BestCarRank
Lexus

2018 Lexus RX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Lexus RX has 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 39. The most common issue is other problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: the slightly opened sunroof spontaneously exploded with shattered glass flying outward and some glass pieces falling on my husband while he was driving. the vehicle can be inspected; however, a lexus dealership replaced the sunroof glass without charge, the next day after the incident. the unexpec.

3 crash reports 1 injury

33

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

6 complaints
18%
  • The slightly opened sunroof spontaneously exploded with shattered glass flying outward and some glass pieces falling on my husband while he was driving. The vehicle can be inspected; however, a Lexus dealership replaced the sunroof glass without charge, the next day after the incident. The unexpec
  • This car just send me a warning light last night about the all wheel drive system and issues about the engine, I was in the dealer this morning and I tell them the problem with the car but they was charging me for everything and left the lexus repair shop I work in my car and this not supposed to be
  • The driver side indoor door handle no longer works. Despite my model being part of the special service campaign 20LC02, dealer says that my VIN number is not covered despite it being the exact problem described.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

The slightly opened sunroof spontaneously exploded with shattered glass flying outward and some glass pieces falling on my husband while he was driving. The vehicle can be inspected; however, a Lexus dealership replaced the sunroof glass without charge, the next day after the incident. The unexpec

— 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 2018 Lexus RX

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,087
Per month
$174
Per mile
17.4¢
MPG
23
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
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 2018 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.
Full coverage / year
$2,034
Full coverage / month
$170
Liability only / year
$732
vs US avg
+22%
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 age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2034

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 2018 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

OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 33 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • OTHER: The slightly opened sunroof spontaneously exploded with shattered glass flying outward and some glass pieces falling on my husband while he was driving. The vehicle can be inspected; however, a Lexus dealership replaced the sunroof glass without charge, the next day after the incident. The unexpec

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: Car displaying parking brake malfunction and and cruise control malfunction intermittent when using the parking break, seem that TSB (T-SB-0168-19) was open for Camay from 2018 to 2020 exhibiting the same issue but not for this car. This a safety concern since parking brake becomes disable, this iss

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: Car displaying parking brake malfunction and and cruise control malfunction intermittent when using the parking break, seem that TSB (T-SB-0168-19) was open for Camay from 2018 to 2020 exhibiting the same issue but not for this car. This a safety concern since parking brake becomes disable, this iss

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: This car just send me a warning light last night about the all wheel drive system and issues about the engine, I was in the dealer this morning and I tell them the problem with the car but they was charging me for everything and left the lexus repair shop I work in my car and this not supposed to be

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
3
Injury reports
1
Segment avg
39

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2018 Lexus RX