Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2013 Lexus RX450HRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2013 Lexus RX450H. Most complaints involve service brakes (7) and air bags (4). The EPA rates it 28–29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
31
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Lexus RX450H as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2014 – Jul 2026
- Service brakes7
- Air bags4
- Electrical system3
- Structure2
- Steering2
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Engine1
- Suspension1
- Lane departure1
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 Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes
7 reports
“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”
Air bags
4 reports2 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.”
Electrical system
3 reports1 fire
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
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 hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- 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 Oct 28, 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 450h Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 28 | 29 | $2,750 | 301 |
| RX 450h AWD Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 27 | 28 | $2,850 | 312 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Lexus RX450h 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 RX450h 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%
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.
2013 RX450H questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Lexus RX450H have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Lexus RX450H problems?
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (7), air bags (4), electrical system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Lexus RX450H get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Lexus RX450H at 28–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2013 Lexus RX450H?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Lexus RX450H 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026