Premium Japanese grand tourer with exceptional build quality and legendary Lexus reliability. The naturally aspirated 2GR-FSE V6 with dual injection (D4S) is robust, but the timing cover oil leak is the Achilles heel requiring expensive engine-out repair between 80,000-150,000 km. Brake rotors wear faster than expected, particularly on F Sport models. The infotainment Remote Touch system is clunky and outdated. Performance significantly trails German rivals (BMW 440i, Audi S5), but maintenance costs are lower and reliability is superior. Ideal for buyers prioritizing comfort, reliability, and value over outright performance.
Notorious 2GR engine issue requiring engine removal to reseal · more· less
This is the most infamous problem with the 2GR engine family. The sealant between the timing cover and engine block fails, typically between 80,000-150,000 km. Not a question of "if" but "when." Repair requires dropping the engine, transmission, steering rack, and entire front subframe to access the timing cover. Labor alone runs 20+ hours. Toyota estimates €2,400-4,000 at independent shops, €4,500-6,000 at dealers. The leak itself is minor and won't leave you stranded, but it creates a mess and oil can drip on belts. Many owners monitor the leak and add oil rather than pay for the expensive repair. Improved RTV sealant is used during repair.
Brake rotor premature wear€800 - €1,400
Front rotors groove and warp prematurely on F Sport models · more· less
The most-reported problem on the RC 350. Brake rotors become grooved, causing pulsing in the steering wheel when braking. F Sport models with larger brakes are particularly affected. Front rotors typically need replacement every 30,000-60,000 km depending on driving style. Rear rotors last longer. Non-OEM replacement rotors from some dealers have been reported to be undersized, causing uneven contact. Insist on genuine Lexus OEM rotors (€200-250 each front, €150-200 rear) or quality aftermarket brands like Brembo. Full brake job (pads and rotors all around) costs €800-1,000 independent garage, €1,200-1,400 at Lexus dealer.
Water pump failure€550 - €750
Bearing and seal wear, typical failure 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
Like all 2GR engines, the RC 350 water pump impeller shaft bearing can wear and leak. Signs include coolant leaks from the weep hole near the pump bearing, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The pump costs €200-300 for the part, plus €350-450 labor. Replacement involves draining coolant, removing belts and pulleys. Recommend flushing entire cooling system when replacing pump. Inspect rubber hoses at same time as they have limited lifetime. Failure is gradual - monitor coolant level and temperature gauge.
Ignition coil failure€300 - €550
2GR engines hard on coils, fail unpredictably at any mileage · more· less
The entire 2GR family has issues with ignition coil longevity. While some last the life of the vehicle, others fail at 30,000-60,000 km. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, check engine light with codes P0300-P0306. Front three coils are easy to replace (10 minutes with 10mm socket). Rear three require removing intake manifold. OEM Denso coils cost €50-80 each. Dealer charges €270-300 per coil including labor, independent shops €150-200. Replace spark plugs if going beyond 95,000 km to prevent premature coil failure from excessive spark gap.
VVT-i actuator / oil control valve issues€400 - €700
Oil control valve sticking from carbon buildup or extended oil changes · more· less
VVT actuators and oil control solenoid valves can fail, usually due to carbon buildup or extended oil change intervals without synthetic oil. Symptoms include check engine light with codes P1349, P0025, P0017, rough idle, and loss of power. Diagnosis requires checking oil passages for blockages and testing duty cycle solenoids. Oil control valves can sometimes be cleaned, but often require replacement (€100-150 per valve). VVT actuator replacement requires more labor. Use synthetic oil and change every 10,000 km maximum to prevent this issue. Early 2GR-FSE engines (2015-2017) more susceptible than later 2018+ models.
Infotainment system reboot loop / freezing€200 - €800
Remote Touch system freezes, Bluetooth issues, reboot loops from bad OTA updates · more· less
The Lexus Remote Touch infotainment system is outdated and prone to issues. Common problems include system freezing or lagging due to overloaded memory, Bluetooth connectivity failures, unresponsive navigation, and reboot loops caused by faulty over-the-air updates. Temporary fix: disconnect battery for 20-30 minutes or hold power/volume button for 10-15 seconds for soft reset. Dealer software updates can help but may not permanently resolve issues. Replacement head unit from dealer costs €1,500-2,000. Aftermarket Apple CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit units available for €600-1,200. The Remote Touch trackpad interface itself is distracting and difficult to use while driving - Lexus has since abandoned this design.
