2013 Lexus RX
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 20 of 90 complaints (22%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (10) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 47 in 2012 to 90 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,650–3,900 | 2,650–3,100 | 2,650–3,100 | 2,650–3,100 | 2,650–3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–29 | 20–29 | 20–29 | 20–29 | 20–29 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18–31 / 24–28 | 18–31 / 24–28 | 18–31 / 24–28 | 18–31 / 24–28 | 18–31 / 24–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 306–444 | 306–444 | 301–444 | 301–446 | 301–445 | |
| Complaints filed | 72 | 47 | 90 | 28 | 67 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 22 | 11 | 15 | 8 | 9 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 13 | 13 | 16 | 5 | 6 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Lexus RX have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Lexus RX?
Brakes: 20 of 90 NHTSA complaints (22%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Lexus RX get?
EPA rates it 20–29 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Lexus RX?
EPA estimates $2,650–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 18 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 429 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 31 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | $2,650 (low) | 301 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,750 | 312 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 422 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 20 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Steering | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 11 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 12 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 12 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 20 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Campaign 14V054000 · Feb 12, 2014
Defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.