2021 Lexus RC300

Introduction

The 2021 Lexus RC300 is a luxury compact sports coupe powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RC300 is known for its sporty handling, luxurious interior, and eye-catching design. However, like any vehicle, it has some reported issues that owners have experienced.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake valve carbon buildup: Carbon buildup on the intake valves can reduce engine performance and cause rough idling.
  • Solution: Cleaning the intake valves using walnut blasting or chemical injection.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain rattle: A rattling noise from the timing chain may occur on startup or acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Shifting hesitation: The transmission may hesitate or delay when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Updating the transmission control software.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (typically covered under warranty)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear suspension clunking: A clunking noise may be heard from the rear suspension over bumps or rough roads.
  • Solution: Replacing or adjusting the rear suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain: The battery may drain prematurely, especially when the vehicle is parked for extended periods.
  • Solution: Identifying and fixing the source of the battery drain, such as a defective electrical component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio display malfunction: The radio display may freeze, become unresponsive, or display distorted information.
  • Solution: Updating the infotainment system software.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (typically covered under warranty)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear bumper cracking: The rear bumper may crack or break at the attachment points.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear bumper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center console trim rattle: The center console trim may rattle over bumps or rough roads.
  • Solution: Tightening or replacing the trim clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Steering wheel vibration: The steering wheel may vibrate excessively at certain speeds.
  • Solution: Balancing and aligning the tires, or replacing the steering components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Lexus RC300 is a generally reliable vehicle with some reported issues. The most common engine problems involve carbon buildup and timing chain issues, while the transmission may experience occasional shifting hesitation. Suspension and electrical issues are less frequent but can be costly to fix. Interior and exterior issues are mostly minor and can be resolved at a relatively low cost. Overall, the severity and cost of the known issues do not significantly overshadow the vehicle’s positive attributes.