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Lexus2014–2024 Critical issues documented

Lexus RC: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Lexus RC (2014–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning engine, fluid leaks, brakes, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Lexus RC

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

8

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$250–$1,700

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Lexus RC are you looking at?

3 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Lexus RC

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Lexus RCEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the RC came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Lexus RC

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Lexus RC before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for the service history and look for a Lexus dealer entry for the high-pressure fuel pump recall.

    See why

    RC F 5.0 V8 (2UR-GSE) high-pressure fuel pump can crack and leak fuel (2018 recall)

    The RC F with the 2UR-GSE 5.0 V8 uses two engine-driven high-pressure fuel pumps, and in 2018 these were recalled in Australia (REC-000837, PRA 2018/16613, also GS F and LC500) and the US (18V107000, RC F model years 2015 to 2018). Under certain driving conditions fuel pressure resonance can damage the pulsation damper in one pump, causing abnormal noise and vibration and then a fatigue crack in the pump cover. If the crack grows, fuel can leak onto a hot engine, which is a fire risk. Lexus replaces the high-pressure pumps free of charge, so check that this car has had the recall done.

    What you would notice

    • Smell of petrol around the engine bay
    • Abnormal ticking, buzzing or vibration from the top of the engine
    • Damp or stained area on top of the engine

    Typically $0–$3,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for the service history and look for a Lexus dealer entry for the fuel pump recall.

    See why

    RC F 5.0 V8 (2UR-GSE) low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (fuel pump recall)

    The RC F with the 2UR-GSE 5.0 V8 was recalled in Australia (REC-006588, RC F 2014 to 2021) and New Zealand (RC F built 2014 to 2022) because the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump can stop working. The pump impeller is made from a resin that can swell when exposed to hot fuel, so it binds and the pump stops delivering fuel. The car may show the check engine and master warning lights, refuse to start, or stall while driving, which is a crash risk at speed. Lexus replaces the pump free of charge, so the key check is whether this car has had the recall done.

    What you would notice

    • Check engine and master warning lights on
    • Engine cranks but will not start
    • Engine stalls or loses power while driving
    • Rough running or hesitation on a hot day

    Typically $0–$1,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Ask for documented intake valve cleaning history.

    See why

    2GR-FSE / 8GR-FKS V6 direct injection intake valve carbon buildup

    Both V6 engines used in the RC — the 2GR-FSE in the RC350 and 8GR-FKS in the RC300 — use direct injection without a port injection wash circuit, meaning fuel vapour does not clean intake valve stems and backs during normal operation. Carbon deposits accumulate progressively and restrict intake flow, causing rough idle, misfires under light load, and measurable power loss. Walnut shell blasting via the intake ports is the accepted remedy and must be repeated every 60,000 to 80,000 km on exclusively direct-injected engines.

    What you would notice

    • Rough idle particularly when cold
    • Misfires under light throttle or at low engine loads
    • Hesitation or stumble on initial acceleration from rest
    • Gradual reduction in fuel economy over high mileage
    • P030X cylinder-specific misfire codes on scan tool

    Typically $800–$1,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Apply and release the electric parking brake several times and confirm it operates without warning lights.

    See why

    Electric parking brake actuator motor failure

    The RC uses an electric parking brake system with a motor-driven actuator at each rear caliper. The actuator motors are susceptible to moisture ingress into the actuator housing and corrosion of the internal gears, causing failure to apply or release the parking brake. A failed actuator triggers a warning light and can leave one rear brake permanently dragging, generating heat during driving.

    What you would notice

    • Electric parking brake warning light on the instrument cluster
    • Parking brake does not fully engage or fails to release when commanded
    • One rear wheel notably hotter than the other after driving from a parked position
    • Grinding or clicking noise from the rear during electric parking brake operation

    Typically $700–$1,700 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Scan for misfire codes, ask about prior intake cleaning, and borescope intake valves on higher-km cars.

    See why

    8AR-FTS turbo GDI intake carbon buildup

    The RC200t/300's 2.0 turbo 8AR-FTS uses direct injection prone to intake-valve carbon buildup over time, causing rough idle, misfires and lost power. Periodic walnut-blasting is the fix. It can also suffer coolant/oil intermixing in some cases.

    What you would notice

    • Rough or lumpy idle
    • Misfire codes
    • Power loss over time
    • Hesitation on light throttle

    Typically $400–$1,400 to put right.

  • Worth checking

    Test drive in traffic assessing low-speed shift quality, check fluid service history, and scan for transmission codes.

    See why

    RC350 8-speed auto jerky low-speed shifting

    The RC350's 8-speed automatic can shift jerkily or hesitate at low speed, particularly the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts in traffic, an often-noted trait that can be improved with fluid service or software but should be assessed on a test drive.

    What you would notice

    • Jerky low-speed shifts
    • Hesitation before downshifts
    • Clunk in stop-start traffic
    • Flare between gears

    Typically $250–$2,000 to put right.

