VehicleVerdict

2011 Lexus Rx350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Lexus Rx350 sits mid-pack among Rx350 years: 49 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (10), engine (9), and speed control (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

49

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other Rx350 years?

Rx350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted210 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 210 complaints2008: 160 complaints2009: 114 complaints2010: 123 complaints2011: 49 complaints2012: 46 complaints2013: 39 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 58 complaints2016: 78 complaints2017: 69 complaints2018: 30 complaints2019: 41 complaints2020: 9 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 11 complaints2023: 4 complaints
Rx350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Lexus Rx350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1020%
Engine918%
Speed Control816%
Transmission612%
Airbags612%
Body & Structure36%
Electrical System24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Other24%
Steering12%

Does the 2011 Lexus Rx350 have recalls?

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

11V377000BrakesJuly 26, 2011 · 32 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 LEXUS RX350 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 30, 2010, THROUGH MAY 18, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT (VDIM). THE CALIBRATION FOR THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVES IS INCORRECT. DUE TO THIS CONDITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAY NOT BE CONTROLLED PROPERLY DURING ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) OR VSC (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) ACTUATION.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND/OR A FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT A VEHICLE SLIDE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR WITH A NEW ONE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED UPON ENGAGING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 17, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, NOTICED SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE POLICE WAS ALSO PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 2, 2019 · fire

“2011 LEXUS RX350. CONSUMER STATES AFTER TURNING A HALF CIRCLE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SKIDDED AND HIT THE LEFT CURB AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE RUPTURED AND VEHICLE KEPT MOVING TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE DESPITE CONSUMER TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE CRASHED INTO A NEARBY CONCRETE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 26, 2011 · crash

“AS I WAS TRYING TO PARK MY VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AND HIT A BUILDING THEN WENT BACKWARDS. I MANAGED TO KEEP THE CAR FROM REVERSING INTO THE STREET BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. IT HIT THE BUILDING A SECOND TIME. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT STOPPED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 8, 2017 · crash

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT JUMPED / ACCELERATED FROM NOWHERE, AND I COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME IN A REAR-END COLLISION. DAMAGED CAUSED TO MY ENTIRE FRONT END AND THE OTHER VEHICLES BACK END. IMPACT SPEED IS UNKNOWN BUT IT FELT LIKE 5-10MPH AND DEFINITELY NOT A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 13, 2012 · crash

2011 Lexus Rx350 — common questions

Is the 2011 Lexus Rx350 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rx350: 49 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Rx350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), engine (9 complaints), speed control (8 complaints).

Does the 2011 Lexus Rx350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Lexus Rx350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus Rx350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rx350 years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2010, 2009, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among Rx350 years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2011 Lexus Rx350?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Lexus Rx350 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.