2017 Lexus RX Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 21%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Lexus RX, 21% of the 47 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“During a routine maintenance at the Lexus dealer where vehicle was purchased, we were told that there was a potential oil leak from ( potentially ) the engine where the block, cylinder head, and timing cover components meet. The quote we got for the repair is $18,781.52 as a good portion of the car needs to be disassembled to access the motor. This issue was only brought up after the warranty expired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11568526, filed 2024-01“3 months before the accident the power steering light came on twice and went off. The day of the accident the brake light came on when I started the car that day. It disappeared when I was put in drive. I was entering onto the highway to merge with the traffic. Another car waiting for the light to turn green so he could enter also. My car didn’t stop because my brakes failed and the collision avoidance system didn’t work either. No sounds nor warnings. I have photos of the message that was displayed on the dashboard. Tried sending photos but it didn’t work.”
NHTSA complaint #11675681, filed 2025-07“The car stalls while I'm driving, and it almost caused a traffic. Accident, I have been trying to contact my local lexus dealer and they keep hanging up the phone when I try to call and make appointments”
NHTSA complaint #11436026, filed 2021-10“My car has an oil leak from the timing chain cover gasket that was discovered by an independent mechanic at 37,465 miles. The dealer confirmed the leak on June 14, 2024 during a recall replacement of the fuel pump. The repair is very expensive and the car is no longer under warranty. This is the second occurrence of this same issue. The first occurred in April 2021 at 24,192 miles and was repaired by the dealer under warranty. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem but there was oil on the ground where I park. The car is available for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11613316, filed 2024-09“I just picked My Car up from Bakersfield Motor Ciry Lexus . My engine was replaced with a engine at this location with 65k . I have now notice my car jerk during acceleration from a stop position or uphill possibly from the transmission . I respectfully requesting a claim be opened on this issue as I didn't have the issue until engine replacement. I am also requesting a courtesy evaluation and stress test on the transmission at my home dealership Newport Beach Lexus. Ever since engine replacement the car has been bucking during acceleration 0 to 45.”
NHTSA complaint #11493983, filed 2022-11Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 4 | 18% |
| 2024 | 8 | 13% |
| 2023 | 11 | 18% |
| 2022 | 3 | 10% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5 | 11% |
| 2019 | 7 | 21% |
| 2018 | 4 | 15% |
| 2017 | 10 | 21% |
| 2016 | 5 | 18% |
| 2015 | 5 | 25% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 3 | 25% |
| 2011 | 10 | 34% |
| 2010 | 21 | 27% |
| 2009 | 9 | 26% |
| 2008 | 15 | 21% |
| 2007 | 8 | 14% |
| 2006 | 8 | 25% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 8% |
| 2001 | 1 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2017 Lexus RX
14 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsLane departure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Lexus RX
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology