LEXUS RX Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 482 MOT tests from 41 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every LEXUS RX has the same fault.

LEXUS RX's have a extremely good reliability rating of 826/999. The score was calculated from the average of every LEXUS RX that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the LEXUS RX.

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	900/999Outstanding	77,206 miles	1,212 vehicles
N/A	N/A	854/999Excellent	74,313 miles	1,328 vehicles
N/A	N/A	833/999Excellent	73,817 miles	1,520 vehicles
N/A	N/A	794/999Very good	71,266 miles	1,409 vehicles
N/A	N/A	748/999Very good	71,726 miles	841 vehicles

How reliable is the LEXUS RX?

Based on 482 MOT tests from 41 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

MOT tests

482

Pass rate

86.1%

Median mileage

98,735 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every LEXUS RX has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 626 out of 999.

Common LEXUS RX MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 91 advisory comments and 4 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 54 advisory comments and 1 failure comment in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads, discs, the parking brake, or brake fluid that needed attention at inspection.

What to inspect

Ask for recent brake work and look at pad thickness, disc condition, and whether the parking brake holds.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Coil spring / suspension issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 27 advisory comments and 15 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs, dampers, or suspension joints that were corroded, worn, or broken at inspection.

What to inspect

Look for broken or corroded springs, uneven ride height, and knocks from the suspension over bumps.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM PIN OR BUSH WORN BUT NOT RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT REAR BUSH (5.3.4 (A) (I))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 17 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see. They do not by themselves show the structure has failed.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Lighting faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp, bulb, or indicator that was not working or was aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on every lamp and indicator, including the number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT POSITION LAMP NOT WORKING (4.2.1 (A) (II))

LEXUS RX MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2013	7	82	90.2%	Corrosion, Brake wear
2012	5	72	81.9%	Tyre wear, Coil spring / suspension issues
2011	5	78	80.8%	Tyre wear, Brake wear
2009	5	86	86%	Tyre wear, Coil spring / suspension issues

What to check when buying a used LEXUS RX

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Brake wear. Ask for recent brake work and look at pad thickness, disc condition, and whether the parking brake holds.
Coil spring / suspension issues. Look for broken or corroded springs, uneven ride height, and knocks from the suspension over bumps.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Lighting faults. Switch on every lamp and indicator, including the number-plate lamps.

Buying a LEXUS RX?

Common problems tell you what can affect LEXUS RXs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

Browse Other LEXUS Models

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