VehicleVerdict

2013 Lexus Rx350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Lexus Rx350 sits mid-pack among Rx350 years: 39 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (7), other (6), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

39

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Rx350 years?

Rx350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Lexus Rx350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure718%
Other615%
Electrical System513%
Speed Control410%
Brakes410%
Lighting38%
Airbags25%
Engine25%
Fuel System25%
Seat Belts13%
Steering13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2013 Lexus Rx350 have recalls?

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

14V054000Electrical SystemFebruary 12, 2014 · 261,114 units

Defect

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

Consequence

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. 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.

“ON THE GARAGE DRIVEWAY, SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED IN THE REVERSE GEAR AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE CAR COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL IN THE REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO MY BACKYARD FENCE, PLOWED THROUGH IT AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING MY RAISED PATIO!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 18, 2016 · crash

“SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2018 I STARTED MY DAY BY FIRST GOING TO THE BANK. I ENTERED THE PARKING LOT OF SUNTRUST BANK ON RACE TRACK ROAD, IN BOWIE MD. UPON ENTERING INTO THE PARKING LOT A CAR EXITING THE BANK OF AMERICA DRIVE THRU SHOULD HAVE STOP FOR ME TO HAVE THE RIGHT AWAY, BUT DID NOT, SO I CAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 24, 2018 · crash

“MY 2013 LEXUS AWD RX 350 HAS A FAULTY WIRE HARNESS WHICH HAS SHORTED OUT ITS GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM, RADIO, AND MEDIA CENTER. I REPLACED THE HEADLAMP ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE AND THE BLAST, BUT THE 15 AMP FUSE CONTINUES TO BLOW OUT. THEREFORE, THE FAULTY WIRE HARNESS HAS CAUSED MY HEADLIGHTS, GPS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 2020

“ON THE GARAGE DRIVEWAY, SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED IN THE REVERSE GEAR AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE CAR COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL IN THE REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO MY BACKYARD FENCE, PLOWED THROUGH IT AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING MY RAISED PATIO!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 18, 2016 · crash

“ON THE GARAGE DRIVEWAY, SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED IN THE REVERSE GEAR AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE CAR COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL IN THE REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO MY BACKYARD FENCE, PLOWED THROUGH IT AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING MY RAISED PATIO!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 18, 2016 · crash

2013 Lexus Rx350 — common questions

Is the 2013 Lexus Rx350 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rx350: 39 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 Rx350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (7 complaints), other (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2013 Lexus Rx350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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 2013 Lexus Rx350?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 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.