The fifth-generation RX replaced the V6-powered 450h with a more efficient 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid producing 245 hp combined. Built on the GA-K platform shared with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, it uses the same A25A-FXS engine and eCVT found across Toyota and Lexus's current hybrid range. The switch from V6 to four-cylinder drew mixed reactions, but real-world fuel economy improved significantly and the hybrid system is one of the most proven in the industry.· more· less
Proven A25A hybrid powertrainLexus Relax warranty up to 10 years
EGR cooler can crack and leak coolantInterior rattles and trim fitment issues
Buy if: You want a refined hybrid luxury SUV with low running costs and can verify all recall completions before purchase.
Avoid if: You need a quiet, rattle-free cabin or are sensitive to engine noise under hard acceleration, as the four-cylinder is vocal at full throttle.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€69,500
median asking price, typically 5,000 km
Typical range€62,500 – €69,500
Maintenance cost
€700 – €1,350/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€550 – €950 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€150 – €400 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Internal heat exchanger in the EGR cooler can crack, leaking coolant into the intake or combustion chamber · more· less
The A25A-FXS engine uses an exhaust gas recirculation cooler that has a known weakness in its internal heat exchanger. The cooler can develop cracks that allow engine coolant to seep into the EGR system and potentially into the combustion chamber. Symptoms include a gradual drop in coolant level, white exhaust smoke, and sometimes a sweet smell from the engine bay. This issue affects all A25A-powered Toyota and Lexus models and is documented in TSBs. The fault can appear at any mileage, though most reports cluster around 40,000-80,000 km. Repair involves replacing the EGR cooler assembly, which costs approximately €800-1,200 at an independent specialist or up to €1,800 at a Lexus dealer. If caught early, there is no lasting engine damage. However, driving with a significant coolant leak into the combustion chamber risks head gasket and catalytic converter damage.
12V auxiliary battery drain
up to €3002 of 6
Battery drains within 1-2 weeks if car sits unused, preventing the hybrid system from starting · more· less
Like its predecessor, the RX 350h draws a constant 40-80 mA from the 12V battery due to keyless entry, alarm, telematics, and other always-on modules. If the car sits for 10-14 days without being driven, the 12V battery can be completely flat and the hybrid system will not start. Multiple owners on ClubLexus and LexusRXOwners forums report needing battery replacements within 2-3 years, with some having the battery replaced multiple times under warranty. Lexus has issued software updates that help reduce parasitic drain on some cars, but the fundamental draw remains. A trickle charger (CTEK MXS 5.0 recommended, approximately €80) is considered essential for owners who do not drive daily. Replacement 12V battery costs €150-250 fitted.
Front driveshaft clicking noise
up to €1,2003 of 6
Rotational clicking from one or both front CV axle assemblies when accelerating while turning · more· less
Lexus has issued TSB 0033-24 addressing a clicking noise from the front drive shaft assemblies. The noise is most noticeable when accelerating from a stop while turning at low speeds, and is often more pronounced on cold starts. The fix involves replacing the front CV axle assemblies. Some owners report the noise returning after replacement, suggesting the issue may be related to the design of the joint rather than individual component failure. At a Lexus dealer, replacement of both front CV axles costs approximately €800-1,200 including labor. An independent specialist may charge €400-700. This is primarily a comfort issue rather than a safety concern, as the CV joints themselves are not structurally compromised.
Dashboard trim detachment above glove box
up to €2004 of 6
Instrument panel garnish trim loosens or detaches, addressed by TSB with improved clips · more· less
Lexus issued TSB L-SB-0018-24 for the instrument panel garnish trim above the glove box becoming loose or detaching. This affects 2023-2024 models and is more prevalent in warmer climates or on rough road surfaces. The fix involves installing improved retaining clips. If the car is still under warranty or within the Lexus Relax programme, this repair is covered at no cost. Outside warranty, the repair is straightforward (approximately €50-200 for clips and labor) but the problem can recur if only the original clips are refitted. This is a cosmetic and quality-of-perception issue rather than a functional problem.
