2016 Lexus RX problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 93 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lexus RX, filed between 2016-03-06 and 2026-07-20. The most common problem areas are the service brakes (14, 15%), power train (13, 14%) and air bags (11, 12%). Owners reported 14 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Lexus RX complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 23 | 25% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 15% | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Power train | 13 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 11 | 12% | 7 | 0 | 6 |
| Engine | 11 | 12% | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 11% | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 2 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Service brakes: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 93 (15%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 2 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 7 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Lexus RX; the recall, campaign 16V198000, says: “These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control…”
Power train: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 93 (14%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 2 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus RX covers this system.
Air bags: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 93 (12%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 3 of them also name the structure; owners reported 7 crashes and 6 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Lexus RX; the latest, campaign 18V085000, says: “The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.”
Engine: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 93 (12%) name the engine.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus RX covers this system.
Electrical system: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 93 (11%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus RX covers this system.
Structure: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 93 (11%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 3 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus RX covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 2 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names RX, RX350, RX450H, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Lexus RX recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Lexus RX?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Lexus RX's most common problem areas are the service brakes (14 of 93 complaints), power train (13 of 93 complaints) and air bags (11 of 93 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA has 93 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lexus RX, including 14 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Lexus RX's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Lexus RX; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.