2013 Lexus RX350 Problems
Compared with other Lexus RX350 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
35/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Lexus RX350 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.
- 16 of its 59 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Unexpected acceleration or non-responsive brakes at low (9 complaints, median 21,300 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 59filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 45,500miles, 46 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Lexus RX350 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cover a wide spread of systems rather than one dominant failure, and most are reported between roughly 1,500 and 90,000 miles. The largest themes are brake-related events (some described as reduced braking or unexpected acceleration), electrical faults such as door locks and wiring, and body/glass items like the panoramic roof and liftgate. Several brake complaints tie back to a 2014 recall for the brake actuator and warning-light issue, and some owners say the same warning lights returned after that repair.
- Vehicle speed control
Unexpected acceleration or non-responsive brakes at low
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 21,300 mi at 3.2 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2018
Several owners describe the car gaining speed or failing to stop with the brake pedal applied, often in parking lots, driveways or stop-and-go traffic, and in some cases resulting in a collision. A few reports involve cruise control that would not disengage when the brake was tapped. Dealers are described as unable to reproduce the problem or finding no fault, and in one case the floor mat was cited. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 5,000 to 85,000 miles, often at low speed or in parking situations.
What to check: Test the car at low speed in a lot and confirm the brake pedal feels firm and the engine returns to idle; ask if any pedal, throttle or floor-mat-related service has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On the garage driveway, suddenly my car accelerated in the reverse gear and could not be stopped even after pressing the brake. The car completely went out of control in the reverse and crashed into my backyard fence, plowed through it and finally came to a stop after hitting my raised patio!”
NHTSA complaint #10897034, filed 2016-08, 18,000 miles“Vehicle unexpectedly accelerated from a standing stop collided with other vehicles and was declared a total loss. Toyota examined the event data recorder. They said they test drove the vehicle (impossible as it was not able to be driven). They said the floor mat was unsecured (not so I checked it as did the local police). The letter from toyota is a complete whitewash of what happened. I have the results of the event data recorder.”
NHTSA complaint #10809525, filed 2015-12, 30,000 miles - Brakes
Brake warning lights and actuator/ABS faults
- 7 complaints (12%)
- median 21,300 mi at 2.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2018
Owners describe brake warning messages such as "brake failure" or "check brakes" appearing along with ABS, stability control and traction control lights, sometimes with a code stored in the system. A few say the brake pedal felt resistant or made a grinding noise and the car took longer than expected to stop. Complaints note the actuator repair from the earlier recall had been done on the vehicle, and some report the same lights returning afterward; dealers are described as replacing the actuator or applying software updates. Reported from very low mileage up to about 60,000 miles, in normal driving and on snow.
What to check: Ask whether the brake actuator recall (14V054000) was completed and whether the warning lights have come back since; scan for stored ABS codes before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The entire body of the car shook when I stepped on the brake. I have been noticing it before and it was more subtle but this time it was not. I've also noticed that sometimes I was not sure if the brakes would stop the car in time. After that trip I found out about the recall so I brought the vehicle to be serviced and mentioned my experience. They upgraded the software for the safety recall and test drove my vehicle for the complaint and found out a manufacturing issue with the rotor of the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10593613, filed 2014-05, 20,000 miles“Applied brakes to slow vehicle coming to a stop sign, the car would not stop and the brake pedal felt like the traction control engaged, the brake resisted and made a grinding noise, the car finally stopped,there were no light indicators on the dash. I continued for about 1/4 mile with 2 more stop signs with no incident, on the 3rd stop ( at my destination) the car again would not come to a complete stop for about 30 feet, no dash light indicators, the brake resisted again. I have not driven the car since.”
NHTSA complaint #10680894, filed 2015-02, 21,300 miles - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in a collision
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 63,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2019
Owners report frontal airbags that did not deploy in collisions, including impacts at moderate speed and one where the vehicle was totaled. Complaints note no warning light beforehand and that dealers or the manufacturer were not able to inspect the vehicle afterward in some cases. Reported from about 4,000 to 87,000 miles, in various crash conditions including snow.
