NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 54 owner complaints for the 2011 Lexus RX350. Most complaints involve engine (16) and service brakes (12). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“My 2011 Lexus RX350 was running fine as I ran errands for groceries and other items around town one day. Then, out of the blue, I realized that after returning home and parking in my garage, there was a trail of oil in my driveway, leading to my vehicle. I looked under the engine area and noticed a pool of oil. I had a certified mobile mechanic come to my home and provide a diagnosis. This diagnosis was that a hole had formed in the rubber Engine Oil Cooler Line, and drained nearly all the oil in my engine. He mentioned that one more mile and I could have had total engine failure. He proceeded to replace it with a new Genuine Lexus, all metal Oil Cooler Line. I contacted Lexus about this incident, but they provided no compensation for this occurrence, even though there was a short 4-year technical service bulletin they issued barely a year after production, that called out this was indeed a flaw in their design. After doing some research, I see this is a VERY common issue, with many in the past most recent years having this very issue. Yet, Lexus has not recalled this, nor reimbursed those that have suffered from this manufacture defect. I am really hoping that…”
“While driving Brake & Abs warning lights displayed on the dash with the warning brake malfunction, Took it to the shop they diagnose Bad brake module. My brake pads & rotors and all scedule maintenance uptodate.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS RX 450H. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY PERSON THAT SUSTAINED INJURIES (BODY SORENESS) BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED DURING THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350 2WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| RX 350 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall 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.
Owners filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (16), service brakes (12), air bags (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Lexus RX350 at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Lexus RX350 4 out of 5 stars overall.