YearToAvoid

2011 Lexus RX Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

78/100

#5 most-complained of 19 RX Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid has a complaint index of 78, ranking 5th worst out of 19 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate at 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 157,000.

Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
28.5
30 city / 27.5 hwy

Top 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine5 (42%)
  2. Brakes3 (25%)
  3. Electrical System2 (17%)
  4. Structure & Body2 (17%)
  5. Fuel System1 (8%)
  6. Seat Belts1 (8%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)

What owners report

  • Engine oil cooler pipe or hose ruptures, dumping engine oil and stranding the vehicle, in some cases with black smoke from the exhaust.
  • Brake pedal fails to stop the vehicle immediately while the ABS warning light illuminates.
  • Backseat power seat mechanism moves automatically after ignition shutoff and traps or crushes whatever is behind it, including a passenger's foot.
  • Seat belt release button fails to release the belt, trapping the occupant.
  • Fuel pump fails suddenly at highway speed, triggering a 'check hybrid system' message and loss of power.
  • Dashboard electrical component overheats near the radio, melting the AC vent and shedding plastic flecks.
2011 Lexus RX Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month3Nov 2012Apr 2014Jul 2015Apr 2019Aug 2020Apr 2023
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2012 to Oct 2025; peak Oct 2025 (3).

2011 Lexus RX Hybrid recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2011 Lexus RX Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
30 MPG
Highway
27.5 MPG
Combined
28.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other RX Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008Avoid9457125
2010Caution678129.5
2011Avoid7812028.5
2012No verdict223028.5
2013Avoid8312028.5

All Lexus RX Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data give it a complaint index of 78, the 5th worst among 19 model years of the RX Hybrid, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid?
Engine issues make up 42% of complaints, including oil cooler pipe or hose ruptures, with a median failure mileage of 157,000.
Does the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2011 model year.
How does the 2011 RX Hybrid compare to other years?
Its complaint index of 78 is worse than 2010 (67), 2012 (22), and 2015 (44, rated Good), but better than 2006 (100) and 2008 (94), both also rated Avoid.
What fuel economy does the 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid get?
EPA rates it at 28.5 mpg combined (30 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.