Lexus RX450h common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Lexus RX450h is known for (2010–2016), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Lexus RX450h
Passenger airbag recall
Safety risk
2015–2017 · Electrical
What to look for: Check the airbag light goes out after start-up, and look for a passenger airbag recall entry in the Japanese service book.
Why it matters: Lexus told MLIT that the welding of the high-pressure gas sealing valve in the passenger airbag inflator was inadequate on some units so the valve opens at too low a pressure, and that the high-pressure gas can be released and the airbag deploy without being commanded to. This is a separate campaign from the Takata inflator work, so a car that is clear on Takata is not automatically clear on this.
What to look for: Check for warning lights that stay on together, and look for a mid-2025 brake campaign entry in the service book.
Why it matters: Lexus notified a service campaign in Japan stating that on the electric brake actuator, frequent braking wears the hydraulic control valve earlier than expected, that several warning lamps then light together, and that continued use brings on a buzzer and needs more pedal effort for less braking.
What to look for: Look under the front of the engine and around the oil filter for wet or swollen rubber oil cooler hoses.
Why it matters: Owners describe a sudden low-oil-pressure warning followed by knocking and a seized engine, or finding an oil puddle overnight with no obvious cause. Replacement lines are inexpensive compared with a replacement engine, so the state of this hose is worth confirming before buying.
What to look for: Check the airbag light goes out after start-up, and have Lexus NZ check the VIN for this recall.
Why it matters: The register states the insulation layers of the IC chip in the airbag sensor can peel and open-circuit, lighting the airbag lamp and potentially deactivating side/curtain and/or front airbags. A lit SRS lamp is also a WoF fail.
What to look for: Ask about hard starting or stalling, and look for a fuel pump recall entry dated November 2023 or later.
Why it matters: Lexus filed a further recall with MLIT in November 2023 for cars built 2017 to 2020 over the same fault as the earlier campaign: the resin impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump was moulded at too low a density, it swells in fuel and deforms, touches the pump case, the pump works badly and the engine can stop while the car is being driven.
2008–2011 · 2GR-FXE · hybrid · Exhaust and emissions
What to look for: Check the engine warning light goes out at start-up and stays off after a warm drive, and ask about its history.
Why it matters: Lexus notified a service campaign in Japan stating that the routing of the oxygen sensor used to detect catalyst deterioration was wrong, so the wiring breaks in service and the engine warning lamp lights. On a Japanese import, a lamp that has been cleared just before shipping is common, and this particular fault will come back rather than stay away.
What to look for: Lock and unlock every door with the remote and the switch, listening for each to click.
Why it matters: A failing lock actuator is a security and convenience problem rather than a breakdown, but it means replacing a door latch and actuator assembly, and buyers notice it straight away on a test drive.
Got a question about a Lexus RX450h? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.