What to check: Confirm the airbag warning light comes on at start-up and goes out, and have a shop check for stored airbag fault codes and any open airbag-related campaigns.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving in snow storm on side road. Going approx 20 MPH road slight incline and curves to left. Tried to turn left and car continued going straight. Anti lock brakes were pumping car seemed to accelerate car headed to telephone pole and hit very directly. Car was totaled telephone pole cracked in half I was thrown into steering wheel windshield and center console. Airbags never deployed. I broke my ribs and was severly bruised and had painful impact injuries. What did the airbag not deploy?”
NHTSA complaint #11288444, filed 2019-12, 80,000 miles“Vehicicle shot forward gaining speed with brakes fully applied whch did not engage the brake override of acceleration. Ran through the garage door gaining speed then collided with the garage back wall. There was no control of the vehicle. The adjacent kitchen wall collapsed which moved the refrigerator forward trapping our two friends between it and the kitchen cabinets on the parallel wall. The air bags did not deploy even though the black box indicated the car hit the garage wall at about 17 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #11139529, filed 2018-10, 63,000 miles - Electrical system
Door lock actuators not locking or unlocking
Mentioned in 5 of 56 sampled complaints
Owners report doors that will not lock or unlock with the button, remote or keyless entry, forcing manual locking from inside. Several complaints mention multiple doors failing over time and quotes around several hundred dollars per door for actuator replacement. Some say a mechanic described it as a commonly seen repair on this model. Typically reported between about 55,000 and 160,000 miles.
What to check: Cycle every door lock with the remote and the interior button during a test drive and confirm each door locks and unlocks electrically.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased this car new and about 3 years ago the automatic door locks on this vehicle started to fail - first it started with front passenger door and now in addition to front passenger door, the driver door and the rear right door automatic locks to not engage when I try to lock/unlock. …”
NHTSA complaint #11337547, filed 2020-07, 160,000 miles“The door lock accuator on the driver's side is inoperable.I have to manually lock the driver side door then open the passenger door and lean into the car and reach over to unlock the driver side door each time I need to open the door. Cost to repair is $600.00 (parts & labor) I feel this is excessive as the vehicle is only 5 years old and has only 55,500 miles! Parts dealer noted he keeps the part stocked on his shelf as it is frequently requested.”
NHTSA complaint #11121675, filed 2018-08, 55,000 miles - Electrical system
Wiring harness short affecting lights and audio/nav
Mentioned in 4 of 56 sampled complaints
Complaints describe a wire harness fault that took out the navigation, radio and media display, with a fuse blowing repeatedly after a headlamp replacement. A related complaint mentions several control modules failing at once, leaving the car unable to start with the steering locked while parked. Owners report the dealer diagnosed the harness. Reported around 62,000 to 102,000 miles.
What to check: Check that all interior electronics, headlights and the audio/nav unit work, and ask whether any harness or fuse repairs have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2013 Lexus awd rx 350 has a faulty wire harness which has shorted out its GPS navigation system, radio, and media center. I replaced the headlamp on the passengers side and the blast, but the 15 amp fuse continues to blow out. Therefore, the faulty wire harness has caused my headlights, GPS navigation system, and radio to no longer work.”
NHTSA complaint #11328785, filed 2020-06, 62,100 miles“My 2013 Lexus awd rx 350 has a faulty wire harness which has shorted out its GPS navigation system, radio, and media center. I replaced the headlamp on the passengers side and the blast, but the 15 amp fuse continues to blow out. Therefore, the faulty wire harness has caused my headlights, GPS navigation system, and radio to no longer work.”
NHTSA complaint #11328787, filed 2020-06, 62,100 miles
Buying note. Check that the brake actuator recall was completed and that no brake warning lights return, and test the door locks and all electronics during a drive. A pre-purchase scan for stored ABS, airbag and body codes is worthwhile on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 56 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 59 consumer complaints for the 2013 Lexus RX350. 46 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 45,500 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 11 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 309 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Lexus RX350 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 35 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.
