2010 Lexus RX: engine failure

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

I was looking at common problems associated with the make and model of my car. I came across an issue that could possibly cause engine failure. I am unsure if any one has reported it yet. here are the details - Problem overview An VVT-i oil line on the Lexus RX350 is known to burst. This is a very large leak which covers the ground, engine, and undercarriage. If the oil line ruptures while driving, the low engine oil message and engine oil pressure warnings will illuminate. Continued use after these warnings will result in complete engine failure due to oil starvation. The line is known to be defective, and a revised part has been issued by Toyota, however, this revised part is known for the same issue. To repair the issue, the line must be replaced, and the engine bay and undercarriage must be cleaned thoroughly. The problem has occured generally around 120k miles. Here is the link to the website that has collected information from 116 users. Requesting you to please check if this a problem that needs a recall? [XXX] ely report it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Engine · CO

Pot affects 2007-2011 RX350/450= 459,285 units. 1. On Friday, [XXX], the oil cooler pipe burst on our 2010 RX350. 2. All six quarts of engine oil were lost in approximately 700 feet while traveling at 70–75 mph on the highway. 3. Massive amounts of smoke poured from the front of the vehicle & through the air vents, causing my wife & daughter to fear for their safety due to risk of a fire & smoke inhalation. 4. No warning lights appeared on the dash, meaning the vehicle could easily have been driven to engine failure had there been no smoke. 5. 2 Colorado Department of Transportation vehicles & a State Trooper stopped to be sure they were ok & monitor the risk of a fire. 8. Towed & Lexus dealership confirmed seen many 3rd gen RXs with this same issue, some with seized engines because no dash warnings were triggered.  9. Lexus updated part from RUBBER to STEE, acknowledging design flaw.  Major Safety Concerns This failure represents a serious safety risk that could have resulted in fire, injury, death, or catastrophic engine/property damage. - Oil spray on hot engine components like the headers & exhaust pipes (700-1100F) poses a legitimate fire hazard considering oil flashpoint (400-700F). - Oil sprayed onto the brakes increased the risk of loss of braking & traction control in sudden/emergency maneuvers. - Engine seizing/stop due to loss of oil could result in an accident if the vehicle stops suddenly on the highway when it seizes, loses control, or the electric steering, braking &/or other safety systems fail. - If this had occurred on a mountain descent from the Rockies into Denver or any other long descent, a fire caused by oil spraying on 700-800F brake rotors or loss of control could have occurred. - Entire underside of the vehicle is coated in oil, contaminating the rear brakes, potentially damaging wiring, solenoids, & other safety-critical components, as well as representing an additional fire risk due to oil on the exhaust pipe.  INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

Filed Jan 11, 2025 · Engine · MO

The the VVI oil line failed in April of 2024. Contacted Lexus corporate via phone and problem was never resolved. Fast forward to November 2024 and after paying to have VVI oil line replaced the motor failed on the highway. Mechanic said complete engine failure. THIS CAR WAS A CERTIFIED USED LEXUS AND THEY FAILED TO REPLACE THE VVI DURING THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS! Prior to buying this used car from an individual I called Hendricks Lexus 6935 W Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66203 and spoke to service advisor Willie who said if you have any problems with that vehicle bring it in and Lexus IS making good on the hybrid vehicles. After purchase I went to Hendricks 9300 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153 multiple times for parts and service history. I spoke to parts manager, service manager and several others and NOT ONE PERSON INFORMED ME OF THE PROBLEM AND IMMEDIATE NEED FOR CONCERN! HOW DID THIS CAR GET CERTIFIED PRIOR TO THE PREVIOS OWNER BUYING THE VEHICLE “CERTIFIED”? I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT HAD BEEN COMPLETELY CERTIFIED AND GIVEN THE 6 year additional warranty to the owner I purchased it from, although they were still considerably below the miles guaranteed with the certification. How did Lexus allow this vehicle to pass the certification without replacing a $100 part that could result in catastrophic failure. THIS CAR WAS SOLD AT A PREMIUM BECAUSE OF THE CERTIFICATION, YET A PART THAT HAD BEEN RECONFIGURED AND IDENTIFIED AS CONTRIBUTING TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AS EARLY AS 2012 WAS LEFT ON THE VEHICLE!

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Engine · 128,000 miles · TX

Major oil leaking from a faulty engine oil cooler line while car is moving or turned on. Oil is all over entire undercarriage, back bumper, back windshield & wiper and inside of tires. Garage floor and driveway have oil splattered everywhere. The whole back of car is cover in oil. After researching, I found this is a known issue for lexus rx 350/450h models between 2009-2011. No oil or engine warning light came on. Even after the faulty part is repaired, my concern then becomes potential engine failure from lack of oil.

Filed Mar 3, 2020 · Engine · 160,000 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 lexus rx 350. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off to the side of the road and checked the oil. There was no oil in the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the oil coolant line fractured. The vehicle was repaired and returned to the contact. After picking up the vehicle, while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle started to drive roughly. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.