IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2019–2022 Lexus RX (AL20)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2019–2022 Lexus RX (AL20). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2019–2022 period has 2 more issues than the Lexus RX (AL20) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Rear Motor Cable Corrosion ("Cablegate")

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

On AWD hybrid models, the high-voltage cable connector to the rear motor is prone to severe corrosion from road salt and moisture. If it fails, the car may lose AWD capability and display a hybrid system fault.

Most affected: RX 450h AWD

Estimated cost: £3,000–£5,000Affects: 2019–2022Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

  • •Hybrid system warning lights
  • •Loss of AWD functionality
  • •Noisy radio reception (AM band)

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the rear motor cable connector if possible (requires a lift)
  • ✓Ask if the cable has been replaced under the Lexus goodwill program
  • ✓Check for the "clamshell" protective cover often fitted as a fix

Power Tailgate Strut or Spindle Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The motorised tailgate can become slow, jerky, or fail to latch properly as the powered struts and spindle mechanisms wear with age.

Estimated cost: £450–£1,000Affects: 2016–2022Often appears around: 60,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Tailgate stops part-way
  • •Beeping tailgate warning
  • •Groaning noise as the tailgate opens

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Open and close the tailgate several times from the key and dashboard switch
  • ✓Watch for uneven movement from side to side
  • ✓Check the boot aperture for signs the tailgate has been manually forced shut

Front Lower Arm Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The RX is heavy, and its front lower-arm bushes can soften or tear, leading to vague steering, inner tyre wear, and a dull thump over poor surfaces.

Estimated cost: £350–£700Affects: 2016–2022Often appears around: 60,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Clonk from the front suspension
  • •Steering feels loose on motorways
  • •Uneven inner-edge front tyre wear

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive over patchy roads and listen for a dull front-end knock
  • ✓Check the front tyres for feathering on the inside edges
  • ✓Inspect suspension arms for split bushes during the underside check

Rear Brake Disc and Caliper Corrosion

MinorBrakes

Because the hybrid system handles so much of the slowing, the rear mechanical brakes can corrode and bind if the car mainly does gentle town driving.

Estimated cost: £250–£500Affects: 2016–2022Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Squeal or grinding from the rear
  • •Pitted rear discs
  • •MOT advisories for binding or corroded brakes

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the rear discs through the wheels
  • ✓Feel for heat from one rear wheel after a drive
  • ✓Check if the handbrake releases cleanly

Buying Tips for the 2019 Lexus RX (AL20)

  • ✓Inspect the rear discs and calipers carefully because hybrids that do lots of short trips can carry heavy corrosion on the back brakes.
  • ✓Operate the power tailgate several times and listen for groaning struts or a tailgate that hesitates near the top of its travel.
  • ✓Try the Remote Touch controller and every climate/audio function, as laggy screens and unresponsive inputs are frustrating and expensive to sort properly.
2016–2018 Lexus RX (AL20)

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Other Lexus RX (AL20) Year Periods

2016–20182019–2022

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