Is the 2011 Lexus RX350 reliable?

The 2011 Lexus RX350 has 49 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Lexus RX350?

Top problems: BRAKES (10 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (9 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Lexus RX350?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Contact any Lexus dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Lexus RX350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Lexus RX350 is approximately $1,785/year (sedan-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 RX350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Lexus RX350 has 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 46. The most common issue is brakes problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: 2011 lexus rx350. consumer states after turning a half circle, the vehicle suddenly skidded and hit the left curb and the left front tire ruptured and vehicle kept moving toward the driver's side despite consumer trying to stop the vehicle *tgw the consumer stated he crashed into a nearby concrete. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 25 crash reports 15 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

10 complaints

20%

• 2011 LEXUS RX350. CONSUMER STATES AFTER TURNING A HALF CIRCLE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SKIDDED AND HIT THE LEFT CURB AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE RUPTURED AND VEHICLE KEPT MOVING TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE DESPITE CONSUMER TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE CRASHED INTO A NEARBY CONCRETE
• BRAKES FELT SPONGY FIRST DAY, WORSE SECOND DAY. THIRD DAY, WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. PUMPED PEDAL TO STOP ROLLING, SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALER, LESS THAN 1/2 MILE. DIAGNOSIS IS FAILURE OF MASTER CYLINDER. *TR
• TURNED INTO PARKING SPACE. CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I APPLIED THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY, THREW THE CAR INTO PARK TO NO AVAIL. THE CAR JOLTED FORWARD, CRASHING INTO THE STOREFRONT, BREAKING GLASS WINDOWS. THE (APPROX) 2 FEET OF BLOCK WALL STOPPED THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MY CONTROL IN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 8 crashes

“2011 LEXUS RX350. CONSUMER STATES AFTER TURNING A HALF CIRCLE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SKIDDED AND HIT THE LEFT CURB AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE RUPTURED AND VEHICLE KEPT MOVING TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE DESPITE CONSUMER TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE CRASHED INTO A NEARBY CONCRETE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Lexus RX350

Based on 43 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 44K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 44K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 71K mi · 8 reports

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.

Recalls (1)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC26/07/2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 LEXUS RX350 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 30, 2010, THROUGH MAY 18, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT (VDIM). THE CALIBRATION FOR THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVES IS INCORRECT. DUE TO THIS CONDITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAY NOT BE CONTROLLED PROPERLY DURING ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) OR VSC (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) ACTUATION.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND/OR A FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT A VEHICLE SLIDE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR WITH A NEW ONE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Lexus RX350

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

$1,785

Full coverage / month

$149

Liability only / year

$696

vs US avg

+7%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1785

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lexus RX350 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 RX350, 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~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 49 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: 2011 LEXUS RX350. CONSUMER STATES AFTER TURNING A HALF CIRCLE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SKIDDED AND HIT THE LEFT CURB AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE RUPTURED AND VEHICLE KEPT MOVING TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE DESPITE CONSUMER TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE CRASHED INTO A NEARBY CONCRETE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: I HAVE A 2011 LEXUS GX 460. IT LACKS POWER WHEN IT IS COLD AND THERE IS EXHAUST FUMES THAT ARE COMING INTO THE VEHICLE AFTER I MERGE ON T THE HIGHWAY IT IS ALMOST A INSTANT HEADACHE THE SMELL IS SO STRONG ITS SMELLS LIKE SULFUR THERE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS MILEAGE NOT NORMAL . I HAVE USED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: 2011 LEXUS RX350. CONSUMER STATES AFTER TURNING A HALF CIRCLE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SKIDDED AND HIT THE LEFT CURB AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE RUPTURED AND VEHICLE KEPT MOVING TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE DESPITE CONSUMER TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE CRASHED INTO A NEARBY CONCRETE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (SUA) IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT ON MARCH 3RD, 2012. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY, AND THE ROAD CONDITION WAS GOOD. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING LEXUS RX 350 2011 MODEL (MILEAGE: 2124MILES). MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE SITTING ON THE BACK SEATS. SHE WAS SLOWING DOWN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Lexus dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)