Infotainment screen blank/reboot
up to €8005 of 6
Touchscreen occasionally goes blank for 10-15 seconds or reboots to startup screen while driving · more· less
The new Lexus Interface multimedia system introduced with the fifth-generation RX can experience intermittent screen blackouts and reboots. Owners report the screen going dark for 10-15 seconds before returning, or the system resetting to the boot screen mid-drive. Lexus has addressed some of these occurrences through over-the-air software updates and dealer-flashed firmware. In most cases, a software update resolves the issue at no cost during a regular service visit. In rare cases where the display unit itself is faulty, replacement costs €500-800 at a dealer. The issue appears to have improved significantly on 2024 and later production cars.
HVAC blower motor whine
up to €4006 of 6
High-pitched noise from the front HVAC blower motor when heating or cooling is active · more· less
Lexus TSB L-SB-0039-24 covers a high-pitched whining noise from the front HVAC blower motor on 2023-2024 RX models. The noise is most noticeable at lower fan speeds and can be irritating in the otherwise quiet cabin. The TSB remedy involves fitting a heater cover to dampen the noise. If the blower motor itself needs replacement, the part and labor typically costs €200-400. This does not affect climate control performance and is purely a comfort issue.
Highly reliable with mostly minor early-production niggles
The RX 350h benefits from Toyota's decades of hybrid development, and the A25A-FXS powertrain is shared with hundreds of thousands of RAV4, Highlander, and Camry hybrids worldwide. The EGR cooler is the only mechanical concern worth monitoring. Most other issues are related to cabin trim, software, and 12V battery drain, which are annoying rather than costly. Build quality improved noticeably after the 2022 launch year. The Lexus Relax programme, which extends warranty coverage to 10 years with annual dealer servicing, provides exceptional peace of mind for this model.
Service history
Complete Lexus dealer records are important for Lexus Relax warranty eligibility. Verify hybrid coolant changes were performed on schedule.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. The RX 350h is available with 19-inch or 21-inch wheels, with the larger size wearing faster.
Cold start
Hybrid system should engage silently in EV mode. Listen for any unusual engine sounds when the petrol engine kicks in.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes including both city and highway speeds. Check that transitions between electric and petrol modes are seamless.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for CV axle clicking on turns
From a standstill, accelerate while turning left and right at full lock. Listen for a rotational clicking from the front axles, especially when cold.
Check coolant level carefully
A dropping coolant level without visible external leaks may indicate an EGR cooler crack. Check for white residue around the EGR area and any sweet smell from the engine bay.
Test 12V battery health
Measure 12V battery voltage with a multimeter (should read 12.4V or higher with engine off). Ask when it was last replaced and if the latest software update was applied.
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Inspect dashboard trim above glove box
Press gently on the trim panel above the glove box. It should be firmly attached. If loose or separated, verify if TSB L-SB-0018-24 has been completed.
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Navigate through menus, test Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and monitor for any screen blackouts or reboots during the test drive.
Verify all recall completions with VIN
Contact Lexus with the VIN to confirm the spiral cable recall, head restraint recall, seat belt recall, and instrument panel software update are all completed.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Spiral cable assembly (driver airbag may not deploy, Feb-Jun 2023 production)Critical - verify completed
Head restraint lock release failure (2024 models, front seats)Verify completed
Second-row seat belt webbing damage (2024-2025 models)Verify completed
Contact Lexus with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The spiral cable recall is particularly important as it affects driver airbag deployment. Early 2023 production cars are most likely to have outstanding recalls.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Active on 2023+ models depending on registration date
Lexus Relax extended warrantyUp to 10 years with annual dealer servicing
Hybrid battery warranty8 years / 160,000 km standard, extendable with Lexus Relax
Lexus Relax is one of the most comprehensive warranty programmes available. It extends coverage to 10 years from first registration as long as the car is serviced annually at an authorised Lexus dealer. This is particularly valuable for hybrid components. Verify whether the previous owner maintained the Relax programme before purchasing.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
