Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2017 Lexus RX450HRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 57 owner complaints for the 2017 Lexus RX450H. Most complaints involve engine (11) and service brakes (9). The EPA rates it 30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
30mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
57
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Lexus RX450H as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
57 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2018 – Aug 2026
- Engine11
- Service brakes9
- Electrical system7
- Air bags5
- Forward collision avoidance4
- Structure4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Latches/locks/linkages2
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 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
11 reports1 crash
“3 months before the accident the power steering light came on twice and went off. The day of the accident the brake light came on when I started the car that day. It disappeared when I was put in drive. I was entering onto the highway to merge with the traffic. Another car waiting for the light to turn green so he could enter also. My car didn’t stop because my brakes failed and the collision avoidance system didn’t work either. No sounds nor warnings. I have photos of the message that was displayed on the dashboard. Tried sending photos but it didn’t work.”
Service brakes
9 reports3 crashes
“My vehicle is experiencing a mechanical failure of the brake actuator/booster assembly, manifested by a "squawk/bark" noise and abnormal pedal feel during braking. This is a known defect recognized by Lexus under Customer Support Program 23LE04. The dealership technician confirmed the noise is present and recommended a full replacement of the ABS actuator. However, Lexus is denying coverage because the onboard computer has not yet triggered a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). By denying the repair, Lexus is requiring me to operate a vehicle with a confirmed mechanical brake malfunction, which increases the risk of a crash, increased stopping distance, or total brake power assist failure. March 2021 (60k miles): Actuator was replaced under warranty for this exact failure. December 2021 (74k miles): The failure recurred. Lexus and the dealer refused to cover the diagnosis/bleed, forcing me to drive a defective vehicle. February 2026 (110k miles): A Lexus dealer confirmed the part is failing again and quoted $3,000 for replacement. Despite a manufacturer program (CSP 23LE04) existing for this exact part, Lexus refuses to honor it without an electronic code, even…”
Electrical system
7 reports1 crash
“On 5/8/2020, Northtown Lexus replaced or repaired the vacuum pump. Northtown Lexus required the vehicle to be returned for repair twice, following the initial repair on 5/8/2020. After three attempts, the vehicle's vacuum pump (per a factory recall) is not functioning properly. Northtown Lexus refuses to further diagnosis this defective vacuum pump and continued to decline any and all requests for repair. The vehicle operates abnormally ever since this factory recall was originally addressed by Northtown Lexus on 5/8/2020.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- 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 29, 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 AWD Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 31 | 28 | 30 | $2,650 | 297 |
- 30mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lexus 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%
Overall
4 / 5
Lexus 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%
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.
2017 RX450H questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Lexus RX450H have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Lexus RX450H problems?
Owners filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (11), service brakes (9), electrical system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Lexus RX450H get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Lexus RX450H at 30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2017 Lexus RX450H?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Lexus RX450H 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026