Lexus carsCode AL20
Lexus RX IV problems (2015–2022)
Beyond the engine, the fourth-generation RX has three European safety campaigns: airbag pressure sensors (2015 RX 450h), passenger airbag inflator (2016 RX 450h) and moisture in the washer nozzle heater, with a risk of fire (2015-2018). One RX 450h from the auto motor und sport long-term test passed 100,000 km without faults.[1][2][3][4]
Lexus RX IV rating: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 3 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension10.0No documented faults
- Brakes10.0No documented faults
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering10.0No documented faults
- Electrical system7.91 fault
- Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
- Airbags and safety6.12 faults
The weak points of the Lexus RX IV
- 1Critical severity: Fault in the airbag pressure sensors (2015 RX 450h)Airbags and safety
- 2High severity: Hybrid passenger airbag inflator that can release gas without deployment (2016 RX 450h)Airbags and safety
- 3High severity: Moisture in the washer nozzle heater (short circuit and risk of fire)Electrical system
Outside the engine
3 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Campaign 19SMD-121 / Safety Gate alert A12/00216/20: washer nozzle heater. See the campaigns for the Lexus RX IV
Faults of the Lexus RX IV outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.
Airbags and safety
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyFault in the airbag pressure sensors (2015 RX 450h)Safety Gate notified in February 2018 (alert A12/0208/18) a possible fault in the pressure sensors of the airbag system of 2015 Lexus RX 450h, and also of the NX 300h and Toyota Prius: it could prevent the curtain side airbags or the front airbags from deploying in a collision.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyHybrid passenger airbag inflator that can release gas without deployment (2016 RX 450h)Yes: Safety Gate notified in September 2016 (alert A12/1175/16) that the hybrid-type inflator of the passenger airbag of some 2016 RX 450h can open without a deployment signal, because of a badly welded or fitted rupture disc, and partially inflate the airbag.
Wear parts for the Lexus RX IV
Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.
Brake pads
Brake discs
Wiper blades
Pollen filter
Battery
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Lexus RX IV reliable?
Beyond the engine, the fourth-generation RX has three European safety campaigns: airbag pressure sensors (2015 RX 450h), passenger airbag inflator (2016 RX 450h) and moisture in the washer nozzle heater, with a risk of fire (2015-2018). One RX 450h from the auto motor und sport long-term test passed 100,000 km without faults.
What problems does the Lexus RX IV have apart from the engine?
Beyond the engine, the fourth-generation RX has three European safety campaigns: airbag pressure sensors (2015 RX 450h), passenger airbag inflator (2016 RX 450h) and moisture in the washer nozzle heater, with a risk of fire (2015-2018). One RX 450h from the auto motor und sport long-term test passed 100,000 km without faults. The most important documented faults are: fault in the airbag pressure sensors (2015 RX 450h) (airbags and safety, critical severity), hybrid passenger airbag inflator that can release gas without deployment (2016 RX 450h) (airbags and safety, high severity) and moisture in the washer nozzle heater (short circuit and risk of fire) (electrical system, high severity).[1][2][3][4]
What is the best year to buy a Lexus RX IV?
According to our rating by year, the best are 2018 and 2017 (7.9/10); the worst rated is 2015 (6.1/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.
Does the Lexus RX IV have recalls?
Yes: we have documented 3 campaigns for the Lexus RX IV, such as campaign 19SMD-121 / Safety Gate alert A12/00216/20: washer nozzle heater (2020). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[3]
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Lexus RX450h (2015): alerta A12/0208/18 (sensores de presión de los airbags)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · published 18 February 2018 · consulted 2 November 2026
- Lexus RX 450h (2016): alerta A12/1175/16 (inflador del airbag del acompañante)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · published 29 September 2016 · consulted 2 November 2026
- Lexus RX 450h (2015-2018): alerta A12/00216/20 (calefactor de las boquillas de lavado)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · published 25 February 2020 · consulted 2 November 2026
- Lexus RX 450h im Dauertestauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 28 July 2019 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German