Model year

2018 Lexus RX

SUV, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Dec 20, 2021 to Sep 29, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints26Below the median 2018 suv
Severity index11.52018 suvs average 5.2
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2018 Lexus RX peaked in 2024, with 8 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

024682021202220232024820252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

23% of complaints about the 2018 Lexus RX name brakes

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Brakes
6
Engine and cooling
4
Electrical system
3
Fuel system
3
Structure
3
Driver assistance
2
Speed control
2
Visibility and wipers
2
Airbags
1
Back-over prevention
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2018 Lexus RX

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2018 Lexus RX

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

26 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

  1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Apr 1, 2026Chino Hills, CAEngine

    Car dead stopped two times in the middle of roads. No warning. No signal. Just hard stopped.

    NHTSA complaint 11767867
  2. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026Reston, VAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    On XXX, our 2018 Lexus RX 350L was involved in a high-speed collision in [XXX]. The vehicle struck a Jersey/concrete barrier with the left front of the vehicle. The collision caused extensive damage to the left-front corner of the vehicle. The left-front wheel and suspension were severely displaced, with substantial damage extending through the left-front body structure toward the driver's door area. The vehicle was subsequently declared a total loss by the insurance company. Despite the severity of the collision, none of the vehicle's airbags deployed, including the driver's frontal airbag and driver's side curtain airbag. I am reporting this because I am concerned that the Supplemental Restraint System may not have operated as designed. I am not in a position to determine whether the impact met Lexus's deployment criteria and am requesting that the non-deployment be reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue. The vehicle currently remains available in salvage custody. The insurance company has been asked to preserve the vehicle so that the Event Data Recorder and/or airbag control module can be examined if necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11758264
  3. Filed Apr 28, 2026Failure Apr 13, 2026Coto De Caza, CASteering, Suspension

    I was starting to lose control of the car and took it to the dealership for a check . The car has only 52000 miles and the Ball Joints and the sway bar links are leaking grease according to the dealer

    NHTSA complaint 11734361
  4. Filed Mar 29, 2026Failure Mar 28, 2026Rsm, CAWarnings, Engine

    1. Check engine light comes on. 2. Intelligent collision system (ICS) plashing while driving

    NHTSA complaint 11727736
  5. Filed Feb 3, 2026Failure Feb 2, 2026Lombard, ILUnknown or other

    The 12.3-inch display of the instrument panel is blank at startup. Operating the vehicle with this display blank reduces the ability to see certain malfunction indicators. If malfunctions occur while driving, continuing to drive could lead to an increased risk of a crash or an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    NHTSA complaint 11715409
  6. Filed Sep 15, 2025Failure Jul 1, 2023Orlando, FLEngine

    Engine block #1 misfire , 02/gasoline ratio level problem

    NHTSA complaint 11687357
  7. Filed Sep 4, 2025Failure Sep 4, 2025Oklahoma City, OKVisibility/wiper

    I have a panoramic sunroof and the sunshade retracts when the switch is pressed but the shade bunches up and stops before fully retracting. It appears from online searches that it’s a well known problem with Lexus and can result in a very costly repair that’s caused in no part by the owners of the vehicles. A recall of this manufacturing defect needs to be issued.

    NHTSA complaint 11685176
  8. Filed Aug 1, 2025Failure Jul 30, 202547,518 milesFrisco, TXInterior

    The contact owns a 2018 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon arriving to the residence and parking the vehicle, the front driver’s side door failed to open while pulling on the interior door handle. The contact rolled down the window and was able to open the front driver’s side door while pulling the exterior door handle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Lexus Special Service Campaign Number: 20LC02. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,518.

    NHTSA complaint 11677722
  9. Filed Jul 21, 2025Failure Jul 5, 2025Dix Hills, NYInterior

    On our 2018 Lexus RX 350 L, the left front interior door handle broke and we had to roll the window down and open the door from the outside. I learned that there was a recall - Lexus Special Service Campaign 20LC02 but our Lexus VIN was not listed. Our Lexus Model/year was manufactured in 05/18 and that was within the production period of the recall, April 2015 to September 2018. I believe that Lexus not including our suv's VIN in the recall was an oversight. As a result, I reached out to Smithown Lexus in NY and they did not honor the recall and wanted $219 + tax just diagnose the problem. I also called Lexus Guest Experience Center at 1-800-255-3987 and thety also did not honor the recall. Since, I purchased and installed the door handle. Is there a way I can get get reimbursed for parts and labor of $450?

