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Lexus RX 350 problems, repairs and warranty value

Review possible repair costs and submitted NHTSA records for the Lexus RX 350. Compare documented symptoms and manufacturer repair guidance, then choose your model year for its available records and repair estimates.

12model-year profiles
Partial datasubmitted complaints
Not availableunique vehicle recall campaigns
GasolineEPA powertrain choices
Animated diagnostic illustration for the Lexus RX 350

Model records

What changes the warranty calculation

The Lexus RX 350 records contain 217 submitted complaints across 9 matched model years. The median is 18 reports per matched year. 3 unmatched years are excluded from this comparison. NHTSA source snapshot: 2026-10-18.

The 2016 record contains 58 complaint reports, the highest raw count among matched years here; other years may tie. Vehicle sales and time on the road differ, so this comparison does not establish a failure rate.

Engine replacement or major internal repair has the highest arithmetic midpoint for parts in the applicable planning estimates, at $8,000 before labor. Confirm the configuration and remaining factory coverage before using this broad estimate to compare a service contract.

14 recall/model-year entries. A campaign can cover several years; the unique campaign count removes that repetition. Missing model-name matches remain unavailable.

Problem research and repair guidance

Lexus RX 350: symptoms, affected vehicles and documented fixes

Match the symptom and the exact vehicle scope before arranging work. The imported catalogue is an editorial index of source documents, not an independent safety authority. Recall text is checked against NHTSA; each record links to the evidence that supports its scope and remedy.

6documented issue files
6vehicle systems

3 recall files · 3 other manufacturer files. These are editorial file counts, not distinct campaign totals, failure rates or a complete recall history.

Engine & transmission control

Manufacturer documented2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Bucking on early upshifts or low-speed surge

Lexus's ECM bulletin calls for reprogramming only after a technician reproduces one of two narrow driving patterns.

Lexus documented two related drivability conditions on some 2016 to 2019 RX 350 and RX 350L vehicles: brief back-and-forth bucking just after the first two upshifts, and a rocking surge below 46 mph while the transmission is in a higher gear with the torque converter fully locked. The bulletin specifies ECM reprogramming after a technician reproduces the exact condition and rules out other faults.

Symptoms to compare
  • A brief bucking sensation immediately after a 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 upshift
  • A repeated rocking or surge not directly tied to a shift
  • The surge occurs between 0 and 46 mph with the torque converter in full lock-up
  • The sensation dissipates rather than continuing as a constant vibration

Other ways owners describe it: Lexus jerks when shifting; RX 350 bucks at low speed; car rocks back and forth; rough first to second shift; surging under 50 mph; transmission feels like it is hunting; hesitation then lurch.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • 2016 to 2019 Lexus RX 350
  • Specified 2018 to 2019 RX 350L calibrations are included
  • Drivetrain, WMI and current calibration determine applicability

The bulletin does not set a mileage threshold. It stated Federal Emissions Warranty coverage of 96 months or 80,000 miles for the specified condition, subject to the vehicle's in-service date and eligibility.

Manufacturer position and diagnosis

Lexus directs technicians to reproduce the exact bucking or surge criteria, check for applicable calibration IDs and reprogram the ECM. The bulletin specifically says not to replace the ECM as part of this repair.

Confirm the drive pattern and update the ECM calibrationLexus diagnostic procedure · Road test and reprogramming

A Lexus technician uses vehicle data to reproduce the published condition, checks the current calibration and installs the applicable updated ECM software.

Limit: Do not replace transmission parts solely from the symptom wording. The bulletin applies only when its operating criteria and calibration checks match.

Record when the motion occursBasic observation · One normal trip

From the passenger seat or after the trip, note the road speed and whether the event follows a shift. Add the engine temperature and any warning light.

Limit: Do not attempt repeated acceleration tests in traffic or operate a phone while driving.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: August 2, 2026

Exhaust

Manufacturer documented2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Exhaust drone on takeoff or light acceleration

A low drone during takeoff is the sound described in Lexus's revised center-pipe bulletin, particularly under gentle acceleration.

