2017 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Lexus RX has a complaint index of 65, ranking 8th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 47 complaints with 8 crashes and 7 injuries but no recalls, with engine problems the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 47
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 31 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2017 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other14 (30%)
- Engine11 (23%)
- Brakes9 (19%)
- Structure & Body5 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (9%)
- Airbags3 (6%)
- Electrical System3 (6%)
- Fuel System3 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (4%)
- Lane Departure1 (2%)
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 unintended acceleration where the vehicle surges forward even while the brake pedal is pressed, sometimes ending in a collision.
- Several drivers describe airbags failing to deploy during crashes, including side impacts and frontal collisions with commercial buildings.
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle even with the pedal pressed firmly to the floor, both on dirt roads and highway on-ramps.
- Some owners describe the engine hesitating or losing power suddenly while driving on the freeway, uphill, or through turns.
- Electrical warning lights such as power steering and brake indicators reportedly flicker on before brake failure occurs.
- One owner reported the car stalling unexpectedly while driving, creating a near-accident situation.
2017 Lexus RX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2017 Lexus RX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 31 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,650
- 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.
2017 compared with other RX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Lexus RX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 RX a complaint index of 65, ranking 8th worst among 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict relative to other RX years.
- What problems does the 2017 Lexus RX have?
- NHTSA lists 47 complaints for the 2017 RX, with Engine issues topping the list at 23% share, followed by Brakes at 19% and Structure & Body at 11%. Eight complaints involved crashes and seven involved injuries.
- Does the 2017 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2017 Lexus RX, including zero do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage for engine complaints on the 2017 RX?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 5,300 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2017 Lexus RX, suggesting issues that surfaced early.
- How does the 2017 RX compare to other RX years?
- The 2017 RX's complaint index of 65 is worse than years like 2012 (index 0, Best) and 2015 (index 10, Best), but better than 2021 (index 100, Avoid) and 2010 (index 75, Avoid).