2018 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2018 Lexus RX has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th worst among 21 model years, with a Good verdict. It logged 25 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 injuries and zero recalls, making it one of the more solid RX years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 25
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 30 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2018 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes6 (24%)
- Other6 (24%)
- Engine5 (20%)
- Electrical System3 (12%)
- Fuel System3 (12%)
- Structure & Body3 (12%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (8%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake actuator problems trigger a squawking noise when the brake pedal is pressed, and replacing the actuator does not always stop the noise.
- Some owners report the parking brake and cruise control intermittently malfunction together, disabling the parking brake until the car is restarted.
- A fuel odor enters the cabin at start-up on some vehicles, with one case where fuel poured out from under the car while refueling, at a median mileage of 42,548.
- The driver-side mirror shakes while driving, especially noticeable at night, with owners suspecting heat-related adhesive failure.
- An HVAC servo motor failure has been reported, alongside warning lights for the all-wheel-drive system and engine.
2018 Lexus RX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2018 Lexus RX 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.
2018 compared with other RX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Lexus RX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RX carries a complaint index of 35 and ranks 14th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other RX years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lexus RX?
- Brakes account for 24% of complaints and Engine issues account for 20%, followed by Electrical System and Fuel System problems at 12% each, according to NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2018 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2018 Lexus RX.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Lexus RX?
- EPA rates the 2018 RX at 29.5 mpg combined (30 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.
- How does the 2018 Lexus RX compare to other RX years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 35 is far below Avoid years like 2021 (100) and 2010 (75), placing it among the better RX years for owner-reported problems.