1998 Lexus RX Problems, Recalls & Reliability

6 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 1998 Lexus RX, alongside 0 recall campaigns and 1 defect investigation. It scores 2/100 on the trouble index — too lightly reported for a fair score.

6Complaints
2/100Trouble index
0Recalls

Few reports

Where 1998 sits among all RX years

Darker = quieter yearsBrighter amber = more trouble

What owners report

Visibility & wipers 2 complaints (33%)
Electrical 1 complaints (17%)
Body & structure 1 complaints (17%)
Wheels & tires 1 complaints (17%)
Speed control 1 complaints (17%)

Recalls

No recall campaigns on file for the 1998 Lexus RX.

Federal defect investigations

ENGINE SEIZURE DP02004 opened 2002, closed 2002

Technical service bulletins

16 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on electrical and seats & interior — are on file for the 1998 Lexus RX. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.

See the 1998 RX TSB list →

Questions buyers ask

Is the 1998 Lexus RX reliable?

The 1998 Lexus RX drew 6 complaints in federal safety records — too lightly reported for a fair score. Its trouble index is 2/100, scored against the model's worst year (2004).

What are the most common 1998 Lexus RX problems?

The top reported problems for the 1998 Lexus RX are visibility & wipers (2 complaints), electrical (1), and body & structure (1).

Does the 1998 Lexus RX have recalls?

No recall campaigns are on file for the 1998 Lexus RX. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check the VIN before buying.

All RX years 1999 RX →
Data updated 2026-08-20 from NHTSA's public records

Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.