Model year guide

2011 Lexus rx450h

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Lexus rx450h is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2011 Lexus rx450h — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Lexus rx450h at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints36
Combined29 mpg

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

2011 Lexus rx450h recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2011 Lexus rx450h.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. 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 rx450h common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — 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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
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.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2011 Lexus rx450h MPG & running costs

Combined29 mpg
City31 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,850
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6)
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Lexus rx450h costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,250
Fuel only$14,250
Per mile$0.19

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.

Dimensions & weight

Length
187.8 in
Width
74.4 in
Height
67.7 in
Wheelbase
107.9 in
Curb weight
4,652 lb
Front track
64.2 in
Rear track
63.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2011 Lexus rx450h. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 254

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 254.

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2025

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain f…

Bulletin L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 · Structure · Feb 2025

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain f…

Bulletin L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 · Structure · Feb 2025

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 · Structure · Jun 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 · Structure · Jun 2024

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RX450H AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2011 Lexus rx450h trims & engines on record

Trims
450h
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 275 hp

2011 Lexus rx450h vehicles on record

Other Lexus rx450h model years

2011 Lexus rx450h — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Lexus rx450h have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2011 Lexus rx450h. 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 done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lexus rx450h?

Across all 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, service brakes, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Lexus rx450h get?

The 2011 Lexus rx450h has a U.S. EPA estimate of 29 mpg combined (31 city / 28 highway).

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