2021 Lexus RX problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
69 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
58,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 47 of 69 complaints (68.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 5 | 7.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 2.9% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 2.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 1.4% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 47 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Structure:Body | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
Air Bags: 47; Unknown Or Other: 7; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 4; Seat Belts: 4; Electrical System: 3; Service Brakes: 3; Structure:Body: 3; Engine: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 66 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 | 1 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 30 |
2021: 1; 2022: 6; 2023: 2; 2024: 30; 2025: 30
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior 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 11447138 · 2022-01-12 (January 12, 2022)
I had previously owned a 2018 Lexus RX350L that came with OEM Michelin Premier LTX tires. That car handled very well on rain, snow and ice. I eventually replaced those tires with Continental Crosscontact LX25 that were even better to the point that I woud say they were excellent on snow and ice. When I purchased my 2021 Lexus RX350 F Sport, it came with Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tires in 235 / 55 R 20. The Bridgestone tires were more prone to hydroplaning but I was able to adjust driving in wet rainy situations. The Bridgestone tires howe…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11447138 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11523165 · 2023-05-22 (May 22, 2023)
1.) My SUV locked up when I swerved to avoid hitting a car in front of me. 2.) My vehicle wouldn't stop and I had no control over it as it "threw me around" the highway. The only reason it stop was when it collided with another vehicle. 3.) It is sitting at the collision center right now waiting to be worked on. 4.) The insurance adjuster. 5.) The message that came on was "brake."
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11523165 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11585425 · 2024-04-26 (April 26, 2024)
Multiple Models and Model Years Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy NHTSA SENSORS not working. The campaign number is 23V865 : OCS Sensors May Short Circuit An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Components AIR BAGS The official recall release date was December 20, 2023.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11585425 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11675285 · 2025-07-22 (July 22, 2025)
My 2021 Lexus RX 350 (mileage approx. [19,000], has developed a severe mold contamination issue caused by HVAC condensate drain failure. This issue is a known design defect covered by Lexus Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0020-21, which identifies blockage or poor drainage in the HVAC system that allows water to enter the cabin. As a result, water intrusion under the carpet has led to mold growth, making the vehicle uninhabitable and unsafe to drive. The cabin now contains visible mold and musty odor, raising serious health and air quality con…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11675285 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11624678 · 2024-11-12 (November 12, 2024)
While driving, the front driver's side tire and wheel detached from my vehicle, causing significant damage. My vehicle was last serviced at dealer on September 2024. During this service, significant maintenance and repair work was performed, including machining rotors, wheel alignment, and tire rotation. I am concerned that either a malfunction or an improper connection of the wheel has led to this incident. Since service, I have driven approximately 2,000 miles and have not had the car serviced by any other provider. My driving has been limit…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11624678 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11575611 · 2024-03-05 (March 5, 2024)
I am writing to you regarding the vehicle safety which I became aware of recently but there was no solution provided. IF this happened to me, it can happen to anyone driving the same model and needs to be addressed as soon as possible before the fatality occurs as this is danger to the public.I was driving a vehicle on [XXX] after just picking it up from service (serviced at Ray Catena Lexus on [XXX] for 15,000 miles service and oil change) at the rate of speed approximately 65 mph. All of sudden the vehicle started making noises, transmission…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11575611 at NHTSA ↗