2018 Lexus RX Problems
Compared with other Lexus RX years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Lexus RX year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- None of its 26 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported part: Brakes (6 complaints).
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
- 26filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,548miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl · hybrid AWD · 31 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Lexus RX (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2018 Lexus RX. The part named most often is brakes, with 6 complaints (23% of the total), followed by other or unknown (6) and engine (4). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,548 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 27 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Compared with the other 11 Lexus RX model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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.
- Brakes6 23%
- Other or unknown6 23%
- Engine4 15%
- Electrical system3 12%
- Fuel system3 12%
- Body and structure3 12%
- Vehicle speed control2 7.7%
- Air bags1 3.9%
Also reported: Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11618706, filed 2024-10Other or unknown: “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, filed 2024-01Engine: “This car just send me a warning light last night about the all wheel drive system and issues about the engine, I was in the dealer this morning and I tell them the problem with the car but they was charging me for everything and left the lexus repair shop I work in my car and this not supposed to be happen I care of my car really good but now I hace to stop working because all this issues with the car. Now the car just stop working and I'm stock in middle of the city without another way to work and I don't have money for nothing. Please help me!”
NHTSA complaint #11494750, filed 2022-11Electrical system: “Car displaying parking brake malfunction and and cruise control malfunction intermittent when using the parking break, seem that TSB (T-SB-0168-19) was open for Camay from 2018 to 2020 exhibiting the same issue but not for this car. This a safety concern since parking brake becomes disable, this issue resets after restarting the car again.”
NHTSA complaint #11466703, filed 2022-05Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 27,000 and 47,518 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Lexus RX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 450h AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 31 | 28 | 30 | $2,750 |
| RX 450h L AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 29 | 28 | 29 | $2,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 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. 27 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11027560Dec 15, 2025Body and structure. 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…
- 11020656Jun 13, 2025Electrical system. 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…
- 11016775Feb 7, 2025Body and structure. 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…
- 11015489Feb 7, 2025Body and structure. 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…
- 11007456Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. 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…
- 11006162Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. 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…
- 11005121Jun 21, 2024Body and structure. 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…
- 11005063Jun 21, 2024Body and structure. 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…
- 11003650Apr 19, 2024Body and structure. 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…
- 11003648Apr 19, 2024Body and structure. 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…
Other model years of the Lexus RX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 1,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 25 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 22 | 112 | 4 | 4–5 | 25 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 60 | 3,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 62 | 8,250 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 29 | 31,600 | 0 | 4 | 30 | 68 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 58,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 47 | 31,500 | 1 | 4–5 | 30 | 87 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 34 | 17,500 | 1 | — | 30 | 79 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 26 | 42,548 | 0 | — | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 47 | 32,730 | 0 | — | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 28 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 20 | 45,000 | 0 | — | 29 | — | Rising |
| 2014 | 12 | 92,545 | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 19 | 105,606 | 0 | — | 29 | — | Rising |
| 2012 | 12 | 143,682 | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 29 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 29 | 1 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 77 | 25,000 | 0 | — | — | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 34 | 73,500 | 0 | — | — | 19 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 70 | 114,183 | 0 | — | 25 | 15 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 58 | 93,426 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 32 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 27 | 80,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 40 | 66,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 12 | 101,930 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 19 | 95,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2000 | 29 | 90,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 35 | 107,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Lexus RX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2018 Lexus RX as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Lexus RX is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 6 complaints (23% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 6.
Has the 2018 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.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Lexus RX get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Lexus RX (RX 450h AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl · hybrid) at 30 mpg combined, 31 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Lexus RX reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,548 miles and the middle half falls between 27,000 and 47,518 miles; 100% 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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.