- Brakes13 22%
- Electrical system11 19%
- Body and structure10 17%
- Other or unknown9 15%
- Air bags6 10%
- Engine6 10%
- Steering5 8.5%
- Exterior lighting4 6.8%
Also reported: Fuel system (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I had braked to a stop on a city street in bumper-to-bumper traffic that was stopped for a red light. Suddenly and unexpectedly, my car accelerated forward though my foot was still on the brake. It made a noise like the engine was accelerating. My car lurched forward and struck the car in front. As he moved forward, my car again struck it. I had to put my car in parking gear to get it to stop moving. I had my car towed to the Lexus dealer. They checked and said they could find nothing wrong and they couldn't replicate the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819572, filed 2016-01, 20,000 milesElectrical system: “Driving down I-85s in between moreland and grantville, ga my car made a thump sound and then cutoff. I pull the car to the side of the interstate to see why it cut off. I exited the car with my passengers and we noticed smoke from the engine area. The next thing we notice is that the car caught fire and went up in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11120486, filed 2018-08, 103,000 milesBody and structure: “I stopped at a stop sign in a very quiet residential area shortly after lunch time. My car had been in my garage and the stop sign was a block and a half from my house. I turned left onto a street with no traffic and I did not see anyone outside in the neighborhood. Just a few seconds after I turned I was driving about 15 miles an hour when I heard a very loud noise that sounded like a gunshot. My right side view mirror had exploded! The mirror itself had been blown out of the mirror casing and it was dangling by a wire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11103331, filed 2018-06, 1 milesOther or unknown: “My sunroof exploded . Heard the pop while on the freeway with nothing above me or near me. My inside cover was closed but when I got out and shut the door the shattered glass fell on the the cover. I'm 99% sure nothing hit me because there was no one even close. It just popped and shattered. I was on se beltway in pasadena tx between I-45 and the toll booth heading east and there was no traffic . It just didn't make sense. Now I have been hearing from many others that their sun roof broke also. Could it be a defect? I did get it repaired .”
NHTSA complaint #10946277, filed 2017-01, 45,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 46 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 80,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Lexus RX350. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX350 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| RX350 · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: 4 stars overall; 2014: 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 2013 Lexus RX350 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 350 FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| RX 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| RX 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
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
- 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Lexus RX350 2012–2013, Toyota Tacoma 2012–2013, RAV4 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel…
Recall details for the 2013 Lexus RX350 → · 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. 309 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10230353Dec 1, 2022Equipment. TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
- 10230352Dec 1, 2022Equipment. DP: Limited Service Campaign KLG expired December 01, 2022
- 10230351Dec 1, 2022Equipment. TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
- 10230350Dec 1, 2022Equipment. DP: Customer Support Program 19LE05 expired December 1, 2022.
- 10214355Apr 13, 2022Equipment. Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10210374Mar 9, 2022Equipment. TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to…
- 10209023Feb 24, 2022Air bags. TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year 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…
- 10207962Jan 28, 2022Electrical system. TSB: This Service Bulletin includes guidelines meant to help determine whether to repair or replace a wire harness assembly based on damage type. This Service Bulletin should be used in conjunction…
- 10207945Jan 12, 2022Equipment, Tires, Wheels. POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of…
- 10201403Jul 26, 2021Equipment. OBSOLETE NOTICE July 26, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0024-21.
Other model years of the Lexus RX350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 1,356 | 0 | 4 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 7 | 6,975 | 1 | 4–5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 31 | 3,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 23 | 60 · Typical | Falling |
| 2018 | 18 | 12,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | — | Falling |
| 2017 | 46 | 9,200 | 3 | 4–5 | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 58 | 17,866 | 3 | 4 | 23 | 86 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 42 | 24,650 | 1 | 4–5 | 21 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 15 | 5,500 | 0 | 4–5 | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 59 | 45,500 | 1 | 4–5 | 21 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 33 | 26,500 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 30 | 43,500 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 94 | 28,000 | 1 | — | 21 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 97 | 54,744 | 0 | — | 20 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 126 | 69,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 42 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 167 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Lexus RX350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lexus RX350?
Complaints on this model year cover a wide spread of systems rather than one dominant failure, and most are reported between roughly 1,500 and 90,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Unexpected acceleration or non-responsive brakes at low; Brake warning lights and actuator/ABS faults; Airbags not deploying in a collision.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Lexus RX350 have?
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2013 Lexus RX350 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Lexus RX350 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 13 complaints (22% of the total), followed by electrical system with 11.
Has the 2013 Lexus RX350 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 2013 Lexus RX350 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Lexus RX350 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 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 2013 Lexus RX350 get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Lexus RX350 (RX 350, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Lexus RX350 reported?
Among the 46 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 45,500 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 80,000 miles; 52% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.