Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2026 Lexus RX 350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2026 Lexus RX 350. Most complaints involve electrical system (7) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 24–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
24–25mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
13
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 Lexus RX 350 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
13 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2026 – Nov 2026
- Electrical system7
- Engine3
- Power train2
- Structure2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Exterior lighting1
- Back over prevention1
- Forward collision avoidance1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
7 reports1 crash
“While driving my 2026 Lexus RX350h, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not respond to the accelerator. After coming to a stop, pressing the gas pedal did nothing. I had to shift to Park, press the brake, and press the Start button to get the vehicle moving again. A short time later, while making a right turn, the vehicle lost power again while still moving, forcing me to repeat the Park–Brake–Start sequence in the middle of the turn. This is a serious safety issue because the hybrid system appears to shut down unexpectedly, causing loss of propulsion in traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated the battery was “good,” but no cause was identified. This needs investigation because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power and require a restart while driving.”
Engine
3 reports1 crash
“On two occasions, while coasting prior to depressing the brake to come to a stop, the engine spontaneously reved causing the vehicle to lurch forward. At which time I had to dress the brake to keep control of the vehicle.”
Power train
2 reports
“First incident. 71 mph, 101 degrees out traveling along a straight highway, I hit the seat cooler button and when I did, my car lost power. I could not get any response when I hit the accelerator. I tried several times. This was on XXX with around 500 miles on the car in the odometer. I had it less than a week. Second incident on XXX 25 mph, 105 degrees outside with 1300 miles in the odometer, I again, lost power and was unable to accelerate. I was on a windy road that required the use of both hands on the wheel. With this incident I lost the AC in the cabin. I had to pull over both times and turn off my vehicle and turn back on. There were no lights, or warnings or beeps letting me know that my car was going to lose or lost power. I took the vehicle to Crown Lexus in Ontario, they had it for 7 days and they could not find anything wrong with it. When they ran a diagnostic on it, there were no codes other than they said I put the car in neutral while driving. Which did not happen. My husband was with me both times. I then had the car towed to Lexus of [XXX] and we went for a test drive, as they wanted to see how I drive to rule out human error and to see if the…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- Front-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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,100 | 354 |
| RX 350 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,200 | 370 |
- 25mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5LEXUS RX 350 SUV N/A AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.5%
Overall
4 / 5
LEXUS RX 350 SUV N/A FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2026 RX 350 questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Lexus RX 350 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Lexus RX 350 problems?
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (7), engine (3), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Lexus RX 350 get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Lexus RX 350 at 24–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2026 Lexus RX 350?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Lexus RX 350 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026