2011 Lexus RX350 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Lexus RX350, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes1020.8%
- Engine918.8%
- Driver assistance816.7%
- Airbags612.5%
- Powertrain (other)48.3%
- Body & structure36.3%
- Other / unspecified36.3%
- Tires & wheels24.2%
- Electrical12.1%
- Steering12.1%
- Transmission12.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS TRYING TO PARK MY VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AND HIT A BUILDING THEN WENT BACKWARDS. I MANAGED TO KEEP THE CAR FROM REVERSING INTO THE STREET BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. IT HIT THE BUILDING A SECOND TIME. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT STOPPED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS INFLATED AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. TOYOTA TOOK NO BLAME FOR THE ACCIDENT AND I'M LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE. THIS CAR IS IN A GROUP OF RECALLED CARS, LEXUS DOES NOT HAVE RECORDS OF EVER RECALLING THIS TRUCK
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU COMPLAINT. WE ARE MAKING THIS COMPLAINT IN ORDER TO DO OUR PART OF ALERTING YOU THAT THERE COULD BE A POTENTIAL HAZARD WITH THE MAKE AND MODEL OF THIS CAR. WE DO NOT WANT WHAT HAPPENED TO US TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. THE CAR WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the AWD and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the oil cooler line was leaking. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to an authorized Lexus dealer for assistance. The contact expressed concerns that the failure could have resulted in loss of vehicle control due to traction, as well as a potential for the vehicle to catch on fire due to the oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, NOTICED SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE POLICE WAS ALSO PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A THIRD PARTY COMPANY EVALUATED IT, THEY DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNKNOWN CAUSE FOR THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 LEXUS RX350. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 50 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL AND REVERSED AT 50 MPH. THE CONTACT SWITCHED THE GEAR BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGAIN, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE WALL AGAIN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,557. *LN UPDATED 10/1/18*JB
ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015, LEXUS RX350 (2011) CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A PARKING LOT. WHEN THE GEAR WAS ABOUT TO BE PUT IN TO PARKING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ITSELF AND MOVED APPROXIMATELY 40 FT FORWARD. THE CAR SPRANG OUT GOING OVER A CEMENT PARKING BLOCK, IRON FENCE THAT WAS DIVIDING ONE BUILDING'S PARKING LOT TO ANOTHER, AND FELL ABOUT 5 FT BELOW SINCE THE PARKING LOT WAS IN HIGHER LEVEL THAN OTHER BUILDING'S PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING EVEN AFTER FALLING FROM THE HIGHER GROUND AND CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A TREE.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE CONTACTED LEXUS MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS TO FIX AIRBAG
AS I WAS TRYING TO PARK MY VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AND HIT A BUILDING THEN WENT BACKWARDS. I MANAGED TO KEEP THE CAR FROM REVERSING INTO THE STREET BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. IT HIT THE BUILDING A SECOND TIME. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT STOPPED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS INFLATED AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. TOYOTA TOOK NO BLAME FOR THE ACCIDENT AND I'M LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE. THIS CAR IS IN A GROUP OF RECALLED CARS, LEXUS DOES NOT HAVE RECORDS OF EVER RECALLING THIS TRUCK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
