Johmel

I have been driving a 2013 Lexus GS Sedan that I love, though I'm an SUV person. I want to be able to leave my bike rack in the hitch and hit the trails whenever I want to and stop by Home Depot on the way home. I've been considering a 2014 or 2015 Lexus RX - I had read that 2014 is one to consider, as it did not have any recalls. I like these years as they are a little smaller than the models from 2016 forward when they were redesigned. My family thinks it's crazy to buy a model this old and thinks I should at least buy a 2018. I keep my autos for a long time and don't want to be penny foolish if 2018 is just a lot better. Would appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

RX in NC

Any 3rd generation RX buyer (model years 2010 to 2015) should be aware of the well-known areas where these vehicles can have issues:
- Timing cover oil leak
- Leaking rear shocks
- Front control arm bushing degradation
- Wheel hub failure
- Transmission shift issues
- Poor seat leather quality

The 3.5 engine is susceptible to developing a leak weeping from the timing cover due to insufficient RTV gasket material applied by the factory robots. Most owners do not lose enough oil from this weep to have to add oil between oil changes. But it can make a small mess down the rear passenger side of the engine. Addressing the leak by applying a new RTV gasket on the timing cover requires removing the engine, so most folks with this leak do NOT go to the expense of fixing it. Just be sure to check your oil level on a regular basis.

The leaking rear shocks issue was supposedly addressed by Lexus by the 2014 / 2015 model year. My wife has a 2015 RX350 FWD with 91,500 miles and thus far her rear shocks have not leaked, so perhaps Lexus actually did go to a more robust rear shock by 2014.

The front control arm bushings will typically show some surface cracks by 60,000 miles or so. That is normal and those bushings remain just fine. But if they show evidence of ripping or tearing, they need to be replaced.

Wheel bearing failures on these vehicles seem to be rather common. I had to replace my wife's left rear wheel hub at 83,000 miles due to the wheel speed sensor built into the hub failing and NOT being a separate part. Poor design - all wheel speed sensors should be removable parts.

The transmission in these vehicles is mediocre. Change the ATF with the proper fluid every 50,000 miles or so (no such animal as "lifetime fluid" of any type in any vehicle) and do not drive these RXs like a race car (no jackrabbit starts or stops) and you will probably be fine.

The seat leather is too thin and of suspect quality. Lexus really dropped the ball here. The leather in my 1999 Ram, my 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R, and my wife's 2006 Jaguar XK8 is far better than this Lexus. Treat the seats carefully -- keep them clean and do not set sharp or heavy objects on them.

All in all, my wife's 2015 has been a better-than-average SUV in our household (we purchased it in late October 2018 at 32,750 miles). She likes it better than I do. It's build quality is not as good as her 2004 RX330 was, though.

Johmel

RX in NC,

Thank you so much for that level of detail... honestly that makes me want to work a little harder and save the additional money for 2018.

RX in NC

Be aware that with a 2018 model, I believe you will still have the same engine and transmission. And you may still have the same front control arms and wheel hubs. The leather in the 2018 model is reported to be better quality.

And notice I said that you CAN have these various issues. I did not say that you WILL have them. You simply need to be aware of them and do thorough service history research on whatever vehicle you decide to pursue.

Johmel

Thanks again RX in NC - appreciate you clarifying it's a "may". Curious if you (and readers) were to purchase a newer RX (newer than 2015) what year would it be? I had read to stay clear of 2016, as that is when they were redesigned. Consumer Reports seems to give 2018 a good score not sure if that is a good place for data.

RX in NC

I would not purchase one (I much prefer my 2013 Outback 3.6R -- it is quicker, faster, more fun to drive, allows me to feel the road because it does not have electric steering, and is much more capable of doing the things I need to do than any RX) but my wife would. She has had three RX models during the past 20 years (a 2000 RX300, a 2004 RX330, and her current 2015 RX350). Lexus changed to a 4-cylinder turbo engine with a CVT starting with the 2023 model year. Because I am the one who must maintain and repair our vehicles, my rules say no 4-bangers, no turbos, and no CVTs allowed in our fleet. Works for me.

Abrar

hello, I would like to add my 2c, I have a 2015 rx350 f-sport. I got it used with 75k miles, it has no problems at all, no leaking timing cover, no rear shock leak, it has the 8 speed Asin transmission, not the 6 speed one from a regular Rx, it’s been flawless this far. Get the fluids changed at regular intervals.

the leather on the seats do develop some cracks on the surface, but a good leather balm and polish makes it supple and nice.

The only thing which I tend not to like much is the stiffer steering and suspension compared to non-fsport models.

it’s smooth and very comfortable. Very reliable vehicle.

you could go for a well maintained 2015 model year.

Johmel

Thank you for taking the time to respond - is 2015 the first year they had the 8-speed transmission?