VehicleVerdict

2021 Lexus RX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 87 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median RX year — the 2021 model ranks #2 of 28 RX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 55% of all reports (48 of 87), far ahead of other at 7.

87

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other RX years?

RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Lexus RX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags4855%
Other78%
Driver Assistance67%
Body & Structure56%
Seat Belts45%
Electrical System33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Brakes33%
Engine22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seats11%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%
Steering11%

Does the 2021 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 4, 2023 · crash

“I was driving on the freeway in Stockton California and I entered into a connecting on-ramp curve going about 30mph and a lady hit me from behind on the passenger side going 65mph as she was trying to change lanes to get behind me and my car instantly speeded up spinning out of control Into a gully…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 21, 2023 · crash

“Hit a deer that impacted the passenger side of the vehicle. Passenger seat was occupied, and door had to be pried open by tow truck driver to get passenger out. Entire right side, from the "L" logo to the front fender was destroyed. The passenger airbag did not deploy, nor did emergency braking or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 4, 2024 · crash

“I was driving on the freeway in Stockton California and I entered into a connecting on-ramp curve going about 30mph and a lady hit me from behind on the passenger side going 65mph as she was trying to change lanes to get behind me and my car instantly speeded up spinning out of control Into a gully…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 21, 2023 · crash

“I was involved in a single car accident in which the vehicle went off of the road hit an embankment and the vehicle bounced. The front drivers side hip and shoulder seat belt did not engage, and sustained a compression fracture to the vertebrae. The passenger front seat belt at the hip did engage…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 27, 2022 · crash

2021 Lexus RX — common questions

Is the 2021 Lexus RX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 87 complaints put the 2021 model at #2 of 28 RX years. It is one of the RX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 RX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (48 complaints), other (7 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints).

Does the 2021 Lexus RX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.