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Lexus RXModel year report

2010 Lexus RX Problems

Compared with other Lexus RX years

More complaints than typical for this model

96/100 2.9× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2008, 2009, 2011

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
77filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
25,000miles, 45 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Lexus RX (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year report two very different sets of problems. In the first few thousand miles, complaints describe braking, accelerator and stability issues on the hybrid version, often on snow, ice or bumpy roads, with dealers telling owners nothing was found. At higher mileage, the most common report is a rubber oil cooler line that fails and releases the engine oil, along with steering column noise and, on higher-mileage cars, hybrid system and fuel pump faults.

  1. Brakes

    Brake and accelerator response on slick or bumpy roads

    • 21 complaints (27%)
    • median 4,367 mi at 1.1 yrs old (15 state mileage)
    • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2023

    Complaints on the hybrid version describe the car surging or continuing to move when the brake pedal is pressed, and brakes that seem to release or fail to engage over bumps or on snow and ice, in some cases with loss of steering. Owners also report unexpected acceleration in parking lots and at low speed. Several say the dealer could not reproduce the problem or told them nothing was wrong, and a few describe ABS warning lights and lock-up in wet conditions with an expensive actuator repair estimate. Mostly reported under about 15,000 miles, frequently in snow, ice or on rough pavement; ABS actuator complaints appear at higher mileage.

    What to check: On a test drive, try light braking over a rough patch and on a wet surface, and ask for the service history of the brake actuator and ABS system. Have any ABS or brake warning light checked before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Lexus hybrid SUV 2010 rx450h. Car was in snow setting and when I tried to brake on a light snow surface, there was no response from the brakes and I also was unable to steer. I continued forward until I reached clear pavement and was then able to brake. This happened 3 times today under the same conditions. Luckily no cars were coming or I would have been hit broadside on a busy street.”

    NHTSA complaint #10307676, filed 2010-02, 13,999 miles

    “I was driving my new Lexus 450h (2,000 miles) in a fresh light snow (1.5 to 2 inches) in incline village nv at 25 miles per hour on a slight decline when I depressed the brake pedal to slow down for a curve a few hundred feet away. It locked the wheels immediately and as a result I had no steering control. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10367888, filed 2010-11, 2,000 miles
  2. Engine

    Engine oil cooler line leaks or bursts

    • 20 complaints (26%)
    • median 115,000 mi at 10.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2019–2026

    Owners describe a sudden loss of oil while driving, often announced by a low oil pressure message, a check engine light, smoke or the smell of burning oil, with oil spread over the underbody and rear of the vehicle. Several complaints say a shop found the oil cooler line or its rubber section split or fractured, and that the replacement part is metal. Some owners report the line was covered by an extended warranty program that had already expired, or that no notice of it ever reached them. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 175,000 miles on both the hybrid and the gasoline version.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the oil cooler line has been replaced and with which part, and look for oil residue around the front of the engine and under the vehicle. Check the oil level and look for a fresh stain where the car is parked.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My oil cooler line busted and did not know till I got home thank god the engine did not seize. Come to find out the line is made of rubber and not metal. I understand Lexus is aware but they are not calling for a recall. I th8nk they should pay for work performed”

    NHTSA complaint #11415595, filed 2021-05, 115,000 miles

    “Major oil leaking from a faulty engine oil cooler line while car is moving or turned on. Oil is all over entire undercarriage, back bumper, back windshield & wiper and inside of tires. Garage floor and driveway have oil splattered everywhere. The whole back of car is cover in oil. After researching, I found this is a known issue for Lexus RX 350/450h models between 2009-2011. No oil or engine warning light came on. Even after the faulty part is repaired, my concern then becomes potential engine failure from lack of oil.”

    NHTSA complaint #11330770, filed 2020-06, 128,000 miles
  3. Steering

    Steering column rattle or clunk

    • 8 complaints (10%)
    • median 9,499 mi at 0.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2010–2026

    Owners describe knocking, rattling or clunking from the steering when turning at low speed or driving over uneven, gravelly or patched roads, sometimes with vibration felt through the wheel. Some say the car feels unstable and that the dealer quoted a steering column or shaft replacement with a substantial labor bill; one complaint mentions a bulletin that has since expired. A few complaints also describe steering that becomes stiff or heavy. Reported from low mileage up to roughly 150,000 miles, mostly on rough or uneven road surfaces.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Turn the wheel while parked and drive slowly over a rough surface to listen for knocking, and ask whether the steering column or intermediate shaft has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We bought a Lexus 450h 3 month ago. On last saturday, when the car hit curb at starting speed, the steer wheel turns 90 degree. The left front tire has only very small impact, some dust mark can be easily wiped off. The car is still drivable, but we are afraid that this car may loss control very easily, especially when it is off road on bumpy road. Dealer is still talking with the factory to check whether the factory warranty will cover the damage.”

    NHTSA complaint #10357966, filed 2010-09, 5,000 miles

    “The Power steering had started to feel hard and squeaking some time ago. I was driving day before yesterday and I noticed a few times that the steering was very difficult to turn which could have been dangerous. While doing some research I found that this has happened to some RX models. I went to the dealer and they told me that there is no recall for this issue and any fix would be out of pocket.”

