When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Lexus lineup comes in many different sizes and options. The Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle has a reputation for reliability that few others can match. However, luxury SUVs tend to have higher costs associated with ownership. Check out some of the Lexus RX maintenance costs and some of the most common problems with this popular SUV.
Is the Lexus RX expensive to maintain?
According to RepairPal, the Lexus RX 350 has an average annual repair cost of $550. Across the brand, Lexus has a four-star reliability rating, which is above average. This repair cost estimate of $550 per year is about average for a luxury SUV. The average for all vehicles is $652 for both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs.
The Lexus RX 350 has a four-star reliability rating. That’s above average compared to other luxury midsize SUVs. It also has a low repair severity rating, meaning it could be an easy fix compared to an expensive repair. The frequency of these visits is only average, meaning that significant problems are rare for America’s favorite SUV.
As Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota, maintenance costs for the Lexus RX are lower than some of its more expensive competitors. This has always been one of the brand’s biggest draws, and the RX only adds to that positive reputation.
What maintenance is required for the Lexus RX 350?
CarEdge says the RX should receive service every 5,000 miles. Some of the Lexus maintenance items performed at this interval include engine oil change, filter change, and tire rotation. Regular and multi-point fluid inspections are also common. As mileage increases, more maintenance items are required, such as air filter replacement, brake system flushing, and new brakes and tires.
Most new Lexus RX SUVs include maintenance when purchased new, meaning there is no cost for the first few years of maintenance. This period of time can vary, but is usually within the first six months of 5,000 miles or the first 12 months and 10,000 miles.
The owner’s manual has the most up-to-date information on what maintenance should be done on the Lexus RX and at what intervals. Newer engines tend to require maintenance and service at longer intervals, but some engines are higher maintenance than others. The Lexus RX has a pretty durable engine that is meant to last a long time, even making it to the list of vehicles that cross over 150,000 miles with ease.
What are some common RX problems?
The most common reported RX problem is a massive oil leak or loss of oil pressure. Some Lexus RX SUVs and Toyota vehicles have a problem with the VVT-i oil line breaking or rupturing. This causes a massive oil leak and can coat the floor, engine and everything underneath to become covered in oil. A low oil warning will likely appear on the dashboard if the oil line breaks while driving. The oil will quickly run out if the vehicle is not stopped immediately and can cause complete oil failure.
In general, maintenance on the Lexus RX is cheaper and less frequent than many vehicles in the same luxury segment. Keeping up with routine maintenance items will help reduce overall repair costs. These inspections can often catch small problems before escalation. Following the exact information outlined in the owner’s manual will be the best course of action to keep your RX running at its best.
