VehicleVerdict

2020 Lexus RX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2020 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (38% of the total).

56

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other RX years?

RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted106 complaints1999: 41 complaints2000: 30 complaints2001: 25 complaints2002: 13 complaints2003: 4 complaints2004: 56 complaints2005: 39 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 106 complaints2011: 36 complaints2012: 18 complaints2013: 24 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 32 complaints2017: 58 complaints2018: 33 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 56 complaints2021: 87 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 70 complaints2024: 73 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 1 complaints
RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Lexus RX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2138%
Other814%
Driver Assistance713%
Tires & Wheels59%
Electrical System47%
Engine47%
Fuel System24%
Body & Structure24%
Transmission12%
Brakes12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2020 Lexus RX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V865000AirbagsDecember 20, 2023 · 999,901 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX. The contact stated while his wife and children were stopped in traffic, a vehicle had crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle, which then caused a five-car chain reaction crash. The contact stated that none of the air bags had deployed. The contact stated…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 17, 2025 · crash

“2020 LEXUS RX350. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS WATER INTRUSION INTO THE FLOOR PASSENGER FLOOR AREA OF THE VEHICLE.THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED REPAIR WORK REQUIRED WAS DUE TO AN EXTERNAL INFLUENCE AND INSECT(SPIDER) FORMING A NEST IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 30, 2023

“I am submitting this correspondence to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2020 Lexus RX 350 and to request a thorough investigation. On Saturday, February 7, while attempting to park the vehicle, I experienced a sudden loss of control, resulting in the vehicle accelerating…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · February 7, 2026 · crash

“Original Equipment in Lexus RX 350; Michelin Premier LTX 235/55/20 at less than 2 years and 14, 00 miles run advised by the manufacturer to replace for a new one because premature tire deterioration with risk of impending tire rupture. Advised that they have seen a situation is occurring in the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 1, 2022

“The contact owned a 2020 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while making a left turn into a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and crashed into the side of a Walmart shopping store. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact and her sister were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 3, 2022 · crash

2020 Lexus RX — common questions

Is the 2020 Lexus RX reliable?

It is close to typical for the RX: 56 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 RX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (21 complaints), other (8 complaints), driver assistance (7 complaints).

Does the 2020 Lexus RX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Lexus RX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.