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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2010 Lexus RX Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
4%of 77 total for the year
Median mileage
77,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Lexus RX, 4% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The rx450h is downright dangerous. The 4 wheel drive does not switch on demand as the advertising says. I live in snowy massachusetts and do not need permanent 4 wheel drive, but it is essential when the roads are full of snow or ice. I was puzzled at first that the 4 wheel drive only actuated under 25 MPH. I tested it on sharp corners in the snow: the back slid out; and on faster, gradual corners: the car side slipped. Never did the 4 wheel drive switch on and correct the slide. I looked in the manual for the method to manually activate 4 wheel drive but couldn't find it. I contacted Lexus. …”

NHTSA complaint #10311506, filed 2010-02, 5,000 miles

“Roaring noise appeared in 2020 upon acceleration of the vehicle from the rear differential that became louder overtime which would not be mentioned in the multiple inspection reports even when pointed to the service representatives ;instead one of them verbally demanded $750 for the diagnostics and $5000 for the repairs! …”

NHTSA complaint #11396141, filed 2021-02, 150,000 miles

“The hybrid transmission failed at 146k and the light went on. When we took it to the dealership, they said that there was metal bits. The owner of the vehicle when into the dealership asking the dealership to set tire pressures and inspect floor mats for proper installation, they performed an inspection and inflated the tires. The owner went in and stated that the check hybrid system warning light is on. Oil pump range/performance. NOTE: no road test performed. Possible additional work needed. Transmission oil pump inoperable due to metal in fluid shorting the pump. …”

NHTSA complaint #11422337, filed 2021-06

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026217%
202514%
202458%
20231321%
2022414%
202012%
201926%
201712%
2016414%
2015315%
201418%
201315%
201218%
201113%
201034%
200913%
200857%
200735%
200626%
2005311%
2004513%
2002542%
20011474%
20002586%
19992983%

Other parts of the 2010 Lexus RX

Engine
21 complaints
Brakes
18 complaints
Other or unknown
11 complaints
Vehicle speed control
10 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Electrical system
6 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2010 Lexus RX

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology