $200
replaced left fron CV axel. Don't remember cost. 
91000 mi

US $543
Replace left front cv axel. 2nd time. 
79000 mi

US $1400
CV joints replaced. 

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2004 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

21492 mi

C $510
Replace front differential fluid. Replace rear differential fluid. Replace transfer case fluid. 
39425 mi

C $900
Replace differential fluid. Replace rear differential fluid. Replace transfer case fluid. 
105400 mi

C $200
transmission oil cooler leaking. replaced with a used oil cooler. 

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2002 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

118000 mi

US $3000
Rebuilt the tranny 
163000 mi

US $2700
Transmission rebuild for the 2nd time.  
210500 mi

US $4150
Transmission was slipping in reverse,and had developed a high pitched sound when accelerating in drive. (Noise started after I had accidentally placed the car in Low gear and drove highway speed for about a minute before switching to drive) 
102000 mi

US $500
Oil leak, change gasket 

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2002 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

40900 mi

US $450
TOOK APART AND CLEANED {RUSTED} CV JOINTS (4-WHEEL DRIVE) FALSELY ACTIVATED ABS ON BRAKES ON START-UP FROM ADEAD STOP. 

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2001 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

135000 mi

US $500
Front axle Ball bearing replaced. Front brake pads are also replaced 
100000 mi

US $2500
CV joint 
168000 mi

US $300
Car would not go into park. Pieces were found keeping the plunger from moving to park. Transmission on last legs. Car traded in. 

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2001 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

128000 mi

US $4500
Transmission completely failed, replaced with new lexus transmission, 3000+1500 install and tax. Possibly caused by faulty air fuel valve that often caused the transmission to not shift. 
120000 mi

US $2100
needed front right axle, and front brakes 
58000 mi Complete replacement of transmission. Covered in warranty. 

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2000 Lexus RX

Engine not specified

184000 mi

US $2600
Transfer case went out due to vibration of driveshaft from a bad CV joint. Only made a small humming noise on freeway at certain speeds, no other indication. 

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2000 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

136400 mi

C $3350
THE CAR FAILED TO SHIFT FROM 2 TO 3 GEAR 

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2000 Lexus RX 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

252000 mi

US $980
Replaced entire driveshaft Replaced driveshaft 

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1999 Lexus RX

Engine not specified

US $4000 transmission went out...a known problem for these models... 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Lexus models.

Lexus RX Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Lexus RX problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.