This page covers 2 recalls, 30 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2011 Lexus Rx350.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Across 2011 Lexus RX350 complaints, brakes and the powertrain draw the most attention. On the brake side, owners report reduced stopping power and a pedal that feels soft or requires greater effort than expected. Powertrain complaints center on the oil cooler lines, where owners describe oil leaks, in some cases accompanied by clicking sounds, illuminated AWD and oil pressure warning lights, and smoke from the engine compartment. A recurring detail is that the rubber oil cooler hose loses integrity under pressure, and several owners note the vehicle had to be towed after the leak was discovered while driving at highway speeds. Airbag complaints make up the third-largest group, though the reported symptoms there are less consistent across owners. The oil cooler line issue is the most specific and repeated mechanical pattern in this complaint set.
30
Total Complaints
15
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Lexus RX350 has two recalls, the most serious being a stuck accelerator pedal that can cause the vehicle to reach very high speeds and become difficult to stop, raising the risk of a serious crash.
The second recall affects models equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, where a calibration error in the hydraulic brake control valves can increase stopping distances and reduce the system's ability to correct a slide on slippery or uneven surfaces.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal can become stuck in the wide open position when trapped by a driver's floor mat that is unsecured or not designed for the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify or replace the accelerator pedal and replace any incompatible driver's floor mat with the correct one for your vehicle.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake control valve calibration is incorrect, which may prevent the right front wheel from being properly controlled when the antilock brake system or vehicle stability control activates.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake actuator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
