2013 Lexus RX350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
92/100
#2 most-complained of 14 RX350 years
The 2013 Lexus RX350 ranks 2nd-worst of 14 model years, with a complaint index of 92 and 59 complaints, mostly tied to the engine, brakes, and electrical system. NHTSA lists one recall for a brake software update. Verdict: Avoid, relative to other RX350 years.
- Complaints
- 59
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25 hwy
Top 2013 Lexus RX350 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine15 (25%)
- Brakes13 (22%)
- Electrical System11 (19%)
- Other10 (17%)
- Structure & Body10 (17%)
- Airbags6 (10%)
- Steering5 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (5%)
- Fuel System2 (3%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during frontal or side-impact crashes at speeds around 30-70 mph.
- Sudden unintended acceleration or loss of braking, with the vehicle surging forward or backward despite the brakes being applied.
- Engine compartment smoke and fire while driving at normal highway speeds, sometimes with no dashboard warning.
- Parking brake failing to hold the vehicle on an incline, resulting in a rollaway.
- Electrical fires originating near the engine bay while driving on the highway.
2013 Lexus RX350 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Brakes261,114 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2013 Lexus RX350 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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 RX350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Lexus RX350 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 RX350 ranks 2nd-worst out of 14 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 92. It is rated Avoid relative to other RX350 years.
- What problems does the 2013 Lexus RX350 have?
- NHTSA complaint data shows the top problem areas are Engine (25% of complaints, median mileage 43,000), Brakes (22%, median mileage 20,650), and Electrical System (19%, median mileage 85,000).
- Does the 2013 Lexus RX350 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 14V054000) covering a brake actuator software update on the Skid Control electronic control system. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 RX350 compare to other years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 92 is higher than 2011 (77), 2012 (85), and most later years, but lower than 2010 (100), which is the worst-ranked year.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Lexus RX350?
- EPA rates the 2013 RX350 at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.