Is the Lexus RX 350 built in Japan?

Not exclusively; the RX 350 is built in Japan for some markets, but a portion of units are also assembled in North American facilities to serve the United States, Canada, and other regions.

The question of where the RX 350 is built reflects Lexus’s global production network, which shifts by model year, trim, and market. The exact plant of origin for a given vehicle can be confirmed on the window sticker or by decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Where the RX 350 is assembled

To understand the geographic footprint of RX 350 production, it’s useful to break down the main regions involved. The following list highlights the two primary hubs and notes about other markets.

• Japan-based production: Lexus and Toyota have long used Japanese plants to assemble RX 350 units for export to multiple regions, including overseas markets and some domestic sales.


• North American production: A significant portion of RX 350 vehicles for the US, Canadian, and Mexican markets are assembled in North American facilities as part of Toyota/Lexus’s regional production strategy.


• Other markets: In some model years, certain RX 350 variants may be produced in other countries to meet local demand, though this is less common for the core RX 350 lineup.

In practice, the country of origin for a specific RX 350 will depend on the model year, trim, and the supplier and logistics arrangements in place at the time of manufacture. Always verify with the window sticker or VIN to know the exact plant for a given vehicle.

How to verify your RX 350’s origin

If you want to confirm where a particular RX 350 was built, use these steps to decode the information that appears on the vehicle’s documentation and identifiers.

1. Locate the VIN on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s side door jamb. The VIN’s WMI (the first few characters) indicates the country of origin and can reveal whether the vehicle was assembled in Japan or another country.


2. Check the window sticker (Monroney label in the U.S. or local equivalent). It typically lists the country of manufacture and may mention the plant or assembly location.


3. If in doubt, ask the dealer or consult Lexus/Toyota production data for the specific model year. Production allocations can change, and official sources will confirm the exact origin for your VIN.

Note that VIN decoding and window stickers provide the most reliable confirmation. Regional production patterns can shift with supply chains and model revisions, so the origin for any given RX 350 may differ from year to year.

VIN clues you can look for

For readers familiar with VINs, the prefix (WMI) can indicate country of manufacture. Lexus vehicles built in Japan often begin with a prefix that denotes Japan, while U.S.-built units will typically show a U.S. region code (such as 1 or 4) in the VIN. However, always confirm with official documentation, as there can be regional exceptions for certain trims or special editions.

What this means for buyers and owners

The answer to whether the RX 350 is built in Japan is nuanced. While Japan remains a key production site for many RX 350 units, the model is also assembled in North America to support local markets. This dual approach helps Lexus balance supply, pricing, and regional demand, and it means that two identical-looking RX 350s could have different manufacturing origins.

For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: check the vehicle’s origin label or VIN to know exactly where your RX 350 was built. This information can influence perceptions of production location, though it does not inherently signify differences in quality or performance.

Summary

The Lexus RX 350 is not exclusively built in Japan. Its production is distributed across Japan and North America, with the exact plant depending on model year, trim, and market. Verification through the VIN and window sticker remains the best way to confirm the origin of a specific vehicle. As supply chains evolve and new model years arrive, Lexus’s production map may shift, but the model will continue to draw from a global manufacturing network.

Is the Lexus RX 350 made in Japan?

Yes, many Lexus RX 350 models are made in Japan, though some are also manufactured in Canada. To check if a specific RX 350 is from Japan, look for a "J" at the beginning of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Production locations can vary by model year and trim, with the Kyushu plant in Japan and the Cambridge plant in Canada both assembling RX models. 

• How to identify a Japanese-made model:
  • Check the VIN. A "J" at the beginning indicates it was assembled in Japan. 
  • While VIN is the definitive source, some users report that Japan-made models may have slight differences in build quality, such as door closures and paint finish, but this can be subjective. 
• Production plants:
  • Japan: The Kyushu Factory in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, produces the RX. 
  • Canada: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario, also assembles the RX. 
• Model-specific production:
  • Some sources suggest that specific trims like the RX 350L and RX 450hL were produced exclusively in Japan. 
  • For the most current models, production can be split between plants for different versions (e.g., the plug-in hybrid version is made in Japan, while the standard model is often from Canada). 
• Build quality:
  • Some owners prefer Japan-built Lexus vehicles, citing perceived differences in build quality or craftsmanship, although others report high satisfaction with Canadian-built models as well. 

