2011 Lexus RX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2011 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (31% of the total).
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other RX years?
What are the most common 2011 Lexus RX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 31% | ▼ down |
| Other | 5 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“On Saturday July 15, 2023, at between about 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. CDST the vehicle was parked overnight in a garage, spontaneously caught fire and burned and was a total loss. There was a smell I would associate with an electrical fire. People reported hearing a car alarm and a "popping sound" before…”
“I was driving my 2011 Lexus RX 350 on July 7, 2023, to a swimming pool. I was pulling into a parking spot just rolling to a stop with my foot on the brake. The car suddenly accelerated with grate speed and ran on the curb of the sidewalk forward to a small rock wall, I immediately turned the…”
“On Saturday July 15, 2023, at between about 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. CDST the vehicle was parked overnight in a garage, spontaneously caught fire and burned and was a total loss. There was a smell I would associate with an electrical fire. People reported hearing a car alarm and a "popping sound" before…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS RX 450H. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY PERSON THAT SUSTAINED INJURIES (BODY SORENESS) BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.…”
“ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE LIGHTS & BEEPING SOUND ALL ON. BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD. PEDESTRIANS, OTHER DRIVERS & FAMILY ARE AT RISK DUE TO SAFETY RISK. DIAGNOSIS CODES C1253 - C1256 DURING TEST INDICATES ABS PUMP ASSEMBLY ISSUES. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOTICED BY ME IN LATE AUGUST 2025. ”
2011 Lexus RX — common questions
Is the 2011 Lexus RX reliable?
It is close to typical for the RX: 36 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2011 RX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), other (5 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints).
Does the 2011 Lexus RX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Lexus RX.
Which Lexus RX years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RX years to avoid are 2010, 2021, 2008, 2007, 2024, 2023, 2019. The cleanest record among RX years belongs to 2026.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.