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2011 Lexus RX 350
Solid pick. The complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
54 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (30% of complaints).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaint reports have faded. Early issues appear resolved or aged out.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
4/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2011 Lexus RX350 SUV AWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 16%
No open NHTSA defect investigations on file.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2011 Lexus RX 350, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Engine (16) · Brakes (13) · Airbags (10) · Speed control (8)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
30%16 complaints
“On Saturday July 15, 2023, at between about 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. CDST the vehicle was parked overnight in a garage, spontaneously caught fire and burned and was a total …”
Brakes
24%13 complaints
“While driving Brake & Abs warning lights displayed on the dash with the warning brake malfunction, Took it to the shop they diagnose Bad brake module. My brake pads & …”
Airbags
19%10 complaints
“HOW CAN I CONFIRM THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS NOT BEEN DISABLED?”
Speed control
15%8 complaints
“ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015, LEXUS RX350 (2011) CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A PARKING LOT. WHEN THE GEAR WAS ABOUT TO BE PUT IN TO PARKING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ITS…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 11V377000
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.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2011 Lexus RX 350 beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2011? See how every RX 350 model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2011 Lexus RX 350 against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.