    NHTSA complaint 11675180
  10. Filed Jun 17, 2025Failure Mar 1, 2025Howell, MIUnknown or other

    iOS lite has come on for the second time. Sensor had to be replaced early this year. Cost $500.

    NHTSA complaint 11667553
  11. Filed May 17, 2025Failure May 17, 2025Chicago, ILFuel/propulsion system

    The fuel pump sensor electrically shorted. The assembly failed. (tube assembly, fuel suction w/ pump and gage), gasket, fuel suction tube set. It is available for inspection. The car could stall at any time because the fuel pump sensor cannot accurately determine the fuel level or how much fuel is being injected into the engine. There was a warning light. Lexus covered two other fuel pump safety issues for this make and model (2018 RX 450h), one under a manufacturer recall and one through a customer support program. This is a THIRD defect with the fuel pumps on these vehicles for which Lexus has NOT offered coverage or notified its customers.

    NHTSA complaint 11661605
  12. Filed Apr 2, 2025Failure Nov 8, 2024Anchorage, AKService brakes

    Brake squack/barking noise when brakes are depressed.

    NHTSA complaint 11652201
  13. Filed Oct 23, 2024Failure Oct 1, 2024phoenix, AZService brakes, Vehicle speed controlCrash

    1. At [XXX] on [XXX], I was pulling into my gym's parking lot, when I stepped on the break to park my car, instead of stopping, the car accelerates rapidly and crashed through the other side of the sidewalk where there were light pole and cement walls, throwing me forward and backward with seat belt on, I was in total shock! 2. My insurance sent a field inspector to the body shop 2X in hope to repair my car but ended up declaring it a Total Loss. 3. Lexus said they would send a field tech to get the EDR (Event Data Recorder) data from my 2018 Lexus RX350 within 30 days, but the results won't be available for 30-45 days after that. Lexus's slow response to this accident concerns and disappoints me b/c it was a serious crash that Lexus should treat it seriously and promptly. 4. The disbelief of a 'young' car with only 12297 miles could have issues like this puzzled me and drove me to do a lot of online research, then I came across this site [XXX] which contains an article titled '10 Common Problems of A Lexus RX350'. Problem #5 described exactly what had happened to me: 'ONE RECURRING PROBLEM THIS CAR HAS IS THAT THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS SEVERELY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENES WHEN THE DRIVER IS TRYING TO PARK THE VEHICLE. REPORTS PAINT THE SAME PICTURES REPEATEDLY: THE DRIVER IS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THEY PUSH THE BREAK PEDAL, AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR ACELERATES RAPIDLY, WHICH RESULTS IN A CRASH." Based on this article, it seems that Lexus should have issued a recall, but no! 5. The strange thing was that NO airbags were exploded/activated, yet the vehicle was damaged to beyond repair, it makes me wonder if there was an issue with the airbags too. If this incident had occurred at an intersection, I dare not imagine the outcome...I could have been killed or critically injured along with other innocent people on the road. I am very traumatized by the whole experience and sadly, the feeling seems to have gotten worse as time goes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

    NHTSA complaint 11621427
  14. Filed Oct 8, 2024Failure Oct 7, 2024Fountain Valley, CAService brakes

    I am writing to raise a serious concern regarding a issue with my 2018 Lexus RX450hL involving the brake actuator. Since purchasing the vehicle at 63,000 miles, I have noticed hissing, clicking, and squeaking noises when applying the brakes. As the mileage increased to 83,000, these noises have worsened, becoming unbearable. In addition, I am experiencing a shaky driver-side mirror and a rusting hood latch, both of which present safety concerns. For a vehicle under 5 years old , I believe these problems do not reflect the quality I expected, particularly given the premium price I paid. According to Lexus' Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #L-SB-0032-23 Rev, issued in October 2023, which addresses squawk or knock noises from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is pressed or released, affecting models like the RX450hL. My vehicle exhibits symptoms similar to those described in the TSB. The vehicle was regularly maintained by the previous owner at Lexus of Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills. Despite this, the major part like brake actuator has failed prematurely. Given Lexus' reputation as a luxury brand, it is unacceptable that such a critical component would fail before the vehicle is 5 years old or has reached 100,000 miles. The combination of the brake actuator defect, the shaky mirror, and the rusting hood latch is disappointing, especially for a vehicle of this caliber. When I initially contacted Lexus Customer Service, I was also dealing with rusting parts and a failing brake booster. Lexus of Cerritos provided a repair estimate of around $5,000 for brake actuator. I was advised to reach out to Lexus Customer Service after my request for a good faith repair was denied due to the inability to obtain the complete maintenance history. However, I have since confirmed with the previous owner and Lexus that the vehicle was regularly serviced. I am also aware that Lexus has issued brake actuator-related recalls for several models.

    NHTSA complaint 11618706
  15. Filed May 21, 2024Failure Sep 20, 2023chandler, AZElectrical system

    HVAC servo motor failure. There are many complaints on internet if you google. Multiple other lexus models have CSPs regarding same problem too..

    NHTSA complaint 11589950
  16. Filed May 15, 2024Failure May 6, 2024Hollywood, FLExterior

    The driver-side mirror shakes noticeably while driving making it hard to see what's on your left, specially at night. Even though I'm reporting in 2024 w/ 55k miles, I just bought this L-Certified CPO Lexus 1 week ago, so the problem was likely there before. There are a couple of other signs that this car doesn't handle the South Florida heat very well and my guess is the adhesive on the mirror has started to fail. There is a service notice on late model NX to address this that replaces the entire mirror assembly and they'll likely do this as well when I take it in, but it is a fairly simple issue to resolve yourself following some YouTube videos even if they're not specific to this make/model.

    NHTSA complaint 11588843
  17. Filed May 12, 2024Failure May 12, 2024Aibonito, PRUnknown or other

    If you by mistake forget to put your car on Parking the transmission does not lock by itself creating a hazard of movement of the vehicule that can cause an injury's or even worse. That was reported to the dealer and dismissed the issue as normal.

    NHTSA complaint 11588297
  18. Filed Mar 17, 2024Failure Mar 15, 2024Pensacola, FLFuel/propulsion system

    Two days ago, upon entering our vehicle, there was a smell of gasoline as we drove. Our fuel guage wend from 1/4 tank to EMPTY in minutes. I pulled into a gas station and when attached the nozzle, gas entering the tank was POURING out from underneath. I drove the car to the venue we were headed to and parked on a dirt/gravel spot so as to limit fuel runoff to nearby vehicles. We had the vehicle towed to Bob Tyler Toyota, the nearest Lexus type service center. I called service at Lexus of Mobile and the employer stated that there are no recalls. The free flowing fuel endangered not only my and my wife but anyone around the vehicle. No warning lights whatsoever. The tow driver concurred that fuel was POURING until the tank was emptied. I have not been contacted by the service department thus far.

    NHTSA complaint 11577885
  19. Filed Jan 30, 2024Failure Jan 5, 202442,548 milesEagle, IDFuel system, Fuel pump

    The contact owns a 2018 Lexus RX350. The contact stated at start-up there was raw a fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,548.

    NHTSA complaint 11568839
  20. Filed Jan 25, 2024Failure Jan 24, 2024Manhasset, NYInterior, Unknown or other

    The driver side indoor door handle no longer works. Despite my model being part of the special service campaign 20LC02, dealer says that my VIN number is not covered despite it being the exact problem described.

    NHTSA complaint 11567717
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

27 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • L-SB-0030-24 Rev2 Dec 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to…
  • L-SB-0043-23 Rev1 Jun 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
  • L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 Feb 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stai…
  • L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 Feb 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stai…
  • L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 Jul 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to…
  • L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 Jul 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to…
  • L-SB-0030-24 Jun 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is t…
  • L-SB-0030-24 Jun 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is t…
  • L-SB-0023-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • L-SB-0023-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • LSB006023 Nov 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2019 ? 2023 model year ES 350, 2018 ? 2023 model year IS 350, IS 300, RC 350, RC 300, 2016 ? 2022 model year RX 350, and 2016 ? 2020 model year GS 350 vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FKS engine may exhibit a knocking noise from the vacuum pump at idl…
  • L-SB-0032-23 Rev Oct 2, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2016 ? 2022 model year RX 450h and 2018 ? 2022 model year RX 450hL vehicles may exhibit a squawk/knock noise from the engine compartment when depressing and/or releasing the brake pedal. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this…
  • LSB004323 Aug 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant l…
  • 23LE04- Multiple Mar 2, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DP: Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly are covered by Lexus?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage f…
  • Safety Recall 22 Apr 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
  • L-SB-0004-22 Feb 24, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this servi…
  • Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests i…
  • 20LC02_Dealer Pa Jul 12, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DP: There is a possibility that the front inside door handles may break where the latch release cable is attached if the handle is repeatedly used with high force. If this occurs, the inside door handle can become inoperative.
  • Lexus PRO21-UFRM May 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POL: UPDATES TO THE 2014-2021 LEXUS UNIVERSAL FLAT RATE MANUAL
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.