2016 Lexus RC300

The 2016 Lexus RC300 is a luxury coupe that offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance. The RC300 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include a 3.5-liter V6 available in the RC 350 (306 hp/277 lb-ft) and a hybrid version (RC 300h). Owners often praise the RC300 for its attractive design, comfortable interior, and smooth ride. Common complaints revolve around the infotainment system’s complexity, limited rear seat space, and somewhat uninspiring performance compared to rivals.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (2AR-FTS)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-ups between scheduled services. This could manifest as the need to add a quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles.
  • Solution: Diagnosis is required to determine the source of the oil consumption. It can be difficult to determine what causes excessive oil consumption and may involve an engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Aisin AA80E 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of harsh shifting, particularly during downshifts, and occasional hesitation when accelerating from a stop. This may also be accompanied by a clunking noise.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update of the transmission control module (TCM) can address the issue. In more severe cases, internal components such as valve body or solenoids may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $3,000+ (transmission rebuild or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes or reboots unexpectedly. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: A software update is often released to address software glitches. If problems persist, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle might experience issues with its sensors, such as the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), parking sensors, or blind-spot monitoring system. Symptoms include error messages on the dashboard or incorrect readings from these systems.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor that is malfunctioning using an OBDII scanner. Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported cracking or melting on the dashboard, particularly in warmer climates. This is often attributed to the material’s reaction to heat and sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard, although expensive, is the most common solution. Some owners opt for dashboard covers as a temporary fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• DRL (Daytime Running Light) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The LED daytime running lights may fail or flicker, affecting the vehicle’s visibility.
  • Solution: Replacement of the DRL assembly or entire headlight unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Lexus RC300 presents a mix of minor and potentially more significant issues. While some problems, like infotainment glitches, can be addressed with software updates, others, such as dashboard cracking and excessive oil consumption, can be costly to repair. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and conduct thorough inspections before purchasing.