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2013 Lexus RX problems

Yvlrx 1b
Good buy

A dependable older RX

The 2013 RX has a low complaint rate. Brake actuator noise is the main repeat issue.

Updated November 2026 · based on 90 owner complaints and 1 recalls

Crash rating
Complaints per 100,000 sold
87 1.4x the RX average
Recalls
1 free to fix at a dealer
Better year to look at
2018

Every RX year compared

201250Average201387Average201428Good year201567Average201685Average201796Watch out201842Good year201961Average202056Average202162Average202241Good year2023-Too new to judge2024-Too new to judge

Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.

Top problems and what they cost

1

Brake actuator barking

A barking or squawking noise when pressing the brake.

Fix: Brake actuator $1,500 to $2,500

Brakes

2

Electrical faults

Rare wiring and amplifier faults.

Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200

Electrical

Recalls

Complaints by part

Brakes20
Other18
Electrical14
Structure12
Speed control10
Air bags10
Steering7

Before you buy a 2013 Lexus RX

  • Press the brake with the engine off and listen for barking.The brake booster makes the pedal easy to press. A pedal that goes hard, sinks or a hissing sound means the assist is failing, so stopping takes much more effort.20 of the 90 owner complaints about the 2013 RX involve the brakes (22%).
  • Check every screen and speaker works.Infotainment screens on these cars can freeze, reboot or go black. On many cars the backup camera and climate controls run through the same screen.14 of the 90 owner complaints about the 2013 RX involve the electrical system (16%).

Questions

Is the 2013 Lexus RX reliable?

A dependable older RX. The 2013 RX has a low complaint rate. Brake actuator noise is the main repeat issue.

How many recalls does the 2013 Lexus RX have?

1 recall. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.

What are the most common 2013 Lexus RX problems?

Brake actuator barking; Electrical faults.

Crash rating shown for the 2013 Lexus RX350 SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.