See all 8 documented issuesEverything researched for the Lexus RC, including 3 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Lexus RC has — 8Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling6

01RC F 5.0 V8 (2UR-GSE) high-pressure fuel pump can crack and leak fuel (2018 recall)

Ask for the service history and look for a Lexus dealer entry for the high-pressure fuel pump recall.petrol2014–2018Engine
OccasionalEngine $0–$3,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The RC F with the 2UR-GSE 5.0 V8 uses two engine-driven high-pressure fuel pumps, and in 2018 these were recalled in Australia (REC-000837, PRA 2018/16613, also GS F and LC500) and the US (18V107000, RC F model years 2015 to 2018). Under certain driving conditions fuel pressure resonance can damage the pulsation damper in one pump, causing abnormal noise and vibration and then a fatigue crack in the pump cover. If the crack grows, fuel can leak onto a hot engine, which is a fire risk. Lexus replaces the high-pressure pumps free of charge, so check that this car has had the recall done.

Symptoms to notice

  • Smell of petrol around the engine bay
  • Abnormal ticking, buzzing or vibration from the top of the engine
  • Damp or stained area on top of the engine

What to check

Ask for the service history and look for a Lexus dealer entry for the high-pressure fuel pump recall. With the bonnet open and the engine idling, smell for petrol and listen for an unusual buzz or vibration from the top of the engine. Use a phone torch to look for wet or stained areas around the top of the engine. Ask a Lexus dealer to run the VIN for outstanding recalls before you pay. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the workshop check the high-pressure pumps and fuel lines for leaks and read any stored fuel system codes.

Where to look: Top of the engine, high-pressure fuel pumps driven off the camshafts

Parts involved: High-pressure fuel pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 2018 high-pressure fuel pump recall been done, and is there a dealer invoice?”
  • “Have you ever smelt petrol in or around the car?”
  • “Has the engine ever made an unusual buzzing or vibration noise?”

02RC F 5.0 V8 (2UR-GSE) low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (fuel pump recall)

Ask for the service history and look for a Lexus dealer entry for the fuel pump recall.petrol2014–2022Engine
OccasionalEngine $0–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The RC F with the 2UR-GSE 5.0 V8 was recalled in Australia (REC-006588, RC F 2014 to 2021) and New Zealand (RC F built 2014 to 2022) because the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump can stop working. The pump impeller is made from a resin that can swell when exposed to hot fuel, so it binds and the pump stops delivering fuel. The car may show the check engine and master warning lights, refuse to start, or stall while driving, which is a crash risk at speed. Lexus replaces the pump free of charge, so the key check is whether this car has had the recall done.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine and master warning lights on
  • Engine cranks but will not start
  • Engine stalls or loses power while driving
  • Rough running or hesitation on a hot day

What to check

  1. Ask for the service history and look for a Lexus dealer entry for the fuel pump recall.
  2. Start the car from cold and check the dash: no check engine or master warning light should stay on after start.
  3. On the test drive, drive long enough for the car to warm up fully and watch for any hesitation, surging or loss of power.
  4. Ask a Lexus dealer to run the VIN for outstanding recalls before you pay.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the workshop read stored fuel system fault codes and check fuel pressure.

Where to look: Inside the fuel tank, under the rear seat area

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the low-pressure fuel pump recall been done, and is there a dealer invoice?”
  • “Has the car ever stalled or refused to start?”
  • “Has a warning light ever come on that went away by itself?”

032GR-FSE / 8GR-FKS V6 direct injection intake valve carbon buildup

Ask for documented intake valve cleaning history.petrol2014 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04RC350 8-speed auto jerky low-speed shifting

Test drive in traffic assessing low-speed shift quality, check fluid service history, and scan for transmission codes.petrol2014–2024Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $250–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The RC350's 8-speed automatic can shift jerkily or hesitate at low speed, particularly the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts in traffic, an often-noted trait that can be improved with fluid service or software but should be assessed on a test drive.

Symptoms to notice

  • Jerky low-speed shifts
  • Hesitation before downshifts
  • Clunk in stop-start traffic
  • Flare between gears

What to check

Test drive in traffic assessing low-speed shift quality, check fluid service history, and scan for transmission codes.

Where to look: 8-speed automatic transmission

Ask the seller

  • “Any jerky or harsh low-speed shifts?”
  • “Has the transmission fluid been serviced?”
  • “Any transmission software updates?”

05Water pump weep and coolant leaks

Inspect the water pump weep hole, hoses and thermostat housing for coolant residue, and check coolant level and condition.petrol2014–2024Cooling
OccasionalCooling $400–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

RC models can develop water pump weeping and coolant leaks at hoses and the thermostat housing with age, risking overheating if ignored. A common check across the V6 and turbo engines.

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant drips or residue
  • Low coolant level
  • Sweet coolant smell
  • Temperature creeping up

What to check

Inspect the water pump weep hole, hoses and thermostat housing for coolant residue, and check coolant level and condition.

Where to look: Water pump, hoses and thermostat housing

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Any coolant leaks or top-ups needed?”
  • “Has the water pump been replaced?”
  • “Any overheating?”