Battery drain from parasitic draw€150 - €400
Battery dies if car not driven for 7-10 days, normal draw should be under 50mA · more· less
Some RC 350 owners report the battery dying every few months if the car isn't driven regularly. Normal parasitic draw should be under 50mA with car off. Causes include bad relays, interior lights staying on, faulty multiplex body control module, or even hidden GPS trackers in pre-owned vehicles. Use multimeter to measure current draw, then pull fuses systematically to identify the circuit. Also disable key fob communication (see owner's manual page 148) if parking for extended periods. Keep car on a quality battery tender (CTEK recommended) if not driven weekly. New battery costs €150-250, diagnosis at dealer €100-200.
Normal wear item, typically needs replacement 100,000-150,000 km · more· less
Struts and shocks wear gradually. Symptoms include excessively bouncy ride, bottoming out easily, instability on bumpy roads, or fluid leaking from strut body. Clicking or growling when turning indicates worn bearing in upper strut mount. Squeaking when turning steering wheel means rubber bushings are deteriorating. Cost for front strut assembly replacement: €1,000-1,200 for the pair including labor. Rears slightly less. OEM Lexus struts recommended for best ride quality. Consider replacing in pairs (both fronts or both rears) for balanced handling.
Highly reliable for a luxury coupe, but timing cover leak is expensive
The RC 350 is one of the most reliable luxury coupes available. The 2GR-FSE V6 is proven and robust, with many examples exceeding 150,000 km on original engine and transmission. Toyota's D4S dual injection system (port + direct) prevents the carbon buildup plague of German direct-injection engines. Main concerns are the inevitable timing cover oil leak (expensive but not urgent) and brake rotor wear. Otherwise, maintenance needs are predictable: oil changes, filters, plugs at 95,000 km, water pump around 100,000 km, and ignition coils as needed. Far more reliable than comparable BMW 4-Series or Mercedes C-Class coupes, though performance significantly lags behind turbocharged German rivals.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Lexus dealer or reputable independent specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (max 10,000 km with synthetic).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires wear significantly faster than fronts. Expect 235/40R19 front, 265/35R19 rear on F Sport.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, rough idle, or misfires.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. RC has aluminum hood and trunk lid.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Test brakes thoroughly for pulsing.
Specific for this vehicle
Inspect for timing cover oil leak
Look under engine for oil seepage around timing cover area. Check if oil has dripped onto drive belts. Not urgent but expensive to repair - use for negotiation.
Test brakes for pulsing and check rotors
During test drive, brake firmly from highway speed. Any pulsing in steering wheel indicates warped rotors. Visually inspect rotors for deep grooves or uneven wear. Budget €800-1,400 if replacement needed.
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Check Remote Touch system, Bluetooth pairing, navigation. Try all functions. System freezing or slow response is common - verify it's functional before purchase.
Check for battery drain
Ask seller how often car is driven. If battery has been replaced recently or car doesn't start easily after sitting, parasitic drain may exist. Request voltage test after car sits overnight.
Verify fuel pump recall completed (2018-2019 models)
Critical safety recall for failing fuel pumps. Check VIN at Lexus.com/recall or contact dealer to verify completion. Pump can stop operating, causing stall while driving.
Inspect water pump for leaks
Look for coolant leaks from weep hole near water pump bearing. Check coolant level and condition (should be pink/red, not brown). Ask when water pump was last replaced if over 80,000 km.
Check service records for spark plug replacement
Plugs should be replaced at 95,000 km per Lexus service schedule. Old plugs with excessive gap can damage ignition coils. Verify replacement or budget €300-400 if due.
A/C servo motor internal malfunction (TSB 20LE01)Check if affected
Front brake pad squeal on F Sport (TSB)Known issue with solution
Bluetooth connectivity issues (TSB)Software update available
Navigation system showing wrong location (2018-2020)Software update available
Contact Lexus dealer with VIN to verify all recalls and technical service bulletins have been completed. The fuel pump recall (2018-2019 models) is particularly important as it can cause the engine to stall while driving. Over 139 TSBs have been issued for the RC 350 across model years - ask dealer for comprehensive check.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (Europe)3 years / 100,000 km
Hybrid warranty (not applicable)N/A - petrol V6 only
Lexus Care Extended WarrantyAvailable up to 10 years old
All 2015-2019 RC 350 models are now outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Extended warranty coverage (Lexus Care) is available through Lexus dealers for vehicles up to 10 years old, typically €1,200-2,000 per year depending on coverage level and mileage. Extended warranty requires use of genuine Lexus parts and is voided by non-genuine parts installation. Consider extended warranty if purchasing higher-mileage example (100,000+ km) due to timing cover leak risk.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.