2013 Lexus RX recalls & problems
The 2013 Lexus RX has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 19 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (7 complaints).
Recalls0safety recalls
Complaints19filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2013 Lexus RX.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
RX 450h Hybrid
29mpg combined
| City / highway | 31 / 28 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,850/year to fuel
RX 450h AWD Hybrid
28mpg combined
| City / highway | 29 / 27 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,950/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 7 | — |
| Electrical system Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer | 3 | — |
| Air bags | 2 | — |
| Service brakes | 2 | — |
| Structure Body | 2 | — |
| Steering | 2 | — |
| Power train | 1 | — |
| Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal | 1 | — |
| Lane departure Blind spot detection | 1 | — |
| Back over prevention Warnings | 1 | — |
| Suspension Front › Control arm | 1 | — |
| Engine | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Jun 24, 2026 · 151,219 milesElectrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud: The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 96,575. After reviewing an AutoCheck report by Experian the following day, the contact became aware that the mileage was 151,219. - Mar 20, 2026 · fireElectrical system
Vehicle was parked, engine off, and unattended. An internal electrical fire originated in the overhead/sunroof wiring area. Damage includes melted wiring harness near the sunroof, burned center console, and soot throughout the interior. The fire originated in a constant-power electrical circuit and spread downward into the cabin. There were no aftermarket modifications, no external heat sources, and no objects in the vehicle that could have caused ignition. Ambient temperature conditions were normal and insufficient to cause this damage. This represents a serious safety defect because the fire originated spontaneously within the vehicleâs electrical system and could have resulted in a… - Feb 10, 2026Service brakes
I was just driving regular and the rx350 started to jerk and apply the breaks by itself and slip and go side ways and the car behind me almost hit me because my Lexus started to stop hard and fast .im pressing the gas but itâs not accelerating.the engine wanted to stop and very dangerous Iâm scared to even drive the vehicle.i am the 3rd owner and now i know why the otheer people donât want it .there is a recall for that problem but im new to the car recalls so im not to shure what to do to get the car repaired .i would like this fix especially because it is a recall .thanks - Sep 24, 2025 · crashSteering
While my daughter was driving at about 1:15 PM in a residential neighborhood, the steering wheel suddenly jerked hard to the right and locked while in motion. This caused the vehicle to crash into a parked car. After the vehicle was towed home, the steering wheel remained locked with both front tires pointed sharply right. When I restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel immediately spun right on its own and locked again. It could not be moved manually, and the front tires stayed stuck in the fully turned position. This appears to be a critical steering system failure. It presents a severe safety risk and could easily result in serious injury or death. Note: I had the car towed home… - Oct 31, 2023Steering
When driving the car the steering column felt loose and when going over a railroad track or bump the steering column would jiggle. The car steering felt unsafe. Took it to the Lexus dealer in Austin Texas four or five times and they said they could not find a problem. This a a known issue on several models of Toyotas and Lexus vehicles since the early 2000âs. Toyotas/lexus continued to be manufactured with a faulty steering bussing. Because the car felt unsafe I took it to an authorized mechanic and they took the steering column apart and replaced a flawed steering bearing. The labor was $741 to disassemble and reassemble the steering column. The steering is fine now. I am so disappointed… - Apr 6, 2025Unknown or other
AC or Heating stopped working on Passenger side and Rear after not using it for a couple of weeks. I checked online and a lot of RX350 owners have this issue. - Jan 6, 2025Engine
When I was driving down the road there have been times that I smelled smoke and was concerned my car was on fire. I checked the oil and inspected around my car, and didn't find the source. Today when I took my car in for service I found out the source of the smoke has been for the past 4 months. There is engine oil leaking from the timing cover that I was informed by my Lexus Dealership today would cost $7,000 (approximate) to fix. I researched online and found that all vehicles with this particular engine are known to have this problem, and it is fairly common. Leaking oil can be a fire hazard, and it seems unacceptable that Lexus/Toyota let this issue continue without addressing it with a… - Jan 22, 2025 · 101,786 milesSuspension › Front › Control arm
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to either the left or right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the front control arms were torn and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,786.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.