Lexus documented a droning noise from the exhaust system on some 2016 to 2022 RX 350 vehicles during takeoff or light acceleration. The published procedure checks whether the vehicle already has the revised center pipe with an added bracket and damper, then replaces the older pipe when the exact condition is confirmed. An exhaust leak or loose heat shield needs separate diagnosis; engine faults can also sound similar.

Symptoms to compare
  • A low-frequency drone or boom is heard during takeoff
  • The sound appears under light rather than heavy acceleration
  • The noise seems to come from the exhaust or beneath the cabin
  • The bulletin condition is reduced by the revised center pipe and damper

Other ways owners describe it: deep humming when accelerating; exhaust resonance in cabin; RX 350 drones from a stop; booming noise under light throttle; low frequency vibration from exhaust; muffler hum at takeoff.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • 2016 to 2022 Lexus RX 350
  • The old versus revised center exhaust pipe is identified during inspection
  • The bulletin does not list the RX 350L or RX 450h for this procedure

The service bulletin uses model year and confirmation of the specific noise, not a mileage threshold. It stated Federal Long-Term Emission Warranty terms of 96 months or 80,000 miles, subject to eligibility.

Manufacturer position and diagnosis

Lexus instructs technicians to confirm the drone and identify whether the revised pipe is already installed. The older center exhaust pipe is then replaced with the countermeasure part.

Inspect for the revised center exhaust pipeProfessional exhaust repair · Workshop inspection and replacement

A Lexus or exhaust technician confirms the exact drone and checks for the bracket and damper that identify the revised pipe. If the old assembly is present and the bulletin applies, it is replaced with the countermeasure part.

Limit: Exhaust components become extremely hot, and the bulletin requires new gaskets plus measurement of the compression springs.

Compare the noise at light throttleBasic observation · One normal trip

During ordinary driving, have a passenger note whether the sound starts only from a stop or also at a steady speed, and whether it changes with engine speed. Record from inside the cabin without placing a device under the vehicle.

Limit: Do not touch or crawl beneath a hot or unsupported vehicle.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: August 2, 2026

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Official NHTSA safety recall2015Campaign 14V576000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: recall 14V576000

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.

Condition in the official record

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: RX350. Model years: 2015.
  • NHTSA campaign 14V576000
  • The complete campaign lists 15,872 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Campaign 14V576000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Component in the source: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Jurisdiction: United States

Published recall remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Roof & body noise

Manufacturer documented2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Moonroof rattles when tilted open

A roof rattle that appears only in the tilted position over bumps is the narrow condition covered by Lexus's adjustment bulletin.

Lexus documented a sliding-roof rattle on specified RX 350 vehicles when the glass is in the tilted-open position and the vehicle travels over a bumpy road. The repair procedure checks looseness at the drive-cable assembly, services the adjustment-nut contact surfaces and may require cable replacement. A rattle with the roof closed or during normal sliding may have a different source.

Symptoms to compare
  • The noise occurs with the sliding roof in the tilted-open position
  • Bumpy roads make the rattle easier to reproduce
  • Closing the roof may stop the bulletin-related noise
  • A technician can check looseness at the mechanical bracket and rear shoe

Other ways owners describe it: sunroof rattles over bumps; moonroof chatters when vented; roof clicking on rough road; noise above my head with sunroof tilted; loose panoramic roof sound; RX 350 roof rattle.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • 2019 to 2022 Lexus RX 350 with WMI 2T2
  • The bulletin separately includes 2018 to 2022 RX 450h vehicles with WMI JTJ
  • The exact roof configuration and symptom must match

The bulletin does not use a mileage threshold. It stated Lexus Basic Warranty coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles for the specified condition, subject to the vehicle's current eligibility.

Manufacturer position and diagnosis

Lexus directs technicians to remove the roof glass and inspect the drive cable for looseness. The procedure then services the contact areas with grease and installs new adjustment nuts. The cable assembly is replaced only if the rattle remains or looseness is confirmed.

