Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2019 Lexus RX350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints for the 2019 Lexus RX350. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (24) and forward collision avoidance (13). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Feb 2021
Owner complaints
65
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Fuel system

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Lexus) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus RX350 and 2021 RX350 vehicles. The transport hook may not have been removed prior to sale. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Fuel system, gasolineReported Feb 3, 2021NHTSA 21V043000

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

65 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2019 – Aug 2026
  1. Fuel/propulsion system24
  2. Forward collision avoidance13
  3. Service brakes12
  4. Engine10
  5. Electrical system7
  6. Fuel system, gasoline7
  7. Vehicle speed control6
  8. Power train6
  9. Structure4

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 RX350 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007225
2008196
2009131
2010171
201154
201245
201378
201427
201562
201686
201794
201844
201965
20230
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel/propulsion system

24 reports3 crashes
“For some unknown reason the car will suddenly display multiple warning lights, check engine, service needed, traction control off/inactive then the car will go into reduced engine power mode which prevents acceleration and causes the car to feel like it’s going to stall or shut off. This has happened several times on major high speed highways causing other cars to slam on their breaks, drive recklessly to avoid my failing car. My daughter has been in the car several times when this happened and it took everything in my power to not collide with another vehicle. We have taken the car to the Lexus dealership every time and they have tried to fix the car over a dozen times but it keeps happening. They don’t seem to know the issue or cause, trying several different solutions. How can a car manufacturer not know what is wrong with their own car not how to fix it? What am I supposed to do, just keep driving it and pray an accident never happens? There is no warning when this happens and no way to keep the car from swiftly decelerating or keep the car from using “minimal engine power” which I’m to,d is to protect the engine but I’m more worried about us. The date…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 26, 2024Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11627624

Forward collision avoidance

13 reports6 crashes
“My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca. 92591. (951)365-6834. I scheduled an appointment for repair on 1/26/26. They rejected making the repair because my vehicle DID NOT have any codes in the computer OR any lights on the dash. They did in fact, confirm the brake actuator noise. I reject that concept because WHO could know ahead of time if a part experiences a (1st time) total failure without throwing codes and turning on dashboard lights? As I read the symptoms of severe problems experienced in a higher level of failure by brake actuators, I would not want to have to experience a crash accident in which the actuator would operate correctly in a hard stop condition or have ABS failure and brake lockup occur. Personal harm and property damage should not have to be an indicator if I can have the manufacturer…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 27, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11713697

Service brakes

12 reports3 crashes
“Brake actuator makes a shriek when I engage the pedal. Problem is ongoing and applies to 2015-2019 Lexus RX450 Hybrid models. Problem is getting worse, and I am afraid of brake failure. Lexus has been repairing this problem, gratis, for owners under their Customer Support Program 23LE04. I contacted Lexus and was told that Hawaii-based Lexus Vehicles are part of the Japan Dealer Network and to contact them. I made an appointment and the car was inspected on April 16, 2026. The outcome was that Lexus of Hawaii/Japan will not repair my vehicle unless I pay $4,000 for a new brake booster pump assembly /labor. Lexus of N. America is covering this repair for 10 years or 150,000 miles, but they refuse to honor it here in Hawaii.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026Service brakesODI 11758069
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
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular 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
RX 350
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,700391
RX 350 AWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
192622$2,850405
  • RX 350
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • RX 350 AWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    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
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Lexus RX350 SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Lexus RX350 SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 13036Vehicle 13035
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 RX350 questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus RX350 have?

3 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 RX350 problems?

Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (24), forward collision avoidance (13), service brakes (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Lexus RX350 get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Lexus RX350 at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Lexus RX350?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Lexus RX350 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026