How often should I change the oil in my 2017 Lexus RX 350?

The typical oil-change interval for a 2017 Lexus RX 350 is about every 10,000 miles or 12 months when using synthetic oil (0W-20) and driving normally; the Maintenance Minder on your dash will adjust this if your conditions are more demanding, and severe-driving scenarios may require changes every 5,000–7,500 miles.

Official guidance and how the Maintenance Minder works

Maintenance Minder explained

Lexus designs the Maintenance Minder to calculate remaining oil life based on actual driving conditions. It uses data such as engine temperature, revs, load, and trip patterns to estimate when the oil needs to be changed. The system displays an Oil Life percentage and can prompt an oil-change reminder well before the calendar date or mileage threshold, ensuring you service when necessary.

Driving scenarios and how they affect intervals

In typical daily driving with synthetic oil, the baseline interval is usually 10,000 miles or 12 months. If you regularly drive under severe conditions—such as frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty environments, towed loads, or lots of idling—the recommended interval may shorten to roughly 5,000–7,500 miles, or six months, depending on the Minder’s assessment and your actual usage.

Note: Always prioritize the Maintenance Minder over calendar-based timing. The Minder tailors service needs to your vehicle’s actual wear and operating conditions, which can vary by region and driving style.

Oil-change intervals by driving conditions

Below are the general guidelines you can use to gauge when to schedule an oil change. The list helps illustrate how different driving conditions influence interval length.

• Normal driving (mixed commuting with occasional longer trips): Change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first—subject to Minder results.


• Severe driving (short trips, heavy traffic, extreme heat or cold, dusty or mountainous conditions, frequent towing): Change roughly every 5,000–7,500 miles or 6 months, guided by the Minder.


• Maintenance Minder-driven changes: Follow the oil-life indicator on the dash; change when it indicates the oil is nearing the end of its life.

These ranges provide a practical framework, but your dash indicator remains the most precise guide for your vehicle.

Practical tips to maximize oil life

Beyond following the clock or the Minder, these practices help preserve oil performance and engine health.

• Use the recommended oil grade and viscosity (typically synthetic 0W-20) as specified in your owner's manual.


• Change the oil and filter together at the recommended interval with quality OEM or equivalent filters.


• Keep your engine in good tune; address issues like air leaks or misfires promptly, as they can affect oil consumption and life.


• Whenever possible, limit extended idling and high-revving early cold starts to reduce wear on fresh oil.

Adhering to these practices helps maximize protection and extends the interval before the next service is needed.

Summary

For a 2017 Lexus RX 350, plan on roughly 10,000 miles or 12 months for an oil change under normal driving when using synthetic oil (0W-20). The Maintenance Minder is the best source for timing, and severe driving conditions can shorten the interval to about 5,000–7,500 miles or around six months. Always follow the Minder’s guidance, and consult your owner's manual for region-specific recommendations and oil specifications.

Does the Lexus RX 350 require synthetic oil?

Yes, a Lexus RX 350 requires synthetic oil, specifically SAE 0W-20, for most newer models. Older models may require conventional oil, such as 5W-30, but it is essential to check your owner's manual for the specific recommendation for your year.
 
Oil requirements for Lexus RX 350

• Newer models: Require a full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil. This type of oil is engineered for optimal performance in both hot and cold temperatures and helps with fuel efficiency and longevity. 
• Older models: May require a conventional 5W-30 oil, though synthetic can often be used. Always check your owner's manual for the correct viscosity grade and type for your specific model year. 

Why synthetic oil is recommended

• Engine protection: Synthetic oil provides excellent engine wear protection, especially in high temperatures. 
• Improved fuel economy: Its properties can contribute to better fuel efficiency. 
• Longer intervals: It allows for longer oil change intervals, typically every 10,000 miles for newer models, compared to 5,000 miles for conventional oil. 

Important considerations

• Always consult your owner's manual to confirm the specific oil type and viscosity recommended for your vehicle's year and engine. 
• For older vehicles that may not have required synthetic oil, switching to synthetic is generally fine, as long as you use the correct viscosity. However, for high-mileage vehicles, it's a good practice to stick to the recommended oil type or consult a technician. 

How often does a Lexus RX350 need an oil change?

The standard Lexus RX 350 oil change interval is every 10,000 miles or 1 year when using synthetic oil, whichever comes first. However, if you drive under "Special Operating Conditions," such as frequent short trips, towing, or extensive idling, you may need to change it every 5,000 miles. For vehicles using non-synthetic oil, the interval is 5,000 miles. It's always best to consult your owner's manual or the "Warranty & Services Guide" for the most accurate recommendation. 
This video demonstrates the steps to reset the oil maintenance reminder on a Lexus RX 350: 56sAuto FixYouTube · Jul 23, 2022
Standard vs.. special operating conditions

• Standard: Every 10,000 miles or 1 year (for synthetic oil). 
• Special Operating Conditions: Every 5,000 miles, regardless of oil type, for driving that includes frequent short trips, off-road or dirt roads, towing, or extensive idling. 

Other important points

• Synthetic oil: The 10,000-mile interval applies when using full synthetic oil, which is recommended for most newer models. 
• Non-synthetic oil: If your vehicle uses conventional (non-synthetic) oil, the interval is every 5,000 miles. 
• Regular maintenance: In addition to the 10,000-mile oil change, Lexus recommends other services, like tire rotations and fluid checks, every 5,000 miles or 6 months. 
• Check your manual: The "Warranty & Services Guide" in your vehicle contains the most accurate and specific maintenance schedule for your exact model year and equipment. 

How many miles will a 2017 Lexus RX 350 last?

250,000 miles
While the average vehicle tends to stay on the roads for around 150,000 miles, the Lexus RX exceeds this by quite a lot. With the proper care and smart driving habits, you can be driving for 250,000 miles or more!

What year to stay away from Lexus RX 350?

Years to avoid for the Lexus RX 350 include 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017 due to common problems like oil leaks, engine issues, brake failures, and faulty sensors. The 2010-2012 models are particularly prone to a ruptured oil cooler line that can cause engine failure, while the 2007-2009 models had issues with cracking dashboards and a faulty brake master cylinder. The 2016 and 2017 models saw recalls related to airbags and issues with rain sensors, notes CoPilot.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Lexus RX 350 and common problems in different generations: 1mThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 22, 2024
Years to avoid and why

• 2007–2009: These models are known for cracking dashboards and a faulty brake master cylinder that can lead to brake failure. 
• 2010–2012: A common and severe problem with these years is the oil cooler line, which can rupture and lead to engine failure. 
• 2016–2017: The 2016 model year had airbag recalls and was the first year of a new generation, which can lead to early bugs. The 2017 model had issues with the rain sensor and wipers, in addition to having its own airbag recalls. 

What to look for instead

• 2011–2015: These models generally have fewer issues, with the 2013–2015 models in particular being noted as more reliable. 
• 2018–2022: Models from these years are considered more reliable, especially those with the redesigned exterior. 
• 2020–2022: These are considered among the most reliable years, with the 2020 model year being a good choice. 

This video discusses the best Lexus RX 350 years to buy: 59sThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 18, 2024