2013 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2013 Lexus RX has a complaint index of 25, ranking 16th worst out of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict compared to other RX years. It has zero recalls on record, with the top problem area being Electrical System complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 25/100
- #16 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 19
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 30 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2013 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other7 (37%)
- Electrical System3 (16%)
- Airbags2 (11%)
- Brakes2 (11%)
- Engine2 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (11%)
- Steering2 (11%)
- Structure & Body2 (11%)
- Lane Departure1 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during a crash, with the vehicle striking a tree at a reported median mileage of 105,606 miles.
- An unattended, parked vehicle experienced an internal electrical fire that started in the overhead/sunroof wiring and spread into the cabin.
- The steering wheel suddenly jerked and locked to one side while driving, causing a crash into a parked car.
- Owners report a barking noise when pressing the brakes even with the engine off, which a local shop could not diagnose.
- Front control arms were found torn, causing the steering wheel to pull left or right at various speeds.
- Some owners report engine oil leaking from the timing cover, producing a smoke smell while driving.
2013 Lexus RX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2013 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.
2013 compared with other RX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Lexus RX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 RX ranks 16th worst out of 21 model years with a complaint index of 25 and carries a Good verdict relative to other RX years.
- Does the 2013 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2013 Lexus RX.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2013 Lexus RX?
- Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 3 of the 19 complaints, or 16% of the total, and includes one fire report.
- How does the 2013 RX compare to other RX years?
- The 2013 RX's complaint index of 25 is lower than years like 2010 (75), 2020 (80), 2021 (100), 2023 (90), 2024 (95), and 2025 (85), all of which carry an Avoid verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Lexus RX?
- EPA rates the 2013 RX at 28.5 mpg combined, 30 mpg city, and 27.5 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $2,800.