2021 Lexus RX Problems
Compared with other Lexus RX years
More complaints than typical for this model
86/100 2.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.3× 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.
- 9 of its 70 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: Passenger airbag sensor recall with no parts available (42 complaints, median 76,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018
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
- 70filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 4 / 5stars overall, 7 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl · hybrid AWD · 31 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Lexus RX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Most complaints on this model year concern the front passenger occupant classification sensor recall: owners describe waiting many months or over a year for a remedy while dealers say parts are unavailable. A smaller share of complaints describe water leaks into the cabin, seat belt restraint concerns in crashes, and scattered electrical or brake items. Mileage is rarely stated in these complaints, so the reports read more as a recall-availability and water-intrusion story than a wear-and-tear one.
- Air bags
Passenger airbag sensor recall with no parts available
- 42 complaints (60%)
- median 76,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2024–2025
Owners describe receiving notice of NHTSA campaign 23V865000 for the front passenger occupant classification sensor and then being unable to get the repair done. Dealers reportedly told them parts were not yet available, sometimes giving timelines months out, and some owners report being turned away after multiple dealer visits. A few say the airbag warning light comes on when a bag is placed on the passenger seat, and some worry the passenger airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash. Complaints span roughly a year and a half after the December 2023 notice, with no clear mileage pattern in the sample.
What to check: Check the VIN against campaign 23V865000 and ask the dealer whether the occupant classification sensor repair has been completed or when parts are expected. Confirm the passenger airbag warning light behaves normally with an adult in the seat.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“An important Safety recall was issued on December 20th 2023 dealing with OCS sensors in the front passenger seat. This was 11 months ago. We are taking a cross country trip with my family and am concerned that this problem has yet to be addressed. Again the recall notice was issued on December 20th 2023.your website said to contact you if the manufacturer has not acted on this recall as of yet. Please advise”
NHTSA complaint #11624454, filed 2024-11“When can I expect to get my recalled Lexus fixed,? All i can find is that they have no remedy, so the dealer cant replace the faulty occupant air bag sensor, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 23V865000 Report Date: DEC 19, 2023 Vehicles Affected: 999901”
NHTSA complaint #11702885, filed 2025-12 - Seat belts
Seat belts not restraining occupants in crashes
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Several owners describe seat belts that did not hold occupants during collisions, including front belts that failed to lock in a frontal impact and a rear belt that reportedly left a child unrestrained in a booster seat. Another owner reports a rear belt tangling around a child. These are described as crash or post-crash observations, not warnings beforehand. Reported across various mileages, generally after a collision rather than at a predictable age.
What to check: Pull each belt out fully and check that it retracts smoothly and locks when tugged sharply, including the rear center and outboard belts, and look for fraying or twists in the webbing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was involved in a single car accident in which the vehicle went off of the road hit an embankment and the vehicle bounced. The front drivers side hip and shoulder seat belt did not engage, and sustained a compression fracture to the vertebrae. The passenger front seat belt at the hip did engage with the sudden stop but the shoulder harness did not engage. …”
NHTSA complaint #11478762, filed 2022-08“Motor Vehicle accident with damage to vehicle front end and drivers side quarter panel. Vehicle was not drivable and required towing service at the scene. Front seat belts of the vehicle failed to engage resulting in the driver being bounced up in the seat and then down resulting in a serious compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine. An inspection was completed of the vehicle by a third party and reported to the Toyota Claims department on August 19, 2022. …”
NHTSA complaint #11487212, filed 2022-09
Buying note. Ask for the recall status of 23V865000 before buying, since many owners report waiting a long time for the sensor remedy, and check carpets and seat belts carefully. Otherwise the sampled complaints are spread across a few unrelated areas rather than one recurring mechanical fault.
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 70 consumer complaints for the 2021 Lexus RX. 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 58,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 44 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 86 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.
- Air bags47 67%
- Other or unknown7 10%
- Brakes4 5.7%
- Electrical system4 5.7%
- Seat belts4 5.7%
- Body and structure4 5.7%
- Engine2 2.9%
- Tires2 2.9%
Also reported: Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “1.) My SUV locked up when I swerved to avoid hitting a car in front of me. 2.) My vehicle wouldn't stop and I had no control over it as it threw me around the highway. The only reason it stop was when it collided with another vehicle. 3.) It is sitting at the collision center right now waiting to be worked on. 4.) The insurance adjuster. 5.) The message that came on was brake.”
NHTSA complaint #11523165, filed 2023-05Other or unknown: “while driving on the interstate the moon roof exploded into little glass fragments. It sound like a bomb going off. if the slider would have been open, it would have been critical for anyone sitting in the back seat There was no other cars around me or in front of me. it was day light and nothing hit the car”
NHTSA complaint #11449642, filed 2022-01Brakes: “I was at the gas station, in line waiting for one of the three gas pumps to be available. I put my car in reverse to back up and pull around another car in order to go to the open pump in front. When my car was in reverse motion, I stepped on the brake pedal, but the car did not stop. I stepped on the brake pedal numerous times, but the brake did not function. My car backed into the front of the car in line behind me damaging both vehicles. The automatic emergency braking system did not activate, and there was no rear collision warning sound or message. …”
NHTSA complaint #11684842, filed 2025-09Electrical system: “Multiple Models and Model Years Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy NHTSA SENSORS not working. The campaign number is 23V865 : OCS Sensors May Short Circuit An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Components AIR BAGS The official recall release date was December 20, 2023.”
NHTSA complaint #11585425, filed 2024-04Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,000 and 76,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Lexus RX. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350L · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.7% risk |
| RX 350L · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.7% risk |
| RX 350L · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.7% risk |
| RX 350L · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.2% risk |
| RX 450H · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| RX 450HL · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.7% risk |
| RX 450HL · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: 4–5 stars overall; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 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
- 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Lexus RX 2020–2021, Toyota Camry 2020–2022, Lexus ES Hybrid 2020–2022 +11 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry…
Recall details for the 2021 Lexus RX → · Check a 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. 44 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029870Feb 2, 2026Electrical system. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 2, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0004-26.
- 11028717Jan 23, 2026Electrical system. Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system…
- 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…
- 11027558Dec 5, 2025Body and structure. 23LD01 Expired on November 30, 2025 TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 23LD01 TOW CONVERTER NOT INSTALLED CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR RX350
- 11027557Dec 5, 2025Body and structure. 23LD01 Expired on November 30, 2025 The involved RX350 vehicles equipped with the Tow Prep Package did not have the Tow Converter installed.
- 11027556Dec 5, 2025Body and structure. 23LD01 Expired on November 30, 2025 The involved RX350 vehicles equipped with the Tow Prep Package did not have the Tow Converter installed.
- 11024092Sep 23, 2025Other or unknown. Safety recall and service campaign renotification owner renotification 25r001
- 11022963Aug 19, 2025Electrical system. Some customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own. These resources, in conjunction with the Repair Manual, are for…
- 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…
- 11019329Apr 2, 2025Electrical system. To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the…
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
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus RX?
Most complaints on this model year concern the front passenger occupant classification sensor recall: owners describe waiting many months or over a year for a remedy while dealers say parts are unavailable. The issues reported most often: Passenger airbag sensor recall with no parts available; Seat belts not restraining occupants in crashes.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA recorded 70 consumer complaints for the 2021 Lexus RX as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Lexus RX is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 47 complaints (67% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 7.
Has the 2021 Lexus RX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Lexus RX do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Lexus RX 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 7 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus RX get?
The EPA rates the 2021 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 2021 Lexus RX reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 58,000 miles and the middle half falls between 24,000 and 76,000 miles; 33% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.