Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Lexus RX350 problems

Owners filed 78 complaints about the 2013 Lexus RX350 with NHTSA between Mar 2013 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (14).

Complaints
78
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
14
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system14
  2. Service brakes14
  3. Structure12
  4. Vehicle speed control10
  5. Air bags8
  6. Steering7
  7. Engine7
  8. Power train5
  9. Exterior lighting4
  10. Suspension2
  11. Fuel/propulsion system2
  12. Forward collision avoidance1
  13. Lane departure1
  14. Back over prevention1

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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20134
20147
20155
20164
20176
201812
20198
20209
20213
20223
20235
20244
20255
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

14 reports3 fires
“Odometer Fraud: The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 96,575. After reviewing an AutoCheck report by Experian the following day, the contact became aware that the mileage was 151,219.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 7, 2026Electrical systemODI 11748807

Service brakes

14 reports3 crashes
“I was just driving regular and the rx350 started to jerk and apply the breaks by itself and slip and go side ways and the car behind me almost hit me because my Lexus started to stop hard and fast .im pressing the gas but it’s not accelerating.the engine wanted to stop and very dangerous I’m scared to even drive the vehicle.i am the 3rd owner and now i know why the otheer people don’t want it .there is a recall for that problem but im new to the car recalls so im not to shure what to do to get the car repaired .i would like this fix especially because it is a recall .thanks”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 15, 2026Unknown or other, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11718143

Structure

12 reports1 crash2 fires
“Vehicle was parked, engine off, and unattended. An internal electrical fire originated in the overhead/sunroof wiring area. Damage includes melted wiring harness near the sunroof, burned center console, and soot throughout the interior. The fire originated in a constant-power electrical circuit and spread downward into the cabin. There were no aftermarket modifications, no external heat sources, and no objects in the vehicle that could have caused ignition. Ambient temperature conditions were normal and insufficient to cause this damage. This represents a serious safety defect because the fire originated spontaneously within the vehicle’s electrical system and could have resulted in a full vehicle fire or injury if occupants were present. The failure appears to involve factory-installed wiring/components and is not consistent with normal wear or external factors.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 8, 2026Electrical system, Structure, Unknown or otherFire reportedODI 11729838

Vehicle speed control

10 reports7 crashes
“The contact owned a 2013 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was parking her vehicle the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and crashed into a tree. The contact was not sure how fast the vehicle was moving. The contact crashed into the tree head on and crushed the center of the bumper and grill. The contact stated that the air bag had not deployed. The contact stated she did not notice any warning lights. The contact was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The contact suffered lacerations on her hands and face. The contact stated that the police arrived after she had been transported. The vehicle was not repaired and was declared a total loss by her insurance provider. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2024Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 11568826

Air bags

8 reports7 crashes
“The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the contact had crashed into a tree which resulted in the airbags not deploying. The contact does not remember anything between driving on the highway and waking up in an ambulance. The contact sustained shoulder, neck, and mild concussion and sought medical treatment. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was informed of failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 105,606.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2021Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11422817

Steering

7 reports1 crash
“While my daughter was driving at about 1:15 PM in a residential neighborhood, the steering wheel suddenly jerked hard to the right and locked while in motion. This caused the vehicle to crash into a parked car. After the vehicle was towed home, the steering wheel remained locked with both front tires pointed sharply right. When I restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel immediately spun right on its own and locked again. It could not be moved manually, and the front tires stayed stuck in the fully turned position. This appears to be a critical steering system failure. It presents a severe safety risk and could easily result in serious injury or death. Note: I had the car towed home immediately after my daughter informed me of the incident. She reported the accident to AAA Insurance at that time, and the adjuster later indicated they wanted to tow the car for evaluation and a possible total loss settlement. However, I would keep the car at my home for inspection and can reproduce the issue if you let me know when you are available to come out. There were no warning signs prior to the failure, and the car had just passed a smog check a few weeks ago. I just made…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2025SteeringCrash reportedODI 11690104
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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