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2021 Lexus RX recalls and problems

The 2021 Lexus RX has 1 safety recall and 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
71
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Lexus RX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Lexus RX recalls

Recall 23V-865: Air Bags

Reported Dec 20, 2023 · 999,901 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

2021 Lexus RX problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags48
Unknown or Other7
Structure5
Forward Collision Avoidance5
Service Brakes4
Seat Belts4
Electrical System4
Tires2
Engine2
Steering1
Exterior Lighting1
Back Over Prevention1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 4
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 58,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Lexus RX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Nov 8, 2026
There is a 'clunk' in the rear when I hit a bump just right. AI says it could be a rear trailing arm bushing. Why is this not a safety issue ?
Service Brakes · reported Sep 27, 2026
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), 12V Battery/Electrical System. My vehicle's 12V battery failed, with the dealership measuring voltage below 10V during the event. This caused multiple simultaneous module malfunctions (confirmed by the dealer as caused by the battery failure), including a complete inability to move the vehicle after jump-starting on three separate attempts — the engine ran, but the vehicle would not drive despite a functioning alternator. The vehicle's steering wheel also locked, preventing the car from being pushed to a safe location. Approximately 3 months after this event…
Air Bags · reported Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Air Bags · at 76,000 miles · reported Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the SRS alert message was displayed. The passenger’s side seat belt warning light was illuminated for two minutes. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the repair was not available until January 2026 for the West Coast. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Air Bags · reported Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX-450H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that whenever a handbag was placed on the front passenger’s seat, the air bag warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Other Lexus RX years

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Compare all Lexus RX years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Lexus RX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Lexus RX: 23V-865 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Lexus RX?

Owners report air bags problems most often (48 reports), followed by unknown or other (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 58,000 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.