2011 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Lexus RX has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 11th worst out of 21 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 34% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 134,370 miles, but no recalls have been issued for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #11 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 29
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 30 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2011 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (34%)
- Other5 (17%)
- Airbags4 (14%)
- Brakes4 (14%)
- Electrical System4 (14%)
- Structure & Body4 (14%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (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 oil cooler lines failing and leaking engine oil, in one case causing engine damage from oil loss.
- Some drivers describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or coming to a stop, with the brakes unable to fully halt the vehicle.
- Electrical system complaints include smoke and flames coming from the center console after the seat heater activated.
- One owner reported the sunroof shattering without warning while driving at highway speed.
- A structure and body complaint describes hydraulic hood supports failing, causing the hood to fall suddenly.
- Fuel system complaints describe rough running, sputtering, warning lights, and stalling in the middle of the road.
2011 Lexus RX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2011 Lexus RX 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Lexus RX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2011 RX a Complaint Index of 50, worse than most other RX years, earning it a Caution verdict. Engine problems make up 34% of its complaints.
- What is the top problem area for the 2011 Lexus RX?
- Engine issues account for 34% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 134,370 miles, including reports of oil cooler line failures and oil leaks.
- Does the 2011 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2011 Lexus RX.
- How does the 2011 RX compare to other RX model years?
- The 2011 RX ranks 11th worst out of 21 model years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 50. Years like 2012, 2015, and 2016 score much lower and carry Best verdicts, while 2010, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025 are rated Avoid with higher indexes.
- What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2011 RX?
- Engine complaints show a median failure mileage of 134,370 miles, while brake complaints show a median of 106,500 miles and airbag complaints a median of 83,000 miles.