2010 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 Lexus RX has a complaint index of 75, ranking 6th worst out of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate at 39% of complaints (median mileage 52,800), with brake issues also frequent at 28% (median mileage 4,367).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 76
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 31 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2010 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine30 (39%)
- Brakes21 (28%)
- Other10 (13%)
- Steering9 (12%)
- Electrical System6 (8%)
- Fuel System6 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (7%)
- Structure & Body4 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (4%)
- Airbags2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden brake disengagement or unresponsive brakes at low speeds, sometimes while parking or changing lanes, leading to rear-end or forward collisions.
- Some describe unintended acceleration during braking attempts, including one case where the vehicle crashed into a wall inside a carwash bay.
- A rattling noise was reported in a rear wheel that persisted after multiple dealer visits.
- One owner reported a tire developing hairline splits on the sidewall at low mileage, causing it to go flat without any curb or pothole impact.
- A rear window reportedly shattered spontaneously while the vehicle was parked in a garage.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a crash involving loss of control on icy roads.
2010 Lexus RX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2010 Lexus RX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 31 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.
2010 compared with other RX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Lexus RX reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2010 RX has a complaint index of 75, ranking 6th worst among 21 model years, with an Avoid verdict relative to other RX years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Lexus RX?
- Engine issues make up 39% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 52,800, and brakes account for 28% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 4,367.
- Does the 2010 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 Lexus RX.
- How does the 2010 RX compare to other RX years?
- The 2010 RX's complaint index of 75 is worse than the 2012 RX (index 0, Best verdict) and the 2015 and 2016 RX (both Best verdict), but the 2021 RX ranks worst overall with an index of 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Lexus RX?
- The EPA rates the 2010 RX at 29.5 mpg combined (31 city / 28 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $2,700.