2016 Lexus RX350

The 2016 Lexus RX350 is a popular luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and reliability. It’s generally considered a well-built vehicle, but like any car, it has its share of potential problems. The RX350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque) mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RX450h was also available, featuring a hybrid powertrain. Owners often praise the RX350 for its smooth driving experience and luxurious features, while some criticize its somewhat detached steering feel and infotainment system. This guide will focus on the RX350 with the standard V6 engine and 8-speed transmission.

Engine

3.5L 2GR-FE V6

• Oil Leaks from Timing Cover
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the front timing cover, usually noticed as oil drips on the ground or oil accumulation around the front of the engine. Can lead to low oil levels if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Resealing the timing cover with new gaskets and sealant. This requires removal of several engine components to access the timing cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak from the water pump area, overheating engine, coolant warning light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the water pump, thermostat, and coolant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Aisin AWF8F35)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report occasional harsh shifting, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation upon acceleration can also occur. In extreme cases this could be a valve body issue, however these issues are usually due to low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Checking and potentially changing the transmission fluid. In some cases, a software update from the dealership may help smooth out shift quality. For severe cases, valve body replacement is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid change $300-$600. Software update $100+. Valve Body Replacement $1500-$3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut/Shock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, noises (clunking or squeaking) from the suspension, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Failing Navigation/Infotainment Screen
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen flickering, going blank, unresponsive touch inputs.
  • Solution: Replacement of the entire infotainment screen or the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ (depending on replacement part and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Power Liftgate Actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Power liftgate failing to open or close properly, making unusual noises, or stopping mid-cycle.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power liftgate actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Braking System May Not Activate
  • Description/Symptoms: Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) may not activate automatically, as intended, in certain circumstances.
  • Solution: Lexus dealers will update the software for the PCS at no charge.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0
  • Recalls: NHTSA Recall Number: 17V237

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in warmer climates, due to sun exposure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive), or use of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500+ (dashboard replacement) / $50-$100+ (dashboard cover)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Lexus RX350 is a generally reliable vehicle. The most common issues revolve around minor engine oil leaks, water pump failure, and occasional transmission issues. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and power liftgate, can also occur. Interior issues like dashboard cracking are also possible. While some repairs, like timing cover resealing or infotainment screen replacement, can be costly, many of the other issues are relatively straightforward to address. The vehicle is also subject to one recall for the automatic braking system. Overall, prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed to identify any potential issues, especially looking for signs of oil leaks, coolant leaks, and transmission problems.