Is the 2016 Lexus RX reliable?

The 2016 Lexus RX has 32 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Lexus RX?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (7 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (4 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Lexus RX?

No recalls have been issued for the 2016 Lexus RX.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Lexus RX?

The 2016 Lexus RX gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2016 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 2016 Lexus RX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Lexus RX is approximately $1,871/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.

2016 Lexus RX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Lexus RX has 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 39. The most common issue is body/structure problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: the sunroof exploded while driving at freeway speeds with no apparent reason. temperature was 75 degrees outside..

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

7 complaints

22%

• The sunroof exploded while driving at freeway speeds with no apparent reason. Temperature was 75 degrees outside.
• Water may leak from heavy rain, from the sunroof region into a part of the roof, leading to water leaking from the interior microphone above the driver seat. Seems to be a common issue amongst 2016-2017 RX350’s but no recalls. This is a safety issue given that the microphone is where the water leaks
• Good Afternoon, This is in relation to Customer Support Program (20LE02) - Rear Inside Door Handle May Become Inoperative. The Rear right inside door handle of my Lexus 350 became inoperative recently, but I never received a notice regarding 20LE02.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The sunroof exploded while driving at freeway speeds with no apparent reason. Temperature was 75 degrees outside.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

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 2016 Lexus RX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/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 2016 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

$1,871

Full coverage / month

$156

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+12%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1871

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 2016 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

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 32 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: The sunroof exploded while driving at freeway speeds with no apparent reason. Temperature was 75 degrees outside.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 2016 LEXUS RX-360. CONSUMER STATED THAT FAILED TO STOP WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: Around the middle of the month of January of 2022, I discovered that my 2016 Lexus RX350 has massive oil leak from timing chain cover. Thompson Lexus dealership confirmed this oil leak. This leak not just happened, but it has happened long ago at least 6 months prior to the time that I discovered ba
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: Around the middle of the month of January of 2022, I discovered that my 2016 Lexus RX350 has massive oil leak from timing chain cover. Thompson Lexus dealership confirmed this oil leak. This leak not just happened, but it has happened long ago at least 6 months prior to the time that I discovered ba
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)