2021 Lexus RX recalls and problems

The 2021 Lexus RX has 1 recall and 71 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is air bags.

2021 Lexus Rx
Photo: 2021 Lexus Rx by Pawelweg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2021 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Highest complaint count among 27 RX model years — 2nd most.

1recalls
71complaints
9crashes
0fires
9injuries
58,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

1 recall

Air Bags

Dec 20, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Air Bags47
Unknown or other7
Electrical System4
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Seat Belts4
Service Brakes4
Structure4
Engine2
Tires2
Visibility2

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2021: 1 complaints20212022: 6 complaints20222023: 2 complaints20232024: 30 complaints2024302025: 30 complaints20252026: 2 complaints20262

2021 vs. other Lexus RX years

2000: 29 complaints20002001: 19 complaints2002: 12 complaints2003: 4 complaints20032004: 40 complaints2005: 27 complaints2006: 32 complaints20062007: 58 complaints2008: 70 complaints2009: 34 complaints20092010: 77 complaints772011: 29 complaints2012: 12 complaints20122013: 19 complaints2014: 12 complaints2015: 20 complaints20152016: 28 complaints2017: 48 complaints2018: 26 complaints20182019: 34 complaints2020: 48 complaints2021: 71 complaints20212022: 29 complaints2023: 62 complaints2024: 62 complaints20242025: 23 complaints2026: 14 complaints202614

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2021. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2021 Lexus RX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2021 Lexus RX, the latest from Dec 20, 2023 (air bags). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus RX?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention air bags (47), unknown or other (7), electrical system (4). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.