2016 Lexus RX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Lexus RX has 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 80. 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

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

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

BRAKES

4 complaints

13%

• 2016 LEXUS RX-360. CONSUMER STATED THAT FAILED TO STOP WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION.
• Loss of power brake assist. The Lexus dealer diagnosed a failed vacuum pump. This is common with the 2016/2017 RX 350's. Lexus has admitted a manufacturing problem with the pumps and has a service bulletin (L-SB-0010-18) and a safety recall on the 2017's (JLD J2D). The recall should be extended
• The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact state

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“2016 LEXUS RX-360. CONSUMER STATED THAT FAILED TO STOP WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

ENGINE

4 complaints

13%

• 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
• Lexus RX350 has Timing Cover Gasket issue. My car is manufactured in 2016 and had only 59,757 miles on it but late last year the dealership discovered the leak after an oil change. The cost for repair is estimated $6500+ I am an engineer and researched the issue. I noticed that many people repo
• Timing chain cover oil leak is a wellknown issue for Lexus/Toyota V6 engine for more than a decade. The company is still reluctant to provide a long term solution. This 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport was first discovered Timing Cover oil leak at 49166 miles and was resealed on [XXX] 2021. One year later

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

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

TRANSMISSION

4 complaints

13%

• 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
• Auto transmission frequently jerks and seems to search for a gear when starting from a stop. This problem is noted in other vehicles manufactured by Toyota. Dealerships tell me it is a reported problem but there is no remedy. Problem exists from date of purchase May 2016.
• There is oil leak from timing belt casing. Only have 71000 miles on the vehicle.

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

— NHTSA complaint filing

ELECTRICAL

4 complaints

13%

• 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
• The vehicle sustained water damage due to Hurricane Ida in September 2021 and was repaired at the dealership. In February 2023, the battery needed replacing for a third time since then and I was told that the front and rear carpeting was soaking wet, again, and it was due to the moonroof rails being
• The electronic screen on dashboard that displays map, HVAC, etc. turns pink then black and disappears for several minutes. One then has no control over the various functions displayed on the screen. I've done a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for several minutes...to no avail. Thank you.

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

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

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)