MotorDeets

2016 Lexus RX350: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2016 Lexus RX350: 3 recalls, 58 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
58owner complaints
11mention a crash
23best combined mpg
2016 Lexus RX350
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #16V053000 · 2016 · 5,072 vehicles

What's wrong: Due to an improper weld, the gas needed to inflate the driver's knee air bag May escape from the inflator.

Why it matters: A defective inflator May increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the knee air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2016.

Stability control, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #16V198000 · 2016 · 16,656 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that May have a damaged o-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, traction control, or stability control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 126, "electronic stability control systems."

Why it matters: Insufficient brake fluid pressure May cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016.

Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #18V085000 · 2018 · 48,672 vehicles

What's wrong: The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors May fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.

Why it matters: If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Other / unknown19
Airbags9
Brakes8
Transmission & drivetrain7
Electrical5
Engine5
Speed control / throttle5
Visibility/Wiper5

What owners describe

The 2016 Lexus RX350 has 58 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 20 RX350 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 42). Complaints peaked in 2017 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 17,865 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (42 complaints, 1 recalls), 2017 (46 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.5 L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive202723Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Lexus RX350.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2016 Lexus RX350 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2016 Lexus RX350 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2016 Lexus RX350 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2016 Lexus RX350 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2016 Lexus RX350 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Lexus RX350. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 Lexus RX350 problems?

Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (19), airbags (9), brakes (8).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Lexus RX350 get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2016 Lexus RX350 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other RX350 years

20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023