2016 Lexus RX350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 12%of 58 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,450miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Lexus RX350, 12% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,450 miles. 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.
“When I try to accelerate from a stop, a loud groan can be heard from somewhere in the powertrain. There is also a vibration which appears to be coming from the transmission area of the vehicle. In addition, when travelling at highways speeds, during the acceleration process, a delay occurs from the time I step on the gas peddle until the vehicle accelerates. The hesitation is approximately 1-2 seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #10967087, filed 2017-03, 4,000 miles“The transmission has three settings. In any of them, start up often results in erratic shifting, rough acceleration and sometimes abrupt lurching forward. This has resulted in alarming shifting and acceleration. The shifting from one gear to the nexr is not smooth nor contributes to safe start-up in my opinion - and I am over 80 and have driven many cars and trucks - worst shifting in my experience and is dangerous. Dealer says is normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11096764, filed 2018-05, 20 miles“Auto bright head light system deactivates/reactivates indiscriminately, most frequently a few minutes after departing in the morning (still dark). Lack of proper bright light control while driving at night greatly reduces visibility making this a safety issue. I have provided video evidence to Lexus dealer demonstrating the problem who consulted with corporate Lexus; Lexus claims that they found my vehicle to be within Lexus specifications and has refused to further investigate nor repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11325590, filed 2020-05, 50,000 miles“I was at a stop light the car all of a sudden would no longer accelerate yet the car was in drive. I took it to the dealership and they can not replicate and so I am still driving the vehicle. Hoping it will not happen while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10929600, filed 2016-12, 24,000 miles“This car experienced an unintended acceleration at the top of my driveway while being put into park. The car took off and hit the center posts of the two car garage and only stopped because it was caught on the supports in the foundation. We had experienced this sudden unintended acceleration several times during the first year we own the car when we were getting onto the highway. We did report it when we brought the car in for a service, they were aware of the complaint but at that time there was no remedy for the computer slash transmission issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11114970, filed 2018-07, 14,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10217794Jul 15, 2022TT: Some 2019-2022 model year RX350/L AWD equipped vehicles may have had the LX 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil used during assembly. ?The difference between the LT and LX type gear oil is…
- 10201303Jul 26, 2021TT: Some 2019-2022 model year RX350/L AWD equipped vehicles may have had the LX 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil used during assembly. ?The difference between the LT and LX type gear oil is…
- 10201353Jul 6, 2021TT: Some 2015-2021 model year vehicles equipped with Dynamic Torque Control AWD system may experience a ?Noise? or ?Abnormal Operation? condition from the rear differential front…
- 10179697Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10166041Sep 26, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE September 26, 2019 Rev1: ? The Warranty Information, Parts Information, and Calibration Information sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions…
- 10131726Jan 22, 2018TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. * Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 13% |
| 2018 | 4 | 22% |
| 2017 | 6 | 13% |
| 2016 | 7 | 12% |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% |
| 2014 | 3 | 20% |
| 2013 | 4 | 7% |
| 2012 | 4 | 12% |
| 2011 | 6 | 20% |
| 2010 | 7 | 7% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 7 | 6% |
| 2007 | 9 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2016 Lexus RX350
19 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Lexus RX350
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology