What 85 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Lexus Rx350l

*Driver-side entry failure = primary access point compromised * Could trap occupants if internal handle fails or after an accident * Emergency responders rely on driver-side access first * This is not normal wear and tear—it’s a safety-related failure.

NHTSA ODI 11733701

The electronic screen on dashboard that displays map, HVAC, etc. turns pink then black and disappears for several minutes. One then has no control over the various functions displayed on the screen. I've done a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for several minutes...to no avail. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11695726

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from underneath the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11690010

Both sides of the black wheel guides have popped off causing damage to the front bumper and wheel fenders.

NHTSA ODI 11687797

As I was driving southbound on I five in the state of Washington in Stanwood area 8:00 AM my sunroof exploded, causing me to swerve into other lanes and a distraction for other drivers There were no warnings. The sunroof was in a close position, not being used. The vehicle went into repair today being August 1. We did take pictures. Had there been cars directly on either side of me accident would have occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11678000

I was driving and pressed the button to close the sunshade on the panoramic sunroof when I heard this like a grinding noise. The cloth sunshade stopped moving. Then I heard a pop noise, and the sunshade came down, and it hit me more on the back of the neck. Then I heard something fall on the floor behind me in the back seat area. I couldn't pull over right away, stopped at a store, and there was a black, plastic and metal piece that was on the floor in back. The sunshade itself was partly hanging off the ceiling where it came from. It didn't hurt but of course it startled me. This happened on Friday going to work 7/18/2025. I haven't used the sunroof for a while because it has been too hot but Friday I wanted some natural air, and opened it up. Researching I see that it is supposed to be all one piece, and everything which includes the entire panoramic sunroof to be replaced which is close to $3,000. I found online that a lot of people have the same problem for years 16-22 on the RX. I found out where the dealers are telling people excessive heat melts the glue holding these adapters in place, and it eventually give way and break. Most people including me park outside, I don't have a garage, and it's summer, this is defective, and it should be covered my Lexus. Since it just happened yesterday, the vehicle wasn't inspected by nobody, there were no warning signs that this was happening either. The safety issue is when it hit me on the back of the neck while I was driving. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ODI 11674688

Timing Cover gasket leak. Apparently this is very common problem with 2016 Lexus RX 350 due to a bad design by Lexus. Lexus is quoting ~7000 to fix

NHTSA ODI 11667776

I am formally submitting a vehicle defect complaint regarding my 2016 Lexus RX 450h, which is experiencing premature and extensive paint degradation, including clear coat peeling, flaking, and fading. This issue is not due to environmental exposure or neglect, but rather a clear indicator of a factory defect related to substandard paint application and adhesion failure. This concern directly aligns with known and previously acknowledged factory paint failures affecting both Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Numerous Customer Support Programs (CSPs) and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been launched by Toyota Motor Corporation to address: •Faulty clear coat adhesion •Improper surface preparation during manufacturing •Delamination and premature degradation of factory-applied paint, particularly in white pearl and other finishes Despite wide acknowledgment of these issues in prior campaigns (such as CSP ZKC and others involving Lexus RX, ES, and LS models), my vehicle’s VIN was not included—despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Given the extensive documentation of these defects, I am requesting the following: 1.A formal investigation into the paint failure affecting my Lexus RX 450h. 2.Written acknowledgment of this known issue and confirmation whether this VIN has been or should be included in past or upcoming CSPs. 3.Immediate corrective action including paint restoration or full vehicle repaint at no cost. 4.Clarification on why Lexus has failed to expand prior paint-related CSPs to include other affected model years and VINs despite continued customer complaints. This message is being concurrently submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for independent review under potential consumer safety, quality compliance, and warranty oversight. I expect a formal response within 10 business days of receipt. Failure to act appropriately will prompt further legal and media inquiries to ensure transparent processing.

NHTSA ODI 11657565

The inside driver door handle broken.

NHTSA ODI 11653800

Car has a continuous gas smell after start up. When a/c or heat is turned off the car cabin smells of gaslione. I have taken to the car to lexus dealership repeatedly and have been advice car operates as intended. There is also a hissing noise coming from the rear driverside tire area near the gas tank.

NHTSA ODI 11619277

Upon parking after 20-mile drive, severe leak of transmission oil from transmission oil cooler area, no warning messages/lights or fault codes present. No evidence of leak at starting point for drive, was sudden failure internal to transmission cooler with no evidence of impact/vibration damage or corrosion; failure was perhaps at welds of fins to tubing. Leaking oil creates fire and slip hazard, lack of any kind of warning to driver would have allowed continued driving until transmission failed except for luck that this was short trip. Vehicle has never been damaged in a crash, has been carefully inspected and maintained since purchase new. This is not a wear item and should never fail without external damage or corrosion, certainly not at 45,000 miles. Difficult to believe that this anything other than a manufacturing defect on this early production (VIN ending 002034) vehicle. Repaired by Lexus dealer with Lexus covering half of cost as “goodwill” (cost to me at ~$1,050 incl. towing), although dealer attempted to return vehicle without having reinstalled air duct and lower shroud.

NHTSA ODI 11612018

The hood latch and cable malfunctioned three times in one year. Once in January 2024 (I replaced the latch); once in July 2024 (the dealer recommended to eventually replace the cable, but was able to fix it); and most recently on [XXX] (the dealer identified the cable was faulty and needed to be replaced). The hood would close but not all the way and the hood release had no tension. There was prior warning or symptoms prior to the hood lock failure. All the records for this is with the service department of Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly, VA. I attached the most recent service visit. I took it to the Lexus dealer service center each time. I am getting it fixed this weekend by another service shop (because Lexus charges too much). This was extremely dangerous because if the hood is not secure, it could open at any time while driving and cause an accident, especially at high speeds. There is the potential that if the hood does not lock when closed after it opens, that it could possibly fly open while the car is in motion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11610569

Good Afternoon, This is in relation to Customer Support Program (20LE02) - Rear Inside Door Handle May Become Inoperative. The Rear right inside door handle of my Lexus 350 became inoperative recently, but I never received a notice regarding 20LE02.

NHTSA ODI 11608716

Timing chain cover oil leak is a wellknown issue for Lexus/Toyota V6 engine for more than a decade. The company is still reluctant to provide a long term solution. This 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport was first discovered Timing Cover oil leak at 49166 miles and was resealed on [XXX] 2021. One year later, on [XXX] 2022, valve cover gasket oil leak was found at 57608 miles. Two months later, on [XXX], 2022, Timing Cover oil leak was discovered again at 58821 miles. Then two months later, on [XXX] 2022, oil leak was discovered again at 59864 miles. [All above was repaired by Thompson Lexus in Doylestown, PA under Lexus Powertrain Warranty.] Now, two years and 15000 miles later, the car is currently developing the same oil leak again at 76500 miles. The car is out of warranty, the repair will cost $7000. Toyota/Lexus should provide a longterm sustainable solution for this problem instead of advising repair shop to merely reseal the cover, which will eventually leak again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11590057

Lexus RX350 has Timing Cover Gasket issue. My car is manufactured in 2016 and had only 59,757 miles on it but late last year the dealership discovered the leak after an oil change. The cost for repair is estimated $6500+ I am an engineer and researched the issue. I noticed that many people reported on Timing Cover Gasket issue in RX350 cars. I even learned that the next design flaw in RX350 is the water pump. I contacted the Lexus company and reported on the issue. They offered me $2000 discount. This means they are aware of the issue. I believe Lexus shall fix this issue since it can turn into a safety hazard. If customers don't notice the leak, or leave engine oil leaks unchecked, the engine could seize up, or even catch on fire. Please make Lexus to recall Lexus RX350 Timing Cover Gasket, (and water pump). Thanks and be safe, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11586578

Loss of power brake assist. The Lexus dealer diagnosed a failed vacuum pump. This is common with the 2016/2017 RX 350's. Lexus has admitted a manufacturing problem with the pumps and has a service bulletin (L-SB-0010-18) and a safety recall on the 2017's (JLD J2D). The recall should be extended to the 2016's. There are tons of people posting on the internet about failed vacuum pumps and resultant safety issues.

NHTSA ODI 11578550

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the moon roof independently fractured. The contact stated no object had struck the moon roof to cause the fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the moon roof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ODI 11555256

There is oil leak from timing belt casing. Only have 71000 miles on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11519281

The vehicle sustained water damage due to Hurricane Ida in September 2021 and was repaired at the dealership. In February 2023, the battery needed replacing for a third time since then and I was told that the front and rear carpeting was soaking wet, again, and it was due to the moonroof rails being clogged. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being assessed and repairs should be borne by the dealer/manufacturer; NOT THE CONSUMER. If this is specific to my vehicle only, then I have a lemon. If it has happened to others, then it should be recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11517206

Auto transmission frequently jerks and seems to search for a gear when starting from a stop. This problem is noted in other vehicles manufactured by Toyota. Dealerships tell me it is a reported problem but there is no remedy. Problem exists from date of purchase May 2016.

NHTSA ODI 11516571

2016 LEXUS RX-360. CONSUMER STATED THAT FAILED TO STOP WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION.

NHTSA ODI 11510552

Water may leak from heavy rain, from the sunroof region into a part of the roof, leading to water leaking from the interior microphone above the driver seat. Seems to be a common issue amongst 2016-2017 RX350’s but no recalls. This is a safety issue given that the microphone is where the water leaks to, compromising other electrical systems. In addition, water builds and wets the headliner causing mold/mildew smell, possibly leading to future mold build up which is harmful to health. Lexus in Houston inspected and stated a new sunroof is needed, which is costly, although this is a manufacturer flaw.

NHTSA ODI 11482325

Around the middle of the month of January of 2022, I discovered that my 2016 Lexus RX350 has massive oil leak from timing chain cover. Thompson Lexus dealership confirmed this oil leak. This leak not just happened, but it has happened long ago at least 6 months prior to the time that I discovered based on old oil dirty debris deposits and paints popped out and rusted caused by prolong oil on the frame. The reason that did not detect the oil leak right away was that I have almost not used the car at all for the past two years due to Covid situation. Second, I have parked my car on my lawn, so that could not see oil drops. Third, I put my trust on Lexus and Toyota products, so I have not inspected for oil leak periodically. This oil leak has soaked many parts of the engine, frame, electrical connections, and possibly other moving parts such pulleys and belts. This can potentially create smoke or fire hazard and belt and pulley slippery which can lead to accidents. At the time of the oil leak, my car was under 54,000 miles and under 6 years, so it was still under powertrain warranty with is 6 years and 70,000 miles. I have contacted Lexus several times regarding this matter. I told them about location of the oil leak and when oil started leaking, my car was still under powertrain warranty but Lexus refused to pay for the timing cover repair. After doing research on RX350 from timing chain cover, I have found out that a lot of Lexus RX350 has developed oil leak from timing chain cover since year 2009 or 2010 model to 2016 year model. Some RX350 developed timing chain cover oil leak from a few thousand miles of first use to 38,000 miles. Lexus was aware of the problem, but completely ignored and failed address the problem and issue a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11451061

The sunroof exploded while driving at freeway speeds with no apparent reason. Temperature was 75 degrees outside.

NHTSA ODI 11437699

I brought my vehicle in for damage sustained due to flooding from hurricane Ida. I was told that part of the damage was to 3 tires. I was later informed that the tires need to be replaced due to wear & tear. This vehicle had 18,969 miles of local driving at the time. I’ve never heard of tires being “worn out” on a vehicle purchased brand new with such low mileage. There has to be some kind of defect!

NHTSA ODI 11437100