Does the Lexus RX Have Expensive Maintenance Costs?
When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Lexus lineup has 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 Lexus RX maintenance costs and some of the most common problems for 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 reliability rating of four stars, which is above average. That $550 yearly repair cost estimate is about average for a luxury SUV. The average across all vehicles is $652 for both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs.
The Lexus RX 350 has a reliability rating of four stars. That is above average compared to other luxury midsize SUVs. It also has a low score for the severity of repairs, meaning it could be an easy fix compared to an expensive repair. The frequency of those visits is just average, meaning significant issues are uncommon for America’s favorite SUV.
Since Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota, Lexus RX maintenance costs are lower than some of its more expensive competitors. That 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 maintenance every 5,000 miles. Some of the Lexus maintenance items done at that interval include an engine oil change, filter change, and tire rotation. Fluid and regular multi-point inspections are also common. As the mileage increases, more maintenance items are required, such as air filter replacement, brake system flushes, and new brakes and tires.
Most new Lexus RX SUVs come with maintenance when purchased new, which means there is no cost for the first few years of maintenance. This length of time can vary but is usually for 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 about what Lexus RX maintenance needs to be done and at what intervals. Newer engines generally 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 landing on the list of vehicles cruising past 150,000 miles easily.
What are some common RX problems?
The most common RX problem reported is a massive oil leak or loss of oil pressure. Some Lexus RX SUVs and Toyota vehicles have an issue with the VVT-i oil line bursting or rupturing. This causes a massive oil leak and can cover the ground, engine, and everything under it to be covered in oil. A low oil warning will likely appear on the dashboard if the oil line breaks while driving. The oil will run out quickly if the vehicle does not immediately stop, and it can cause complete oil failure.
Overall, Lexus RX maintenance is cheaper and less frequent than many of the vehicles in the same luxury segment. Keeping up with the routine maintenance items will help keep repair costs down overall. 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.