Service the roof adjustment points and inspect the cableRoof-system specialist · Workshop procedure

A Lexus or body technician removes the glass and checks the drive-cable assembly. The published procedure applies grease to the specified contact areas before the revised nuts are installed. The cable is replaced only when the inspection calls for it.

Limit: Removing and aligning roof glass incorrectly can cause wind noise, leaks or glass damage.

Compare tilted, closed and open positionsBasic observation · One short normal trip

Clear loose objects from the cabin, then have a passenger note whether the sound occurs only with the roof tilted and stops when fully closed. Record the road type and approximate speed for the technician.

Limit: Do not apply general-purpose lubricant or place fingers in the roof mechanism. Keep the vehicle parked whenever inspecting the opening.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: August 2, 2026

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Official NHTSA safety recall2017Campaign 18V211000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM: recall 18V211000

A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.

Condition in the official record

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: RX350. Model years: 2017.
  • NHTSA campaign 18V211000
  • The complete campaign lists 6,046 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Campaign 18V211000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Component in the source: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Jurisdiction: United States

Published recall remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

STEERING

Official NHTSA safety recall2023Campaign 23V480000

STEERING:COLUMN: recall 23V480000

A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Condition in the official record

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: RX350. Model years: 2023.
  • NHTSA campaign 23V480000
  • The complete campaign lists 152,927 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Campaign 23V480000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Component in the source: STEERING:COLUMN

Jurisdiction: United States

Published recall remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Confirm who pays before authorizing work

A recall remedy follows the campaign and VIN eligibility. A service bulletin provides diagnosis or repair instructions; it does not by itself promise payment. Manufacturer warranty extensions and support programs have their own conditions.

Compare recalls, bulletins and warranty extensions →

Keep a current problem separate from future coverage

These files do not supply a shop quote. Ask for a diagnosis and written estimate, then check recall remedies or existing coverage. A new vehicle service contract generally excludes pre-existing conditions.

Prepare a useful description for the mechanic →

Each file retains its original source review date. Historical remedy wording can change; check the current manufacturer notice and NHTSA VIN lookup for your vehicle. The separately dated NHTSA counts elsewhere on this page use a different dataset and scope.

Read the evidence for this vehicle

What can the data tell you about Lexus RX 350?

No model-specific individual-repair price keys are retained for Lexus RX 350 in this library. Generic parts and labor estimates, public records and separate annual cost references may still be available.

Individual-repair price scopeGeneric inputs

Model-level range presence is a source-coverage check. It does not confirm that a repair fits every engine or model year.

EPA configuration match35 source rows

The mapped years for this model can include different equipment. Use the VIN and original specifications to identify the actual configuration.

Documented repair paths3 selected files

The manufacturer instruction can describe software, inspection or a smaller component before a complete assembly replacement.

Price-key audit reviewed October 18, 2026; EPA source snapshot 2026-08-07. Individual-repair ranges and annual repair-budget references are different datasets.

EPA configuration facts

Engines and drivetrains sold under this model name

FuelEconomy.gov lists 35 matched Lexus RX 350 configurations across the model years shown here. Trim, engine and drive layout can change which repairs belong in a warranty comparison.

Vehicle classSmall SUV
Fuel choicesGasoline
Drive layoutsAll-wheel drive and Front-wheel drive
Engine range2.4 to 3.5 L; 4 to 6 cylinders
EPA efficiency range20 to 25 mpg
Transmission typesAutomatic

These are ranges across EPA configurations, not the specification of every trim. The VIN and original window sticker settle the exact equipment. Source: FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data, dataset updated 2026-08-07.

Possible repair costs

Major repairs for this powertrain

These estimates use parts benchmarks and modeled independent-shop labor rates for 50-metro reference, so you can compare models using the same labor assumptions.

RepairEstimated range
Engine replacement or major internal repair$6,095 to $16,964
Transmission replacement$6,079 to $6,995
Transfer case replacement$2,189 to $8,192
Turbocharger replacement$1,662 to $6,524
Head gasket replacement$2,339 to $3,728
Strut and control arm repair$1,053 to $4,545
Compare a warranty quote with repair costsAll Lexus models