2010 Lexus RX Engine Problems

I was looking at common problems associated with the make and model of my car. I came across an issue that could possibly cause engine failure. I am unsure if any one has reported it yet. here are the details - Problem overview An VVT-i oil line on the Lexus RX350 is known to burst. This is a very large leak which covers the ground, engine, and undercarriage. If the oil line ruptures while driving, the low engine oil message and engine oil pressure warnings will illuminate. Continued use after these warnings will result in complete engine failure due to oil starvation. The line is known to be defective, and a revised part has been issued by Toyota, however, this revised part is known for the same issue. To repair the issue, the line must be replaced, and the engine bay and undercarriage must be cleaned thoroughly. The problem has occured generally around 120k miles. Here is the link to the website that has collected information from 116 users. Requesting you to please check if this a problem that needs a recall? [XXX] ely report it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11734624

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Pot affects 2007-2011 RX350/450= 459,285 units. 1. On Friday, [XXX], the oil cooler pipe burst on our 2010 RX350. 2. All six quarts of engine oil were lost in approximately 700 feet while traveling at 70–75 mph on the highway. 3. Massive amounts of smoke poured from the front of the vehicle & through the air vents, causing my wife & daughter to fear for their safety due to risk of a fire & smoke inhalation. 4. No warning lights appeared on the dash, meaning the vehicle could easily have been driven to engine failure had there been no smoke. 5. 2 Colorado Department of Transportation vehicles & a State Trooper stopped to be sure they were ok & monitor the risk of a fire.  8. Towed & Lexus dealership confirmed seen many 3rd gen RXs with this same issue, some with seized engines because no dash warnings were triggered.   9. Lexus updated part from RUBBER to STEE, acknowledging design flaw.   Major Safety Concerns This failure represents a serious safety risk that could have resulted in fire, injury, death, or catastrophic engine/property damage. - Oil spray on hot engine components like the headers & exhaust pipes (700-1100F) poses a legitimate fire hazard considering oil flashpoint (400-700F). - Oil sprayed onto the brakes increased the risk of loss of braking & traction control in sudden/emergency maneuvers. - Engine seizing/stop due to loss of oil could result in an accident if the vehicle stops suddenly on the highway when it seizes, loses control, or the electric steering, braking &/or other safety systems fail. - If this had occurred on a mountain descent from the Rockies into Denver or any other long descent, a fire caused by oil spraying on 700-800F brake rotors or loss of control could have occurred. - Entire underside of the vehicle is coated in oil, contaminating the rear brakes, potentially damaging wiring, solenoids, & other safety-critical components, as well as representing an additional fire risk due to oil on the exhaust pipe.   INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID

11699862

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

The the VVI oil line failed in April of 2024. Contacted Lexus corporate via phone and problem was never resolved. Fast forward to November 2024 and after paying to have VVI oil line replaced the motor failed on the highway. Mechanic said complete engine failure. THIS CAR WAS A CERTIFIED USED LEXUS AND THEY FAILED TO REPLACE THE VVI DURING THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS! Prior to buying this used car from an individual I called Hendricks Lexus 6935 W Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66203 and spoke to service advisor Willie who said if you have any problems with that vehicle bring it in and Lexus IS making good on the hybrid vehicles. After purchase I went to Hendricks 9300 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153 multiple times for parts and service history. I spoke to parts manager, service manager and several others and NOT ONE PERSON INFORMED ME OF THE PROBLEM AND IMMEDIATE NEED FOR CONCERN! HOW DID THIS CAR GET CERTIFIED PRIOR TO THE PREVIOS OWNER BUYING THE VEHICLE “CERTIFIED”? I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT HAD BEEN COMPLETELY CERTIFIED AND GIVEN THE 6 year additional warranty to the owner I purchased it from, although they were still considerably below the miles guaranteed with the certification. How did Lexus allow this vehicle to pass the certification without replacing a $100 part that could result in catastrophic failure. THIS CAR WAS SOLD AT A PREMIUM BECAUSE OF THE CERTIFICATION, YET A PART THAT HAD BEEN RECONFIGURED AND IDENTIFIED AS CONTRIBUTING TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AS EARLY AS 2012 WAS LEFT ON THE VEHICLE!

