Research · Subcompact Cars

2019 Lexus RC 350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2019 Lexus RC 350. Most complaints involve service brakes (1) and fuel/propulsion system (1). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Nov 2020
Owner complaints
3
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$3,350est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 4, 2020NHTSA 20V682000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Jan 13, 2020NHTSA 20V012000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2020 – Sep 2021
  1. Service brakes1
  2. Fuel/propulsion system1
  3. Visibility/wiper1
  4. Engine1
  5. Lane departure1
  6. Forward collision avoidance1
  7. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RC 350 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20157
20193
20201
20221
20251
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

1 report1 crash
“Traveling distance of 0.2 miles in a residential complex with 15 mph speed limit, on an uneven road that loops around. The road goes on a slight incline as it bends towards the left reaching my parking destination, a 2-car stall. At slow speed I made a right turn into the stall (a break-release-break maneuver) when the car lurched and suddenly picked up speed. Visualizing a wide pedal in the middle I hard-pressed the brakes with my right foot, same time thinking I should not pass the white post (about halfway of the stall) instinctively put my left foot over the right to press harder on the brakes. Next thing I know the car stopped and noticed white particles floating around. The airbags deployed - front, knee and side airbags activating roadside assistance (SOS). The engine would not start, and I can’t open the driver’s side door and window. The car crashed into the guardrail and right front wheel went over the concrete bump on the ground. I sustained chest and leg injuries. There is no other passenger, or third party involved. I did not hear or see any indication of system alerts or warnings before and during the incident. Car was totaled. While waiting for…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2021Unknown or other, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion systemCrash reportedODI 11433006

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report1 crash

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 101 NORTHBOUND AT ABOUT 65 MPH BETWEEN 3RD AND DORE EXIT, I HEARD AN EXPLOSION OVERHEAD. I LOOKED AROUND AND DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. BUT THEN I HEARD A WIND NOISE ABOVE ME. MY SUNROOF COVER WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME. IT WAS ABOUT 60 DEGREES OUTSIDE, AND I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 35 MINUTES FROM SUNNYVALE. MY WINDOWS WERE NOT OPEN (SO NO PRESSURE CHANGE), AND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WITHIN THE CAR. I WAS ON MY WAY TO SAN FRANCISCO FOR A COVID TESTING APPOINTMENT. I MADE IT TO THE APPOINTMENT, AND AFTERWARDS, ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER I HEARD THE INITIAL EXPLOSION, I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ASSESSED THE DAMAGE. MY SUNROOF GLASS WAS GONE. NOT MUCH GLASS INSIDE THE SUNROOF COVER, AND THE GLASS THAT WAS STILL ON THE SUNROOF FRAME WAS BENT UPWARDS, INDICATING THE SUNROOF EXPLODED UP AND OUTWARDS, SO I DIDN'T THINK SOMETHING HAD HIT IT. PICTURE ATTACHED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 30, 2020Visibility/wiperODI 11377023
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · Automatic (S6)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RC 350
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202823$3,350388
RC 350 AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
182421$3,700436
  • RC 350
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $3,350/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • RC 350 AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Lexus RC 350 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 13044Vehicle 13033
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2019 RC 350 questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus RC 350 have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2019 Lexus RC 350 problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (1), fuel/propulsion system (1), visibility/wiper (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Lexus RC 350 get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Lexus RC 350 at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026