What is the common problem with Lexus RX 350?

Common problems reported for the Lexus RX 350 include oil leaks, issues with the airbag system (like warning lights), cracking dashboards, and problems with rain sensors. Other common complaints involve battery failures, steering problems, and A/C or electronic system failures.
 
This video explains the common problems of the 3rd generation Lexus RX 350: 55s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 2, 2021
Engine and mechanical

• Oil leaks: Leaks often occur around the valve cover gaskets or oil pan. Some models have also reported a more serious issue with the oil line to the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system. 
• Steering issues: Problems are sometimes linked to leaking power steering fluid. 
• Transmission issues: Some models have reported problems with shifting, gear changes, or transmission fluid leaks. 

Electrical and electronic 

• Battery failure: Premature battery failure has been reported, sometimes leading to starting issues. 
• Airbag problems: Illuminated airbag warning lights, sometimes with specific error codes, are a reported issue. 
• Rain sensors: Defective or malfunctioning rain sensors are a recurring complaint, especially in certain model years. 
• Electronic system failures: Other electronic systems can fail, including issues with the A/C amplifier. 

Interior and exterior

• Cracking dashboards: This was more common in older models. While not directly a safety issue, a cracked dashboard can potentially affect the airbag system, and repairs can be difficult to source. 
• Rattling doors: Some owners have experienced this noise from the doors. 
• Excessive wind noise: Some models have been reported to have excessive wind noise at higher speeds. 

Other

• Check engine light: This can appear with codes related to the Variable Valve Timing system.
• Interior noises: Rattling or squeaking noises inside the cabin are a sometimes-reported issue. 

This video discusses the common complaints about the 2023-2024 Lexus RX: 1mLSFTYouTube · Oct 11, 2024

Which Lexus models are built in Japan?

Many Lexus models, including the LS, IS, GS, GX, LX, RC, and LC, are built in Japan at various plants. Other models like the ES, NX, and RX may be built in Japan or in other countries like the U.S. or Canada, depending on the specific model, trim, and destination market.
 
Lexus models built in Japan

• LS: Built in Tahara and Tahara, Aichi.
• IS: Built in Tahara, Aichi and Miyawaka, Fukuoka.
• GS: Built in Motomachi, Aichi.
• GX: Built in Tahara, Aichi.
• LX: Built in Tahara, Aichi, Yoshiwara, Toyota City, Aichi, and Motomachi, Toyota City, Aichi.
• RC: Built in Tahara, Aichi.
• LC: Built in Motomachi and Motomachi, Toyota City, Aichi.
• NX: Built in Kitakyushu, Miyawaka, and Tahara.
• RX: Built in Kitakyushu, Miyawaka, and Tahara.
• UX: Built in Miyawaka, Fukuoka and Kyushu.
• CT: Built in Kitakyushu.
• HS: Built in Kitakyushu.
• SC: Built in Susono.
• ES: Built in Miyawaka, Fukuoka and Kyushu. 

Lexus models built outside of Japan 

• RX: Also built in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
• ES: Also built in Georgetown, Kentucky, United States.
• NX: Also built in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
• TX: Built in Princeton, Indiana, United States. 

How can I tell if my Lexus was made in Japan?

You can tell if a Lexus was built in Japan by checking the first character of the VIN. A "J" at the beginning of the VIN indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Japan. Alternatively, you can look at the sticker in the driver's side door jamb, which may explicitly state the manufacturing location.
 
Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

• Find the VIN: The VIN is a 17-character serial number found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's side door jamb. 
• Check the first character: The first character of the VIN indicates the country of origin. 
• Look for "J": If the VIN starts with the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan. 
• Other letters: Other letters or numbers at the start of the VIN indicate manufacturing in other countries. For example, a "2" or "5" can mean the vehicle was assembled in North America (Canada or the U.S.). 

Using the door jamb sticker 

• Locate the sticker: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker on the door jamb.
• Read the label: This sticker often contains a phrase like "Manufactured by Honda in Japan" or "Built in Japan by Honda," leaving no doubt about its assembly point.