12/7/2017 I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY TO PARK AT 1 PM. I SLOWED DOWN I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I WAS PUTTING IT INTO THE PARK POSITION WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND AND PUT A HOLE IN THE GARAGE DOOR AND KNOCKED IT OFF TRACK.I WAS STUNNED & SURPRISED.MY HUSBAND AND I COULD NOT DUPLICATE THIS ACTION. ON 12/14/17 I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AT FOY PARK IN BURBANK CA. I SLOWLY PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE ,MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS I PUT THE CAR INTO THE PARK POSITION THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR TOOK OFF OVER A CEMENT PARKING BLOCK AND OVER THE CURB, WENT THROUGH A CHAIN LINK FENCE AND LANDED IN THE BRUSH WITH 3 WHEELS OFF THE GROUND AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ON 12/15/17 THE DAY AFTER I DROVE INTO MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 2 PM. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE I PUT IT INTO PARK AND IT DID THE SAME [XXX] THING AND 5 FEET MY FRIEND [XXX] WITNESSED IT. THAT WAS IT FOR ME I HAD IT TOWED TO KEYES LEXUS TOYOTA AND NEVER DROVE IT AGAIN. KEYES SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND I KNOW FROM CHECKING ON LINE WITH MY FRIEND [XXX] THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE U.S. I AM DEEPLY WORRIED THAT THIS CAR WILL BE SOLD AGAIN AND SOMEONE WILL BE INJURED OR KILLED. THERE ARE 64437 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN TRADED IN.PLEASE HELP !! I WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED, SUFFERING BACK AND NECK INJURES AND I AM STILL BEING TREATED I'M A LITTLE AFRAID OF DRIVING ANY CAR AT THIS POINT BUT I WILL WORK THROUGH IT.. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU COMPLAINT. WE ARE MAKING THIS COMPLAINT IN ORDER TO DO OUR PART OF ALERTING YOU THAT THERE COULD BE A POTENTIAL HAZARD WITH THE MAKE AND MODEL OF THIS CAR. WE DO NOT WANT WHAT HAPPENED TO US TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. THE CAR WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THANK YOU. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PARKED IN DRIVEWAY IN BACK OF HOUSE, BESIDE DECK AFTER SHORT TRIP TO STORE. SMELLED A MELTING SMELL OUTSIDE. MAYBE FIVE MINUTES LATER THE SMELL STARTED COMING INSIDE THE HOUSE. WE LOOKED OUTSIDE AND SAW SMOKE AND THOUGHT THE HOUSE WAS ON FIRE. WE WENT OUTSIDE AND THERE WAS SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SPRAYED CAR WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER, WHICH DID NOTHING, THEN USED WATER HOSE TO SPRAY FRONT OF CAR TO KEEP FROM THE HOUSE CATCHING ON FIRE. CAR WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES, LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE AND STRONG SMELL. ALL NEIGHBORS CAME OVER IT WAS STRONG. FIRE DEPARTMENT SPENT OVER AN HOUR PUTTING OUT FIRE AND USED THEIR WHOLE TANK OF WATER. FRONT END MELTED, TIRES POPPED, DASHBOARD AND WINDSHIELD DESTROYED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN
TURNED INTO PARKING SPACE. CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I APPLIED THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY, THREW THE CAR INTO PARK TO NO AVAIL. THE CAR JOLTED FORWARD, CRASHING INTO THE STOREFRONT, BREAKING GLASS WINDOWS. THE (APPROX) 2 FEET OF BLOCK WALL STOPPED THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MY CONTROL IN SPITE OF ALL EFFORT TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. HAD SOMEONE BEEN WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE STORE (SALON), I WOULD HAVE BEEN POWERLESS TO KEEP FROM INJURING OR KILLING THEM. THIS WAS NOT DRIVER ERROR. I WAS FULLY "IN THE MOMENT," AND AWARE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
PARKED IN DRIVEWAY IN BACK OF HOUSE, BESIDE DECK AFTER SHORT TRIP TO STORE. SMELLED A MELTING SMELL OUTSIDE. MAYBE FIVE MINUTES LATER THE SMELL STARTED COMING INSIDE THE HOUSE. WE LOOKED OUTSIDE AND SAW SMOKE AND THOUGHT THE HOUSE WAS ON FIRE. WE WENT OUTSIDE AND THERE WAS SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SPRAYED CAR WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER, WHICH DID NOTHING, THEN USED WATER HOSE TO SPRAY FRONT OF CAR TO KEEP FROM THE HOUSE CATCHING ON FIRE. CAR WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES, LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE AND STRONG SMELL. ALL NEIGHBORS CAME OVER IT WAS STRONG. FIRE DEPARTMENT SPENT OVER AN HOUR PUTTING OUT FIRE AND USED THEIR WHOLE TANK OF WATER. FRONT END MELTED, TIRES POPPED, DASHBOARD AND WINDSHIELD DESTROYED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE SUN ROOF IMPLODED, THE GLASS SHATTERED AND FELL INTO THE CAR THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF HER AND SHE WAS NOT GOING UNDER A OVER PASS. DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A ROCK, NO WAY COULD A ROCK HIT AT THAT ANGLE WITH THAT MUCH FORCE TO SHATTER THE GLASS! WE HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE BUT NOT WITH A LEXUS. WE WERE VERY LUCKY SHE WAS NOT IN CRASH AS IT WAS SUCH A SHOCK TO HER SHE HIT THE BREAKS NOT KNOWING WHAT HAPPEN. WE WERE NOT HAPPY WITH THE EXPLANATION OF THE DEALER OR LEXUS THAT IS WAS A ROCK! *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the AWD and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the oil cooler line was leaking. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to an authorized Lexus dealer for assistance. The contact expressed concerns that the failure could have resulted in loss of vehicle control due to traction, as well as a potential for the vehicle to catch on fire due to the oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS RX350 EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP TIRES, SIZE: 235/55R19 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STARTED WOBBLING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE 66,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,506. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
12/7/2017 I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY TO PARK AT 1 PM. I SLOWED DOWN I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I WAS PUTTING IT INTO THE PARK POSITION WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND AND PUT A HOLE IN THE GARAGE DOOR AND KNOCKED IT OFF TRACK.I WAS STUNNED & SURPRISED.MY HUSBAND AND I COULD NOT DUPLICATE THIS ACTION. ON 12/14/17 I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AT FOY PARK IN BURBANK CA. I SLOWLY PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE ,MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS I PUT THE CAR INTO THE PARK POSITION THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR TOOK OFF OVER A CEMENT PARKING BLOCK AND OVER THE CURB, WENT THROUGH A CHAIN LINK FENCE AND LANDED IN THE BRUSH WITH 3 WHEELS OFF THE GROUND AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ON 12/15/17 THE DAY AFTER I DROVE INTO MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 2 PM. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE I PUT IT INTO PARK AND IT DID THE SAME [XXX] THING AND 5 FEET MY FRIEND [XXX] WITNESSED IT. THAT WAS IT FOR ME I HAD IT TOWED TO KEYES LEXUS TOYOTA AND NEVER DROVE IT AGAIN. KEYES SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND I KNOW FROM CHECKING ON LINE WITH MY FRIEND [XXX] THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE U.S. I AM DEEPLY WORRIED THAT THIS CAR WILL BE SOLD AGAIN AND SOMEONE WILL BE INJURED OR KILLED. THERE ARE 64437 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN TRADED IN.PLEASE HELP !! I WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED, SUFFERING BACK AND NECK INJURES AND I AM STILL BEING TREATED I'M A LITTLE AFRAID OF DRIVING ANY CAR AT THIS POINT BUT I WILL WORK THROUGH IT.. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (SUA) IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT ON MARCH 3RD, 2012. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY, AND THE ROAD CONDITION WAS GOOD. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING LEXUS RX 350 2011 MODEL (MILEAGE: 2124MILES). MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE SITTING ON THE BACK SEATS. SHE WAS SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE FOR PARKING AND ABOUT TO FINALIZE THE PARKING BY GOING FORWARD BY ABOUT 3 FEET. AT THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED WITH THE SOUND OF REVVING UP THE ENGINE. THE CAR RAN OVER A PARKING BLOCK AND WENT ON CURB STONES. BY HELP OF THE BRAKE OVERRIDE SYSTEM EQUIPPED AFTER THE RECENT TOYOTA'S RECALLS, SHE COULD STOP THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BECAUSE HER FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WE ALL WERE SURPRISED AT THIS RARE SITUATION, BUT FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES. WE REPORTED THIS EXPERIENCE TO A CLOSE LEXUS DEALERSHIP. TWO LEXUS ENGINEERS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING 10-MILE TEST DRIVING. HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THEY COULD NOT RE-ENACT THE SAME SITUATION, NEITHER. AT THIS INSPECTION, THEY DID NOT CHECK OUT THE EVENT DATA RECORDER, AS WELL AS ANY ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS LIKE ETCS. ACCORDING TO THE INSPECTION RESULT, LEXUS DIRECTED ME TO KEEP DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY OWN RISK. THIS IS NOT RELATED TO THE FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE PROBLEM THAT LED TO THE MASSIVE RECALL IN 2009. SO, I THINK THE CURRENT LEXUS USERS, AS WELL AS POTENTIAL CONSUMERS, SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THE SIMILAR UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING OR PARKING. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .