Lexus RX 350 Oil Leak Recall: What You Need To Know

Spotting a few drops of oil under your Lexus RX 350 might not seem like a big deal—until it leads to something worse. For some owners, a faulty rubber oil line has caused leaks that drain oil faster than expected.

Ignore it, and you could face engine damage, overheating, or even a fire if oil drips onto hot exhaust parts. Lexus issued a recall and a technical service bulletin (TSB) to fix the issue, but not everyone took advantage of the free repair before the deadline.

Here’s why the problem happens, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if your RX 350 is affected.

How the Oil Leak Problem Was Discovered

Drivers first noticed oil spots in their driveways, a burnt oil smell, or dashboard warning lights signaling low oil pressure. Most leaks came from the engine’s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) oil line or the oil cooler line.

The cause? A rubber section of the oil line that could crack and leak. If the hose ruptured suddenly, oil could drain out within minutes—enough to cause engine failure if you kept driving.

Things got riskier when oil hit the exhaust manifold, causing smoke and, in rare cases, engine fires. Lexus responded with a Limited Service Campaign (LSC 90K) in the U.S., offering free repairs until December 31, 2021.

They also issued Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0154-11 to guide dealerships in repairing the issue. In regions where the risk was higher, the issue became an official recall.

Which Lexus RX 350 Models Are Affected?

If you drive a Lexus RX 350 from 2007 to 2011, your vehicle is likely affected. Some early 2012 models also made the list since they still used the older-style VVT-i oil line. Models manufactured after mid-2012 feature an updated design that eliminated the rubber section, reducing the risk of leaks.

Other Lexus and Toyota models with the 3.5L V6 2GR-FE engine were also impacted, though recall coverage depended on the model, production date, and location.

To check if your RX 350 was affected, use your VIN on the Lexus website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site.

What Caused the Oil Leak?

The issue came down to a small rubber section of the VVT-i oil line connecting two metal pipes near the engine block. Heat and pressure caused the rubber to crack over time, leading to leaks.

Sometimes, it started as a slow drip, while other times, the hose split suddenly, draining oil within minutes. Low oil levels deprived key components like bearings and camshafts of lubrication, causing overheating and engine failure. If oil hits the exhaust manifold, it could cause smoke or a fire.

Lexus resolved the problem by redesigning the oil line, replacing the rubber section with metal or an upgraded composite material. This improved design, introduced in mid-2012, significantly reduced the risk of leaks in newer RX 350 models.

How to Spot the Warning Signs

Catching an oil leak early can save you from expensive repairs—or worse, engine failure. The first clue is usually a few drops of oil under your vehicle, often near the front passenger side where the VVT-i oil line sits. A more severe leak might produce a burnt oil smell, especially if oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Inside the cabin, the low oil pressure warning light indicates that oil levels have dropped enough to affect engine performance. In some cases, you might hear ticking or knocking noises from the engine, particularly when starting up after the car has been sitting. These sounds suggest critical engine parts aren’t getting enough lubrication.

If you notice these symptoms, check your oil level immediately. Even a minor leak can gradually reduce oil pressure, damaging camshaft bearings and piston rings. Ignoring the problem could lead to catastrophic engine failure if oil drains too quickly.

What the Recall Covered and How Dealerships Fixed the Issue

Lexus responded with a Limited Service Campaign (LSC 90K) in the United States, offering free repairs until December 31, 2021. In some regions, the issue was classified as a formal recall. Dealerships followed Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0154-11, which outlined the repair process.

The fix involved replacing the faulty rubber section of the VVT-i oil line with a redesigned metal or composite line. If the vehicle showed signs of an oil leak, technicians inspected the engine for damage caused by low oil levels.

Repairs were completed at no cost if the vehicle’s VIN fell within the campaign window. After the deadline, owners had to cover the repair themselves, typically costing between $300 and $500.

Some dealerships may offer goodwill repairs or partial coverage depending on the vehicle’s history and mileage, though this isn’t guaranteed.

How the Leak Affects Long-Term Engine Health

Ignoring an oil leak can seriously impact your engine’s lifespan. Low oil levels leave moving parts like the crankshaft, camshafts, and bearings without the lubrication they need.

Without that protective oil film, metal components grind against each other, causing friction, heat buildup, and accelerated wear. This can lead to scoring on bearings, warped camshafts, and damaged cylinder walls.

A sudden rupture in the oil line can drain the engine within minutes. If this happens while driving, the engine may seize up, causing catastrophic damage that requires a full rebuild or replacement.

Even a slower leak can reduce oil pressure enough to trigger the dashboard warning light, signaling that internal parts aren’t getting enough lubrication.

Most RX 350 owners who had the updated oil line installed report no further issues. The redesigned line is far more durable than the original rubber section, significantly reducing the risk of future leaks.

However, older vehicles may still develop minor oil seepage from other areas as seals and gaskets age, with valve cover gaskets and the timing cover seal being common causes.

Final Thoughts

If you drive a 2007–2011 Lexus RX 350—or an early 2012 model—check whether your vehicle had the oil line replaced. A leak might start with just a few drops of oil, but ignoring it could lead to serious engine damage or even a fire if oil hits hot exhaust parts.

If you missed the recall window, replacing the line yourself costs a few hundred dollars—far less than repairing an engine damaged by oil loss. With the updated metal line installed, you can drive confidently, knowing the problem’s been solved for good.