2017 Lexus RX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2017 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 58 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (14), engine (10), and brakes (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
58
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2017 compare to other RX years?
What are the most common 2017 Lexus RX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 14 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 10 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 9 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Driver Assistance | 6 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP FOR MORE THAN 45 MINUTES BEHIND A FATALITY ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY THEY HAD CLOSED WHILE OCCASIONALLY REMOVING FOOT FROM BRAKE TO INCH FORWARD A FEW FEET A BEST AND THEN STOP AGAIN NEVER TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN I REALIZED AT ONE POINT TRAFFIC BESIDE ME WAS…”
“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…”
“I was driving up a hill, turning on to a dirt road. I had my foot on the brake as I was going down hill, I bounce from the crevice on the dirt road. My car started going faster, I kept my foot on the brake trying to stop, but it did not STOP. I avoided hitting a parked car and slammed in to a…”
“I WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP FOR MORE THAN 45 MINUTES BEHIND A FATALITY ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY THEY HAD CLOSED WHILE OCCASIONALLY REMOVING FOOT FROM BRAKE TO INCH FORWARD A FEW FEET A BEST AND THEN STOP AGAIN NEVER TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN I REALIZED AT ONE POINT TRAFFIC BESIDE ME WAS…”
“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…”
2017 Lexus RX — common questions
Is the 2017 Lexus RX reliable?
It is close to typical for the RX: 58 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2017 RX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (14 complaints), engine (10 complaints), brakes (9 complaints).
Does the 2017 Lexus RX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 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.