YearToAvoid

2021 Lexus RX Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid has 0 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 0, ranking 19th out of 19 model years (least complaints). It has 1 recall covering an airbag sensor issue shared with several Toyota and Lexus models.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
0/100
#19 of 19 RX Hybrid years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
0
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
—
Best nearby year
2015
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
29.5
30 city / 28 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

No component data.

2021 Lexus RX Hybrid recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles

    Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2021 Lexus RX Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
30 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
29.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
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.

2021 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
2019No verdict333029.5
2020No verdict502129.5
2021No verdict00129.5
2023No verdict60231.5
2024No verdict561331.5

All Lexus RX Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data shows 0 complaints for the 2021 RX Hybrid and a complaint index of 0, the lowest of all 19 model years with data. This suggests it is among the least problematic years for this model based on owner complaints.
Does the 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 23V865000) covers an airbag sensor issue affecting several 2020-2021 Toyota and Lexus models, including the RX450H. Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid?
EPA rates the 2021 RX Hybrid at 29.5 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.
How does the 2021 RX Hybrid compare to other RX Hybrid years?
With a complaint index of 0 and rank 19 of 19 (worst-first), the 2021 model year has fewer reported complaints than any other RX Hybrid year in the data, including years like 2006 and 2007 that carry Avoid verdicts.

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.