2016 Lexus RX problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
28 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
67,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Structure:Body is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 28 complaints (21.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 14.3% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 10.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 7.1% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 3.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 3.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure:Body | 6 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights | 1 |
Structure:Body: 6; Engine: 5; Electrical System: 4; Power Train: 4; Service Brakes: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Air Bags: 1; Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 26 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2021: 4; 2022: 2; 2023: 5; 2024: 7; 2025: 8; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Structure:Body leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11451061 · 2022-02-08 (February 8, 2022)
Around the middle of the month of January of 2022, I discovered that my 2016 Lexus RX350 has massive oil leak from timing chain cover. Thompson Lexus dealership confirmed this oil leak. This leak not just happened, but it has happened long ago at least 6 months prior to the time that I discovered based on old oil dirty debris deposits and paints popped out and rusted caused by prolong oil on the frame. The reason that did not detect the oil leak right away was that I have almost not used the car at all for the past two years due to Covid situat…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11451061 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11482325 · 2022-08-31 (August 31, 2022)
Water may leak from heavy rain, from the sunroof region into a part of the roof, leading to water leaking from the interior microphone above the driver seat. Seems to be a common issue amongst 2016-2017 RX350’s but no recalls. This is a safety issue given that the microphone is where the water leaks to, compromising other electrical systems. In addition, water builds and wets the headliner causing mold/mildew smell, possibly leading to future mold build up which is harmful to health. Lexus in Houston inspected and stated a new sunroof is neede…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11482325 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11431656 · 2021-09-03 (September 3, 2021)
“low braking power” message
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11431656 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11578550 · 2024-03-20 (March 20, 2024)
Loss of power brake assist. The Lexus dealer diagnosed a failed vacuum pump. This is common with the 2016/2017 RX 350's. Lexus has admitted a manufacturing problem with the pumps and has a service bulletin (L-SB-0010-18) and a safety recall on the 2017's (JLD J2D). The recall should be extended to the 2016's. There are tons of people posting on the internet about failed vacuum pumps and resultant safety issues.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11578550 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11516571 · 2023-04-11 (April 11, 2023)
Auto transmission frequently jerks and seems to search for a gear when starting from a stop. This problem is noted in other vehicles manufactured by Toyota. Dealerships tell me it is a reported problem but there is no remedy. Problem exists from date of purchase May 2016.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11516571 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11612018 · 2024-09-01 (September 1, 2024)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11612018 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11619277 · 2024-10-11 (October 11, 2024)
Car has a continuous gas smell after start up. When a/c or heat is turned off the car cabin smells of gaslione. I have taken to the car to lexus dealership repeatedly and have been advice car operates as intended. There is also a hissing noise coming from the rear driverside tire area near the gas tank.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11619277 at NHTSA ↗