NHTSA ID

11635410

Incident

Nov 16, 2024

The transmission to oil cooler hose erupted!! Oil was sprayed everywhere along highways. Destroying environment This is an environmental safety issue. As well as a vehicle killer. It is a well documented problem with Toyota and lexus vehicles. Just Google it. Many have been recalled. This is a serious design flaw. The government needs to address this. Every mechanic is stunned at how ridiculous it was to use rubber instead of metal. Toyota/ Lexus needs to recall all vehicles snd repair this. And reimburse those who already fixed them or lost their vehicles. One mechanic said this could result in vehicle fires I realize my vehicle is old. But this is an ongoing issue with multiple years involved. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11573290

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

There is a known issue in the form of a Warranty Policy Bulletin and I believe a recall in Canada for a faulty engine oil cooler line that was made of rubber and fails under heat (now replaced by metal lines). This happened to my daughter after a hot day and she pulled away from the driveway the next day. Almost all of the oil leaked out and we stopped the car and had it towed to a Lexus dealership. When it was inspected, it was confirmed this was the issue, and there was a noise in the engine. I have a concern that further engine problems may have resulted in a loose bearing needing compete replacement. This has yet to be confirmed, but seems consistent with the many discussion boards that mention this exact issue.

NHTSA ID

11545678

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

My AWD check system keeps going on and off every few days. I took it to Mavis who gave me codes and stated that there is a TSB found to the issues my vehicle read. I took it to lexus of Brooklyn who basically disregard the recommendations just so I javelin to pay them again to diagnosis whay was already diagnosed.

NHTSA ID

11463077

Incident

May 2, 2022

We were 2 hours into a 9 hour drive when I noticed smoke in the rear view mirror. I continued to drive as I thought it may have been coming from another vehicle. I drove to the nearest gas station (about 3 mi) and pulled in. Upon exiting the vehicle, we found the back window and the entire back of the SUV covered in oil. There were no warning lights and no engine noises. We checked the oil and it was so low that it did not register on the dip stick. We added 2 quarts of oil which then registered on the tip of the dip stick. We then added another quart of oil and drove to a nearby service station (1/2 mi). The mechanic could not diagnose the problem since he couldn't put it on his lift (it was occupied by another vehicle). He contacted two other service stations in the area and found one less than a mile away that had a lift open. We added 2 more quarts of oil and drove to the next service station. The mechanic put the vehicle on the lift and quickly found the problem - a pin hole in the oil line. He was able to find a replacement part (not the original part as it had been discontinued) and get us up and running the same day. We were very fortunate that I noticed the smoke - if I had not noticed it and continued to drive (we were 10 minutes from driving over a bridge tunnel) it could have been catastrophic. We finished the 7 additional hours of driving that day and after being gone for a week, have now returned home (another 9 hours). The mechanic told me the part had been recalled, but when I searched this sight, I found lots of similar reports - but no recall. Coincidentally, I had had the oil changed 4 days before beginning this trip. It is surprising that there are so many reports of this incident, but no recall by Lexus.

NHTSA ID

11433261

Incident

Sep 8, 2021

Driving along normally, started seeing a flashing "low oil pressure warning". Within seconds, engine started revving uncontrollably and would not make power. Was able to coast into a parking lot. On dipstick inspection, engine had lost ALL engine oil and entire car was covered in oil. Suspect that oil spilled out at some point on the road- danger to other cars. Vehicle was towed to local dealer, diagnosed as a blown oil cooler pipe, causes all engine oil to spray out in seconds. This is a known problem, addressed in Lexus Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0154-11 and a recalled part in Canada, but not in the US. Factory part is a rubber oil line that deteriorates and bursts, Lexus has an upgraded medal line available. Service invoice can be updated once service completed if needed.