    NHTSA complaint #11459357, filed 2022-04
  4. Fuel system

    Hybrid system warning and loss of power

    • 8 complaints (10%)
    • median 140,000 mi at 11.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2010–2021

    Owners of the hybrid report the check hybrid system message appearing while driving, followed by loss of acceleration and, in some cases, the car shutting down and needing a tow, sometimes with the all-wheel-drive and check engine lights on. Complaints mention a transmission oil pump fault with metal debris found, and a fuel pump that failed internally, sending particles through the fuel system and fouling plugs and injectors. Reported from about 18,000 miles up to around 170,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the hybrid battery cooling fan and filter have been cleaned, and have a pre-purchase scan done for stored hybrid and transmission codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My rx450h ' check hybrid system' light came on while driving 70 MPH on i95. Once the light came on I no longer was able to give my car any gas or accelerate and slowly my car started decreasing it's speed. Attempting to pull over to the side of the highway all my lights on my dash board came on and the car shut down. After turning off my car and letting it sit for a few minutes I was able to turn the car on and drive to the next exit. After having my car towed to a mechanic I was told they were unable to find anything wrong with the car. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11386308, filed 2021-01, 170,000 miles

    “Noticed a check engine light and slip indicator on - next day my car lost complete power in the middle of a city road ' vehicle was traveling about 15-20 MPH. When attempting to restart it would roughly engage then shut down again. Contacted a certified local Lexus mechanic had the car towed to his shop. After assessment he determined the vehicle's fuel pump disintegrated internally. When they checked fuel pressure at the rail there were particles in the fuel ' upon further inspection the sparks plug were fouled and fuel injectors clogged. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11365660, filed 2020-10, 140,000 miles

Buying note. Because the braking and accelerator complaints cluster at very low mileage while the oil line and steering reports come later, a service history and a careful test drive on rough and wet surfaces are worth more here than mileage alone. On the hybrid, confirm the oil cooler line, brake actuator and hybrid cooling service records before purchase.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2010 Lexus RX. 45 of the complaints include a mileage, and 53% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 25,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 77 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 11 Lexus RX model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 96 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (3), Transmission and drivetrain (3), Air bags (2), Forward collision avoidance (2), Seats (2), Tires (2), Lane departure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “The vvt-I oil line on my Lexus rx350 burst while driving on a highway. It was a very large leak which covered the ground, engine, and undercarriage. The low engine oil message and engine oil pressure warnings came on when it happened. Complete loss of oil and no visible oil on the dip stick. After looking online and talking with the mechanic this is a known defect with the part though I don't see any recall for it.”

NHTSA complaint #11240877, filed 2019-07, 91,000 miles

Brakes: “When I was on reverse gear in my Lexus trying to get out of the parking spot, there was sudden unintended acceleration crashing my Lexus into a parked vehicle. I tried to hit the brakes which did not work and the vehicle did not stop. There was extensive damage to the parked car.”

NHTSA complaint #10763110, filed 2015-09, 85,000 miles

Other or unknown: “While driving on a freeway offramp alone about 10 pm monday august 31 our sunroof suddenly exploded outward. There was a boom in the car, that seemed like a tension release in the front left (driver side) of the vehicle. We did not immediately know what happened but when we stopped at home realized the sunroof had broken outward, glass spilled down into the vehicle when I opened the sunroof cover.”

NHTSA complaint #11352942, filed 2020-09, 105,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: “As I was pulling in a business center to park, I step on the brake but the car would not stop. The accelerator continues and caused my car to run into a power box at a business. This caused the business to have a power outage for the entire day. The weather was clear. It was 11:30am. There was no car around the parking lot many spaces were emptied. Im very fortunate that the car ran into the power box otherwise the car would have driven itself into the street! I'm a great driver for more than 20+ years and no tickets or accidents. …”

NHTSA complaint #11245625, filed 2019-08, 1 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

53% of the 45 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,300 and 127,000 miles.

38%0–109%10–257%25–504%50–757%75–10020%100–15016%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (45 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 25,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’0912’11’14’18’20’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Recalls and investigations

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Lexus RX in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 77 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 77 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lexus RX

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026121,00034–525—Too new
20252211244–525—Too new
2024603,00044–525Too new to compareToo new
2023628,2503536100 · MoreToo new
20222931,600043068 · MoreRising
20217058,000143086 · MoreRising
20204731,50014–53087 · MoreRising
20193417,5001—3079 · MoreRising
20182642,5480—300 · FewerRising
20174732,7300—300 · FewerRising
20162867,5000—300 · FewerRising
20152045,0000—29—Rising
20141292,5450—29—Not enough data
201319105,6060—29—Rising
201212143,6820—29—Not enough data
201129125,0000—291 · FewerFalling
20107725,0000——96 · MoreFalling
20093473,5000——19 · FewerFalling
200870114,1830—2515 · FewerFalling
20075893,4260—26Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200632130,0001—27Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20052780,0001——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20044066,0001——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200212101,9300———Not enough data
20011995,0000———Rising
20002990,0000——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199935107,0000——Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Lexus RX model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Lexus RX?

Owners of this model year report two very different sets of problems. The issues reported most often: Brake and accelerator response on slick or bumpy roads; Engine oil cooler line leaks or bursts; Steering column rattle or clunk.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Lexus RX have?

NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2010 Lexus RX as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Lexus RX is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 21 complaints (27% of the total), followed by brakes with 18.

Has the 2010 Lexus RX been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Lexus RX reported?

Among the 45 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 25,000 miles and the middle half falls between 2,300 and 127,000 miles; 53% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.