Lexus RX reliability
The Lexus RX fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 9.2% of 7,328 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
8 DVSA recalls for the Lexus RX
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Parking Assist ECU reprogram on multiple models
For certain vehicles equipped with a Parking Assist ECU a component of the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system that displays the rear view image the software may cause the rear view image to freeze or not display
Fix: Reprogram the parking assist ECU.
Recalled models: RX · 4,260 vehicles
Combination Meter Reprogramming on Multiple Models (Lexus)
For certain vehicles equipped with the combination meter system (where various information is displayed) that due to an improper programming of the combination meter unnecessarily repetitive data is written to a memory device. This may cause the memory device to deteriorate and the monitor to not display during the meter at start up and remain in this state permanently.
Fix: Reprogram or replace the combination meter.
Recalled models: RX · 1 vehicles
Camera Replacement on Multiple Models
Due to insufficient laser welding of the camera case at the supplier during a specific production period there is a possibility that the camera case may separate when exposed to external stress over time allowing water to leak into the camera. If this occurs the circuit inside the camera can short leading to an inability to display an image of the area in front of and/or behind the vehicle.
Fix: Inspect camera and replace if necessary.
Recalled models: LEXUS RX · 1,773 vehicles
Due to the software programming for the DCM memory capacity there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable.
On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.
Fix: The software of the DCM (Data Communication Module) will be updated via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.
Recalled models: LEXUS RX · 4,261 vehicles
Airbag may incorrectly deploy
The passenger air bag inflator may have been incorrectly manufactured/assembled. This may allow leakage of compressed gas and partial inflation of the airbag without a deployment command.
Fix: Replace passenger airbag unit.
Recalled models: LEXUS RX · 691 vehicles
Vehicle could suddenly stop
It is possible that due to variations in the build specification of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) which includes the Insluted-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT's) the lead-based solder could be affected by abnormally higher operating temperatures. This could result in a degrading of the solder and eventually heat damage to the IGBT's. If this occurs then warning lights on the instrument panel will illuminate. However if the driver fails to heed these warnings or the main power supply fuse blows then the vehicle could stop without warning.
Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles and replace the IPM unit with a upgraded unit.
Recalled models: LEXUS RX 400H · 9,649 vehicles
Steering may be affected
Due to a none conformance to specification the front crankshaft pulley inner and outer rubber mounted section may separate. If the separation occurs noise will become apparent the ignition warning lamp may illuminate and in the worst case the power steering drive belt may detach from the pulley which will result in the driver having to significantly increase their effort to steer the vehicle especially at low speed.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the crankshaft pulley.
Recalled models: LEXUS RX 400H · 4,162 vehicles
Vehicle may loose power
The Intelligent Power Module within the inverter system may fail. This will result in various warning lamps being illuminated. In most cases this will result in the vehicle entering the fail-safe mode resulting in limited power. In limited instances the fuse on the power supply circuit could blow resulting in the hybrid system stopping.
Fix: Replacement of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) in the inverter assembly.
Recalled models: LEXUS RX 400H · 4,007 vehicles
Checking a Lexus RX before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.