NHTSA ID

11429581

Incident

Aug 17, 2021

the rubber oil cooler hose busted/exploded on 6/03/2021 on the way home from vacation 2 hours away from home late at night with my 2 children. there were no warning lights etc. all of a sudden it started making this horrible sound, i stopped on side of rode to everything covered in oil. had to get the vehicle towed to home. the engine and all under hood was covered in oil. i see tons and tons of complaints on this issue but no recalls. i would think this is very dangerous. shouldn’t this be replaced for free and /or reimbursement. spoke with ballet lexus roswell. they were familiar with this problem but no reimbursement offered therefore vehicle is still sitting in garage undeliverable.

NHTSA ID

11425831

Incident

Jun 3, 2021

Oil cooler line, rubber elbow potential failure. No notice letter from Lexus received warning of their TSB: POL.14.02 (NHTSA#: 10056509). Voluntary extended warranty coverage is expired now and no support from Lexus offered. Rubber elbow cannot be simply replaced as the newly desigend replacement is a metal elbow. Entire assembly must be replaced. Extremely expensive. Unacceptable for a flaw to endanger the engine, and possibly to cause a fire with oil spray onto a hot engine/exhaust.

NHTSA ID

11422984

Incident

Jun 30, 2021

Oil cooler high pressure line, rubber elbow, pin hole oil leak/spray. TSB: POL.14.02 (NHTSA: 10056509). Leaked oil out with check engine light/low oil pressure warning just as I arrived home. Line of oil in driveway. Diagnosed leak from this rubber elbow. One quart of oil left in oil pan. After review of NHTSA website (and many, many Google hits) found this to be a well known problen by Lexus. No recall ever issued. I never received written notice from Lexus, and dealership that vehicle has been to many times never mentioned anything. Lexus denies any extended warranty at this time. Absolutely unacceptable.

NHTSA ID

11422980

Incident

Jun 28, 2021

Mileage

170,000 mi

MY OIL COOLER LINE BUSTED AND DID NOT KNOW TILL I GOT HOME THANK GOD THE ENGINE DID NOT SEIZE. COME TO FIND OUT THE LINE IS MADE OF RUBBER AND NOT METAL. I UNDERSTAND LEXUS IS AWARE BUT THEY ARE NOT CALLING FOR A RECALL. I TH8NK THEY SHOULD PAY FOR WORK PERFORMED

NHTSA ID

11415595

Incident

May 6, 2021

Mileage

115,000 mi

BOUGHT A USED 2010 LEXUS RX 450H 3.5L WITH 130,000 MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 132,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, OIL COOLER LINE SUDDENLY EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING AND VEHICLE LOST ALL OF ITS OIL, FULL SYNTHETIC, WITHIN SECONDS. OIL SPLATTERED ALL OVER ENTIRE UNDERBODY. VEHICLE COMPLETELY UN-DRIVABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED. NO PRE WARNING FROM OIL LIGHT OR ANY OTHER INDICATION OTHER THAN LOUD BANG AND SMELL OF BURNING OIL. HUGE SAFETY RISK AND LIKELIHOOD OF COMPLETE ENGINE LOSS OR SEIZING IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE ANY LONGER, POSSIBLY LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AT SMELL OF HOT OIL AND HAD IT TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. ESTIMATED COST ABOUT $ 1,000. REPAIR SHOP STATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA OIL LINE COOLER HOSE AND LEXUS MODELS OF THIS YEAR AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ITEM. RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT HOSE IS NOW METAL.

NHTSA ID

11372821

Incident

Nov 2, 2020

Mileage

132,000 mi

OIL COOLLER LINE EXPLODED,ENGINE LOST HALF OF OIL,REPAIR COST OVER $400.

NHTSA ID

11364581

Incident

Oct 9, 2020

Mileage

110,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON 275 HIGHWAY IN TAMPA, FL, AND I GOT THESE MESSAGES ON ECO, "MOTOR OIL AND PRESSURE LOW" AND CHECK ENGINE THE MECHANIC ADVISED TO CHECK WITH THE DEALER. PLEASE ADVICE. THANKS

NHTSA ID

11351341

Incident

Aug 25, 2020

Mileage

15 mi

MAJOR OIL LEAKING FROM A FAULTY ENGINE OIL COOLER LINE WHILE CAR IS MOVING OR TURNED ON. OIL IS ALL OVER ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE, BACK BUMPER, BACK WINDSHIELD & WIPER AND INSIDE OF TIRES. GARAGE FLOOR AND DRIVEWAY HAVE OIL SPLATTERED EVERYWHERE. THE WHOLE BACK OF CAR IS COVER IN OIL. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR LEXUS RX 350/450H MODELS BETWEEN 2009-2011. NO OIL OR ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. EVEN AFTER THE FAULTY PART IS REPAIRED, MY CONCERN THEN BECOMES POTENTIAL ENGINE FAILURE FROM LACK OF OIL. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330770

Incident

Jun 19, 2020

Mileage

128,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LEXUS RX 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CHECKED THE OIL. THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE OIL COOLANT LINE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO THE CONTACT. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11315904

Incident

Feb 18, 2020

Mileage

160,000 mi

I WAS SLOWLY ENTERING FROM I15 TO H-78 WEST. SUDDENLY CAR BEGAN TO REV AND ACCELERATE AS IF I WAS FLOORING GAS PEDAL. I JABBED AT PEDAL A COUPLE TIMES AND HIT BRAKES...IT STOPPED WITHIN A FEW SECONDS....NOT SURE IF WHAT I DID HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT STOPPING. MY GAS PEDAL IS NOT STICKY AND SMOOTHLY ADJUSTS. MY VEHICLE IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION AND HAS HAD ALL MAINTENANCE. I WAS FORTUNATE I HAD SEVERAL CAR LENGTHS CLEAR. I AM 100% CERTAIN I DID NOT ACCIDENTALLY SLIP OR PUSH ON PEDAL. WHILE IT WAS ACCELERATING I EVEN LIFTED FOOT COMPLETELY OFF PEDAL AND IT STILL WAS GOING.

NHTSA ID

11307323

Incident

Feb 4, 2020

Mileage

127,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING UNDER 30 MPH. LIGHTS CAME ON FROM THE DASHLIGHTS CAME ON PROMPTING LOW FUEL PRESSURE. SHORTLY AFTER, WEIRD NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. SEEN A LOT OF OIL LOST. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND IDENTIFIED THAT IT WAS HTE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPE. THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA/LEXUS. WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE BUT IS EXPIRED BY 10 WEEKS. :(

NHTSA ID

11256531

Incident

Sep 1, 2019

Mileage

52,800 mi

THE VVT-I OIL LINE ON MY LEXUS RX350 BURST WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. IT WAS A VERY LARGE LEAK WHICH COVERED THE GROUND, ENGINE, AND UNDERCARRIAGE. THE LOW ENGINE OIL MESSAGE AND ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNINGS CAME ON WHEN IT HAPPENED. COMPLETE LOSS OF OIL AND NO VISIBLE OIL ON THE DIP STICK. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE AND TALKING WITH THE MECHANIC THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE PART THOUGH I DON'T SEE ANY RECALL FOR IT.

NHTSA ID

11240877

Incident

Jul 31, 2019

Mileage

91,000 mi

SERVICE BRAKES, MARCH 13, 2011 - MANSFIELD MA I PURCHASED MY 2010 LEXUS RX 450H IN DECEMBER 2010. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT, I HAVE NOTICED THAT FROM TIME TO TIME, WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR SEEMS TO SURGE FORWARD(!) MOMENTARILY BEFORE IT SLOWS DOWN. THIS HAPPENS MOST FREQUENTLY. IT WILL HAPPEN EVEN IF I AM ONLY COASTING AND NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE INITIALLY. IT HAPPENS TO ME AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK. IT IS SOMEWHAT DISTURBING. I HAVE MENTIONED THIS TO MY LEXUS DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE DISMISSED MY CONCERNS BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT IT UP. HAS ANYONE ELSE NOTICED THIS ISSUE? VIEW DETAILS

NHTSA ID

10391988

Incident

Feb 10, 2011

Mileage

4,367 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LEXUS RX450H. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO UNINTENTIONALLY DECELERATE. DURING THE FAILURE THE CHECK ENGINE, ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND HYBRID SYSTEM LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

NHTSA ID

10386037

Incident

Feb 27, 2011

Mileage

18,000 mi