Model year guide

2011 Lexus rx350

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Lexus rx350 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2011 Lexus rx350 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Lexus rx350 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints54
Combined20–21 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2011 Lexus rx350 recalls 1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #11V377000 · 26/07/2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 LEXUS RX350 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 30, 2010, THROUGH MAY 18, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT (VDIM). THE CALIBRATION FOR THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVES IS INCORRECT. DUE TO THIS CONDITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAY NOT BE CONTROLLED PROPERLY DURING ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) OR VSC (VEHICLE STABIL…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR WITH A NEW ONE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2011 Lexus rx350 common problems

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2011 Lexus rx350 MPG & running costs

Combined20–21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$8,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Lexus rx350 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Fuel only$20,000
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Lexus rx350 trims & engines on record

Trims
350
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 275 hp

2011 Lexus rx350 vehicles on record

Other Lexus rx350 model years

2011 Lexus rx350 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Lexus rx350 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2011 Lexus rx350. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lexus rx350?

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Lexus rx350 get?

The 2011 Lexus rx350 has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.