Is the 2011 Lexus RX reliable?

The 2011 Lexus RX has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Lexus RX?

Top problems: ENGINE (11 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Lexus RX?

No recalls have been issued for the 2011 Lexus RX.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Lexus RX?

The 2011 Lexus RX gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2011 Lexus RX often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Lexus RX: low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Lexus RX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Lexus RX is approximately $1,729/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Lexus RX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Lexus RX has 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 39. The most common issue is engine problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: some how the oil was leaking ,i don t know why?lucky me i was at home doing the yard work when i saw this massive oil leaking on my drive way. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 6 crash reports 4 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

11 complaints

31%

• SOME HOW THE OIL WAS LEAKING ,I DON T KNOW WHY?LUCKY ME I WAS AT HOME DOING THE YARD WORK WHEN I SAW THIS MASSIVE OIL LEAKING ON MY DRIVE WAY
• OUR 2011 LEXUS RX 350 OIL COOLER LINE FAILED CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE. A FAMILY MEMBER WAS DRIVING AND THE LOSS OF MOTOR OIL COULD HAVE LOCKED THE ENGINE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. LEXUS IS WILLING TO PAY FOR THE PART, BUT NOT REPAIR THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FAILED OIL COOLER LINE.
• MY 2011 LEXUS RX 350 HAS A FRONT TIMING COVER LEAK. TO FIX THE FRONT TIMING COVER LEAK, THE DEALERSHIP HAS AN ESTIMATED PRICE OF $4,000.00. IN ORDER TO REPLACE A GASKET ON THE TIMING COVER, MANY ACCESSORIES AND PARTS NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE ENGINE IS LOSING OIL AN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“SOME HOW THE OIL WAS LEAKING ,I DON T KNOW WHY?LUCKY ME I WAS AT HOME DOING THE YARD WORK WHEN I SAW THIS MASSIVE OIL LEAKING ON MY DRIVE WAY”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Lexus RX

Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 125K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 100-150K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Lexus RX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Lexus RX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,729

Full coverage / month

$144

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+3%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk0.90x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1729

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lexus RX Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Toyota Motor Corporation-recommended 10K interval with 0W-20 synthetic. Hybrid models use conventional service intervals; battery is 10-year warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lexus New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Hybrid battery is now 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids

These are the terms for a new Lexus. If you're buying a used 2011 RX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lexus dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 36 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: SOME HOW THE OIL WAS LEAKING ,I DON T KNOW WHY?LUCKY ME I WAS AT HOME DOING THE YARD WORK WHEN I SAW THIS MASSIVE OIL LEAKING ON MY DRIVE WAY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY MY WIFE TOOK FOOT OFF GAS AND CAR ACELERATED AND RAN INTO WALL DAMAGING HOUSE AND CONTENTS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: SUNROOF SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, TRAVELLING AT ABOUT 70 MPH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR AND BEGAN BREAKING BEHIND TRAFFIC AT A STOP LIGHT. I WAS PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD, THE TIRES BEGAN TO GRIND AND I COULD HEAR AND FEEL THE ENGINE REVVING BECAUSE THE CAR WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. WHEN THE CAR WAS FA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)