Verdict
2016 Lexus RC: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2016 Lexus RC — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for coupe.
Owners filed 4 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 58% of 2016 coupes. Fuel/Propulsion System leads the reports (25%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2016 coupes, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
4
Reports to NHTSA, 2016
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
21
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 58% of 2016 coupes
The bar is this car's percentile among 2016 coupes by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Fuel/Propulsion System issues lead owner complaints (25% of 4 reports), followed by latches/locks/linkages (25%).
Share of all 4 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11092731.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Fuel SystemAug 2026 · 26V222000Details +Close −
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB05 and 26LA05.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC 200t | 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 32 | 26 |
| RC 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 28 | 22 |
| RC 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 26 | 21 |
| RC 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 26 | 21 |
| RC F | 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 16 | 25 | 19 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2016 Lexus RC: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Lexus RC?
Owners filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Lexus RC — fewer complaints than 58% of comparable 2016 coupes, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2016 Lexus RC?
The most-reported problem areas are Fuel/Propulsion System (25% of complaints) and latches/locks/linkages (25%).
How many recalls does the 2016 Lexus RC have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2016 Lexus RC, covering components such as fuel system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Lexus RC get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Lexus RC between 19 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.