2020 Lexus RX350

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 is a popular luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and reputation for reliability. It comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, is also available, but this response will focus solely on the RX 350 with the V6 engine. Owners generally praise the RX 350 for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and user-friendly technology. Common complaints include the infotainment system’s touchpad interface, somewhat uninspired driving dynamics, and limited cargo space compared to some competitors.

Engine

3.5L 2GR-FKS V6

• Oil Leaks from Timing Cover
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are visible from the front of the engine, specifically around the timing cover area. Low oil level warnings may also appear.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing cover gasket or resealing the timing cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant leaks, and a whining noise from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replacing the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (AWR80)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report occasional rough shifting between gears, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation or delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop is also reported.
  • Solution: Software update (reprogramming the transmission control module (TCM)). In some cases, a transmission flush is recommended. In rare cases, valve body replacement may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $150 - $300, transmission flush $200 - $400, valve body replacement $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, particularly when driving over bumps. Handling may feel less precise.
  • Solution: Replacing worn bushings (e.g., control arm bushings, stabilizer bar bushings).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per bushing/set of bushings.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (including the navigation, audio, and climate controls) may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash requiring a reset.
  • Solution: Software update for the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $0 - $150, infotainment unit replacement $1000 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera image may be distorted, flickering, or not display at all.
  • Solution: Check camera connections, update software, or replace the backup camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic High Beam Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Automatic high beams may flicker, not activate properly, or turn off at inappropriate times.
  • Solution: Recalibrating or replacing the headlight sensors or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Touchpad Controller Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchpad is unresponsive or inaccurate, making it difficult to navigate the infotainment system.
  • Solution: Clean touchpad, software update, or replace touchpad.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $0 - $150, touchpad replacement $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 generally maintains Lexus’s reputation for reliability, but like any vehicle, it has some potential issues. The most common problems appear to be related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. While some issues like the infotainment system freezing may be minor annoyances, others like oil leaks or water pump failure can lead to more significant repair costs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Overall, the severity of the issues ranges from minor inconvenience to potentially costly repairs, with estimated costs ranging from a few hundred dollars for software updates to several thousand dollars for major component replacements.