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2018 Lexus RX problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Lexus RX is brakes. Its complaint count is close to a typical RX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
77/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
27
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
21-30mpg

The worst 2018 Lexus RX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    6
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Fuel system
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    6
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Lexus RX 27

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 27 bulletins for the 2018 Lexus RX

2018 Lexus RX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cyl HybridAWD29-312829-30
3.5L 6‑cylAWD18-1925-2621-22
3.5L 6‑cylFWD192622

What 2018 Lexus RX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · CA

Car dead stopped two times in the middle of roads. No warning. No signal. Just hard stopped.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Airbags · VA · crash · 1 injury

On XXX, our 2018 Lexus RX 350L was involved in a high-speed collision in [XXX]. The vehicle struck a Jersey/concrete barrier with the left front of the vehicle. The collision caused extensive damage to the left-front corner of the vehicle. The left-front wheel and suspension were severely displaced, with substantial damage extending through the left-front body structure toward the driver's door area. The vehicle was subsequently declared a total loss by the insurance company. Despite the severity of the collision, none of the vehicle's airbags deployed, including the driver's frontal airbag and driver's side curtain airbag. I am reporting this because I am concerned that the Supplemental Restraint System may not have operated as designed. I am not in a position to determine whether the impact met Lexus's deployment criteria and am requesting that the non-deployment be reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue. The vehicle currently remains available in salvage custody. The insurance company has been asked to preserve the vehicle so that the Event Data Recorder and/or airbag control module can be examined if necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CA

I was starting to lose control of the car and took it to the dealership for a check . The car has only 52000 miles and the Ball Joints and the sway bar links are leaking grease according to the dealer

Filed Mar 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

1. Check engine light comes on. 2. Intelligent collision system (ICS) plashing while driving

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · IL

The 12.3-inch display of the instrument panel is blank at startup. Operating the vehicle with this display blank reduces the ability to see certain malfunction indicators. If malfunctions occur while driving, continuing to drive could lead to an increased risk of a crash or an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Engine · FL

Engine block #1 misfire , 02/gasoline ratio level problem

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Visibility · OK

I have a panoramic sunroof and the sunshade retracts when the switch is pressed but the shade bunches up and stops before fully retracting. It appears from online searches that it’s a well known problem with Lexus and can result in a very costly repair that’s caused in no part by the owners of the vehicles. A recall of this manufacturing defect needs to be issued.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Body · 47,518 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon arriving to the residence and parking the vehicle, the front driver’s side door failed to open while pulling on the interior door handle. The contact rolled down the window and was able to open the front driver’s side door while pulling the exterior door handle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Lexus Special Service Campaign Number: 20LC02. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,518.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Body · NY

On our 2018 Lexus RX 350 L, the left front interior door handle broke and we had to roll the window down and open the door from the outside. I learned that there was a recall - Lexus Special Service Campaign 20LC02 but our Lexus VIN was not listed. Our Lexus Model/year was manufactured in 05/18 and that was within the production period of the recall, April 2015 to September 2018. I believe that Lexus not including our suv's VIN in the recall was an oversight. As a result, I reached out to Smithown Lexus in NY and they did not honor the recall and wanted $219 + tax just diagnose the problem. I also called Lexus Guest Experience Center at 1‑800‑255‑3987 and thety also did not honor the recall. Since, I purchased and installed the door handle. Is there a way I can get get reimbursed for parts and labor of $450?

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · MI

iOS lite has come on for the second time. Sensor had to be replaced early this year. Cost $500.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 Lexus RX before you buy

Compare the 2018 Lexus RX

RX vs Acura MDXRX vs BMW X5RX vs Volvo XC90RX vs Audi Q7RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE 350RX vs Cadillac XT5

Other model years

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Questions about the 2018 Lexus RX

Is the 2018 Lexus RX reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2018 Lexus RX, close to a typical RX model year.

What is the 2018 Lexus RX year score?

The 2018 Lexus RX scores 77 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus RX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Lexus RX?

Brakes, with 6 complaints. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus RX have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Lexus RX get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Lexus RX range from 21 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl hybrid, AWD) gets 29-31 city and 28 highway.

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