NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus RX450H. Most complaints involve structure (8) and engine (6). The EPA rates it 30 mpg combined.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h vehicles manufactured November 16, 2015, to December 23, 2015. Due to an improper weld, the gas needed to inflate the driver's knee air bag may escape from the inflator.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I am formally submitting a vehicle defect complaint regarding my 2016 Lexus RX 450h, which is experiencing premature and extensive paint degradation, including clear coat peeling, flaking, and fading. This issue is not due to environmental exposure or neglect, but rather a clear indicator of a factory defect related to substandard paint application and adhesion failure. This concern directly aligns with known and previously acknowledged factory paint failures affecting both Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Numerous Customer Support Programs (CSPs) and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been launched by Toyota Motor Corporation to address: •Faulty clear coat adhesion •Improper surface preparation during manufacturing •Delamination and premature degradation of factory-applied paint, particularly in white pearl and other finishes Despite wide acknowledgment of these issues in prior campaigns (such as CSP ZKC and others involving Lexus RX, ES, and LS models), my vehicle’s VIN was not included—despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Given the extensive documentation of these defects, I am requesting the following: 1.A formal investigation into the paint failure…”
“I am reporting a safety issue with a 2016 Lexus RX350, VIN [XXX], with about 60,000 miles. The vehicle is registered in [XXX] and was being driven to [XXX] when it suddenly overheated on XXX near [XXX]. The warning lights appeared while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed. The driver immediately took the first available exit within about one minute. The failed system appears to be the engine cooling system, specifically the water pump. The vehicle is currently at Kendall Lexus of Eugene and should be available for inspection. This failure created a safety risk because it happened suddenly on a major highway. The driver had to exit quickly and the vehicle became disabled far from home. A sudden coolant-loss or overheating event at highway speed can leave drivers stranded in unsafe locations with very little warning. Kendall Lexus of Eugene inspected the vehicle. Their Service Manager stated in writing that the technician found a leaking water pump, misfires in every cylinder, and a 95% leak in cylinder #6 through the exhaust valves. She stated that the water pump failure caused the vehicle to lose coolant, overheat, and suffer internal engine damage…”
“Upon parking after 20-mile drive, severe leak of transmission oil from transmission oil cooler area, no warning messages/lights or fault codes present. No evidence of leak at starting point for drive, was sudden failure internal to transmission cooler with no evidence of impact/vibration damage or corrosion; failure was perhaps at welds of fins to tubing. Leaking oil creates fire and slip hazard, lack of any kind of warning to driver would have allowed continued driving until transmission failed except for luck that this was short trip. Vehicle has never been damaged in a crash, has been carefully inspected and maintained since purchase new. This is not a wear item and should never fail without external damage or corrosion, certainly not at 45,000 miles. Difficult to believe that this anything other than a manufacturing defect on this early production (VIN ending 002034) vehicle. Repaired by Lexus dealer with Lexus covering half of cost as “goodwill” (cost to me at ~$1,050 incl. towing), although dealer attempted to return vehicle without having reinstalled air duct and lower shroud.”
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 450h Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 30 | 30 | $2,500 | 297 |
| RX 450h AWD Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 28 | 30 | $2,500 | 299 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (8), engine (6), power train (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Lexus RX450H at 30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).