2011 Lexus RX350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
77/100
#4 most-complained of 14 RX350 years
The 2011 Lexus RX350 has 30 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 77, and ranks 4th worst among 14 model years, earning an 'Avoid' verdict. Engine issues (53% of complaints) and brake problems (37%) dominate, with one brake-related recall.
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 15 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 24 hwy
Top 2011 Lexus RX350 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine16 (53%)
- Brakes11 (37%)
- Airbags6 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (20%)
- Structure & Body3 (10%)
- Other2 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (7%)
- Electrical System1 (3%)
- Steering1 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration where the vehicle surges forward on its own while parking or stopped, leading to collisions.
- Owners describe brake failure or seizure at low speed, causing the vehicle to crash into walls, storefronts, or other cars despite pressing the brake pedal.
- Some drivers report the vehicle jumping forward from a stop without warning, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during crashes even when the vehicle sustained significant front-end damage.
- One owner reported a tire rupture and loss of steering control after a curb impact, resulting in a crash into a concrete fence.
2011 Lexus RX350 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V377000Jul 26, 2011Brakes32 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 lexus rx350 passenger cars manufactured from august 30, 2010, through may 18, 2011, and equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (vdim). The calibration for the hydraulic control valves is incorrect. Due to this condition, there is a possibility that the right front wheel may not be controlled properly during ABS (antilock brake system) or vsc (vehicle stability control) actuation.
Risk: This could result in increased stopping distances and/or a failure to adequately correct a vehicle slide, which could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake actuator with a new one, free of charge. The safety recall began on september 8, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2011 Lexus RX350 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 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 RX350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Lexus RX350 reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2011 RX350 4th worst out of 14 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 77 and an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other RX350 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2011 Lexus RX350?
- Engine complaints are the top problem area, making up 53% of the 30 complaints filed, with a median failure mileage of 46,953 miles.
- Does the 2011 Lexus RX350 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 11V377000) covering a brake actuator calibration issue related to the vehicle dynamics integrated management system.
- How does the 2011 RX350 compare to other years?
- The 2011 RX350 has a complaint index of 77, worse than 2012 (85, but ranked closer), 2014 (23, rated Best), and 2020 (8, rated Best), though better than 2010 (100, the worst year).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Lexus RX350?
- The 2011 RX350 gets 20.5 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900.