YearToAvoid

2021 Lexus RX Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

87/100

#3 most-complained of 16 RX years

The 2021 Lexus RX has a Complaint Index of 87 and ranks 3rd worst among 16 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Airbags account for 68% of its 69 complaints, with 9 crashes and 9 injuries reported, plus one recall.

Complaints
69
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
29.5
30 city / 28 hwy

Top 2021 Lexus RX problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags47 (68%)
  2. Other7 (10%)
  3. Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (7%)
  4. Structure & Body5 (7%)
  5. Electrical System4 (6%)
  6. Seat Belts4 (6%)
  7. Brakes3 (4%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (4%)
  9. Engine2 (3%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers2 (3%)

What owners report

  • Owners report airbags failing to deploy during side-impact and rear-end collisions, including after hitting a deer.
  • Seat belts reportedly fail to lock or restrain occupants during crashes, in one case linked to a spinal injury.
  • Some owners describe the driver's seat reclining mechanism collapsing backward during a rear-end collision at around 24,000 miles.
  • Steering and braking reportedly lock up or become unresponsive, with one owner describing loss of control before a collision.
  • Owners describe the pre-collision system putting the vehicle into Park while still moving, with the engine revving high.
  • One owner reported water leaking through the sunroof drains into the passenger compartment after rain or car washes.
2021 Lexus RX complaints: complaints filed per month10Aug 2021Sep 2022Feb 2024Jun 2024Nov 2024Mar 2025Jul 2025Nov 2025
83 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2021 to Dec 2025; peak Dec 2024 (10).

2021 Lexus RX recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles

    Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

2021 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.

2021 compared with other RX years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2019Good4734129.5
2020Caution6746129.5
2021Avoid8769129.5
2022Caution7329029.5
2023Avoid9361331.5

All Lexus RX years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Lexus RX reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 RX ranks 3rd worst out of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 87 and an Avoid verdict relative to other RX years.
What is the main problem with the 2021 Lexus RX?
Airbags are the top problem area, making up 68% of the 69 complaints filed, with a median failure mileage of 76,000 miles and 3 crashes linked to this system.
Does the 2021 Lexus RX have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall for the 2021 RX, campaign 23V865000, covering an airbag sensor issue that requires dealer inspection and replacement if needed.
How does the 2021 Lexus RX compare to other RX years?
The 2021 RX has a Complaint Index of 87, higher than most other years except 2023 (93), 2024 (100), and 2025 (80), all of which are also rated Avoid.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Lexus RX?
The 2021 RX gets an EPA-rated 29.5 mpg combined (30 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.