068AR-FTS turbo GDI intake carbon buildup

Scan for misfire codes, ask about prior intake cleaning, and borescope intake valves on higher-km cars.petrol2014–2024Engine
CommonEngine $400–$1,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The RC200t/300's 2.0 turbo 8AR-FTS uses direct injection prone to intake-valve carbon buildup over time, causing rough idle, misfires and lost power. Periodic walnut-blasting is the fix. It can also suffer coolant/oil intermixing in some cases.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough or lumpy idle
  • Misfire codes
  • Power loss over time
  • Hesitation on light throttle

What to check

Scan for misfire codes, ask about prior intake cleaning, and borescope intake valves on higher-km cars.

Where to look: Intake valves on the 8AR-FTS cylinder head

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the intake valves been cleaned?”
  • “Any misfires or rough idle?”
  • “Any coolant loss?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Electric parking brake actuator motor failure

Apply and release the electric parking brake several times and confirm it operates without warning lights.petrol2014 onwardBrakes
OccasionalBrakes $700–$1,700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The RC uses an electric parking brake system with a motor-driven actuator at each rear caliper. The actuator motors are susceptible to moisture ingress into the actuator housing and corrosion of the internal gears, causing failure to apply or release the parking brake. A failed actuator triggers a warning light and can leave one rear brake permanently dragging, generating heat during driving.

Symptoms to notice

  • Electric parking brake warning light on the instrument cluster
  • Parking brake does not fully engage or fails to release when commanded
  • One rear wheel notably hotter than the other after driving from a parked position
  • Grinding or clicking noise from the rear during electric parking brake operation

What to check

Apply and release the electric parking brake several times and confirm it operates without warning lights. Scan for C-series parking brake fault codes. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, inspect the EPB actuator motor bodies at both rear calipers for visible corrosion or cracking of the housing.

Where to look: Electric parking brake actuator motors mounted on the rear brake calipers, both sides

Parts involved: Body corrosion, Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric parking brake had any warning lights or operation faults?”
  • “Has either rear EPB actuator been replaced?”
  • “Any binding or dragging sensation from the rear brakes after the vehicle has been parked?”
Fluid leaks1

01RC fuel tank vent tube can crack and leak petrol: recall REC-005580

Lexus recalled IS, RC and GS models built between 2012 and 2018 over a fault in the fuel tank vent that carries a fire risk.2014–2018Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $0–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Lexus recalled IS, RC and GS models built between 2012 and 2018 over a fault in the fuel tank vent that carries a fire risk. A vent that does not work as intended allows fuel vapour or fuel itself to escape where it should not, and fuel vapour around a hot exhaust is the reason this is treated as a safety recall rather than an emissions one. There is very little a driver would reliably notice beforehand, which makes it a VIN check rather than an inspection. It is worth asking about specifically on an imported car, because the original recall notice went to an owner overseas and a New Zealand owner may genuinely never have been told the campaign existed.

Symptoms to notice

  • Smell of fuel around or under the car, particularly after filling
  • Difficulty filling the tank, or the pump clicking off repeatedly
  • Hissing or an unusual rush of air when the filler cap is opened
  • Engine warning light with evaporative emissions codes
  • Often nothing at all — the fault gives little warning

What to check

  1. Take the VIN from the base of the windscreen or the driver's door jamb and ask a Lexus dealer which campaigns are outstanding on this specific car, asking about the fuel tank vent recall by name.
  2. The check is free and it is the only reliable answer, because nothing on the car will tell you.
  3. Ask the seller for recall letters or dealer invoices and read them rather than accepting a summary, and ask whether the car was imported and whether it has been to a Lexus dealer in New Zealand.
  4. Then use your nose, which is the most sensitive thing you have here: walk around the rear of the car before the drive and again afterwards, checking for any smell of fuel.
  5. Open the filler and listen for an unusual hiss or rush of air.
  6. Ask whether the car is ever awkward to fill or whether the pump clicks off early, which is the symptom owners most often notice.
  7. Watch the dash for an engine warning light.
  8. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for stored evaporative-system faults to be read alongside the recall check.

Where to look: Underneath the rear of the car — fuel tank and its vent system

Ask the seller

  • “Has the fuel tank vent recall been completed, and is there a dealer invoice?”
  • “Was the car imported, and has it been to a Lexus dealer here?”
  • “Is it ever awkward to fill, or does the pump click off early?”

Lexus RC faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

2GR-FSE / 8GR-FKS V6 direct injection intake valve carbon buildupMajor · Engine

Other Lexus models

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Lexus RC buyer questions

Is the Lexus RC reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Lexus RC, the recurring problem areas are engine, fluid leaks, and brakes. A Lexus RC with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Lexus RC?

We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Lexus RC, covering engine, fluid leaks, and brakes. All 8 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Lexus RC?

Most single repairs on the Lexus RC fall between $250–$1,700 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Lexus RC?

Yes. A Lexus RC inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.