BestCarRank
Lexus

2018 Lexus RX350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Lexus RX350 has 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 46. The most common issue is fuel system problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2018 lexus rx350. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v012000 (fuel system, gasoline) however the part needed for the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the de. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 3 injuries

30

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

FUEL SYSTEM

8 complaints
27%
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DE
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED KEYES LEXUS (5905 VAN NUYS BLVD, VAN NUYS, CA 91401, (818) 538-2990) WHERE IT WAS CONFI
  • NOTHING YET; THIS IS A PRECAUTIONARY COMPLAINT TO BE NOTIFIED ASAP WHEN REPLACEMENT IS AVAILABLE
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DE

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Lexus RX350

Based on 22 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 11K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
22
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

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)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP13/01/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Lexus RX350

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 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.
Full coverage / year
$2,124
Full coverage / month
$177
Liability only / year
$688
vs US avg
+27%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2124

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 2018 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

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 30 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DE

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

  • TRANSMISSION: HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE DOES NOT RESPOND IN A LINEAR MANNER WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL.

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

  • OTHER: I WAS TRAVELING ON A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY AT 60MPH. WEATHER CONDITION WAS SUNNY AND 10DEG. SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING NOISE THAT WAS STARTLING. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND AND THE INTERIOR SHADE WAS CLOSED. I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION TO FIND THE SUNRROOF HAD SHATTERED AND T

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

  • ENGINE: HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE DOES NOT RESPOND IN A LINEAR MANNER WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL.

    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)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
30
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
5
Injury reports
3
Segment avg
46

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2018 Lexus RX350