2021 Lexus RX 350
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 71 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 6 RX 350 model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 9 involved a crash. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
4 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 27, 2026
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), 12V Battery/Electrical System. My vehicle's 12V battery failed, with the dealership measuring voltage below 10V during the event. This caused multiple simultaneous module malfunctions (confirmed by the dealer as caused by the battery failure), including a complete inability to move the vehicle after jump-starting on three separate attempts — the engine ran, but the vehicle would not drive despite a functioning alternator. The vehicle's steering wheel also locked, preventing the car from being pushed to a safe location. Approximately 3 months after this event, a routine service visit revealed the rear brake pads had worn from 8mm (measured at time of purchase) to 2mm (failed), while the front pads wore from 10mm to 7.8mm (normal wear) over the same period and mileage. The rear pads wore roughly 3 times faster than the front, which is inconsistent with normal vehicle operation, since front brakes handle proportionally more braking load and are fitted with larger rotors for this reason on this and virtually all vehicles. The rear brake caliper is the only caliper equipped with the EPB motor/actuator; the front calipers are purely hydraulic. The selling dealer's pre-purchase report also noted noise from the rear brakes at time of purchase, which is consistent with the EPB's position calibration having been disrupted at some point prior to my ownership (e.g., from a prior battery event or service) and never properly relearned/recalibrated afterward — producing a low-level drag from the outset. My own battery failure event (voltage measured below 10V) would then have compounded this already-uncalibrated system, worsening the drag and producing the rapid 6mm of wear observed in the following months. This points to one underlying EPB calibration fault, aggravated by repeated voltage instability over time, rather than an unrelated mechanical issue — see attached documents for more information.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2025
My 2021 Lexus RX 350 (mileage approx. [19,000], has developed a severe mold contamination issue caused by HVAC condensate drain failure. This issue is a known design defect covered by Lexus Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0020-21, which identifies blockage or poor drainage in the HVAC system that allows water to enter the cabin. As a result, water intrusion under the carpet has led to mold growth, making the vehicle uninhabitable and unsafe to drive. The cabin now contains visible mold and musty odor, raising serious health and air quality concerns. I brought the vehicle to Lexus of Route 10 (Whippqny, NJ), who acknowledged the water intrusion but have refused to repair it under warranty or goodwill. Instead, they are pressuring me to file a personal insurance claim, even though the issue stems from a known factory defect. The vehicle has now been out of service for weeks, and I am driving a loaner vehicle while mold continues to worsen in mine. Lexus Corporate stated that they "no longer goodwill" these repairs, despite the ongoing safety and hygiene risks. There has been no recall or warranty extension, and I believe other owners may be similarly affected by this unresolved defect. This is a serious safety issue due to the potential for mold-related health problems, interior air contamination, and possible electrical damage from long-term moisture. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether this HVAC defect poses a broader consumer risk, and whether Lexus is avoiding its responsibilities to repair or disclose this issue to other drivers.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2024
Multiple Models and Model Years Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy NHTSA SENSORS not working. The campaign number is 23V865 : OCS Sensors May Short Circuit An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Components AIR BAGS The official recall release date was December 20, 2023.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 5, 2024
I am writing to you regarding the vehicle safety which I became aware of recently but there was no solution provided. IF this happened to me, it can happen to anyone driving the same model and needs to be addressed as soon as possible before the fatality occurs as this is danger to the public.I was driving a vehicle on [XXX] after just picking it up from service (serviced at Ray Catena Lexus on [XXX] for 15,000 miles service and oil change) at the rate of speed approximately 65 mph. All of sudden the vehicle started making noises, transmission shifted from auto to lower manual gear and I was barely able to keep control of the vehicle. Luckily, I was able to pull over safely, turned it off, gave it some break and turned back on. Vehicle seemed to be operational and since I was close to the AmTrak train in Washington DC, I have decided to take the train as intended to Florida along with a vehicle. Upon arrival in Florida, I was able to take the vehicle to the dealership JM Lexus on [XXX]. I explained the problem and they checked the vehicle and released it to me shortly saying that there was nothing wrong. This dealership charged me $141.92. As I just left the dealership and got on the highway, the vehicle started to act up again. I was only able to take it back to the same dealership on [XXX], the mechanics did another check on the vehicle and discovered that the spiral cable had an oily residue on it and that was the reason for the electronic issue I was having, but that cable was not covered by the warranty and I was quoted $1,800.00 to get it fixed. Which is odd considering that not only did I buy out of this vehicle a few weeks prior but the vehicle was just serviced on [XXX] (with odometer reading at 12,728 miles) never giving any issues prior. After having a back and forth conversation, they dropped the price to nearly $1,000.00 but being concerned for my and my spouses safety, I had no choice but to pay. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)