2017 Lexus RC300

The 2017 Lexus RC300 is a stylish and sporty coupe offering a blend of luxury and performance. It came with two primary engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and a 3.5-liter V6. This information focuses on the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 RC300. The 2.0L engine produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RC300 is generally praised for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and Lexus reliability. However, some owners have noted issues with the infotainment system’s touchpad interface, and some find the rear seats cramped. Let’s examine the common issues reported by owners.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (8AR-FTS)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing excessive oil consumption, requiring them to add oil more frequently than expected between scheduled oil changes. This can manifest as a low oil light illuminating on the dashboard or noticing a significant decrease in the oil level on the dipstick.
  • Solution: In some cases, Lexus dealerships have performed oil consumption tests and, if deemed excessive, replaced the piston rings to address the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners are reporting problems with direct fuel injectors. This may include rough idling, misfires, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injector(s) will fix the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per injector.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (AA80E)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly during lower gear changes. This can manifest as a noticeable jolt or hesitation when the transmission shifts.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update has resolved the issue. However, more severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $2,000+ (valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the infotainment system occasionally freezes or reboots unexpectedly. This can disrupt navigation, audio, and other system functions.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, the infotainment system head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera may intermittently fail to display an image or show a distorted/black screen when the vehicle is in reverse.
  • Solution: Replacing the backup camera or associated wiring may resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• DRL LED Light Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The DRL LED Lights are failing prematurely. They may flicker or turn off entirely.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty DRL LED lights
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Touchpad Controller Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported that the infotainment system touchpad becomes unresponsive or glitchy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the touchpad controller.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Lexus RC300, with its 2.0L turbocharged engine, appears to have some notable issues. The most concerning and potentially costly is excessive oil consumption, which may require significant engine work. Electrical glitches in the infotainment system and transmission issues, while less severe, can still be frustrating for owners. Overall, while the RC300 is generally reliable, potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and inspect vehicles carefully before purchasing.