Where is the Lexus RX 350 assembled?

Primarily assembled in Japan, with variations by model year and market. As of 2024–25, the RX 350’s global production footprint remains centered in Japanese plants, though some regions may source units from local facilities depending on market needs.

Understanding the production footprint

Production locations for the Lexus RX 350 are influenced by market strategy, regulatory requirements, and supply-chain considerations. The default expectation for most buyers is that many RX 350 units are built in Japan, with regional differences occasionally seen to accommodate specific markets or regulatory environments.

Note that exact plants can shift over time as Toyota/Lexus adjusts manufacturing schedules and capacity. To confirm the precise production site for a given vehicle, the VIN and the window sticker are the most dependable sources.

Common production regions for the RX 350 include:

• Japan-based production for global RX 350 models, with manufacturing facilities located within Japan.


• Local-market production in select regions where Lexus operates manufacturing partnerships or joint ventures, depending on regional strategy and regulations.


• Exports from Japan to other markets, where North American and other regional models are frequently supplied from Japanese plants.

Conclusion: The RX 350’s assembly footprint is largely centered in Japan, with some markets potentially sourcing from local facilities. For absolute certainty about a specific vehicle, consult its VIN and dealer documentation.

How to verify the assembly plant for your RX 350

The exact assembly plant can be identified by official indicators such as the VIN, window sticker, or manufacturer paperwork. Here’s how to verify:

• Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard or door jamb. In Toyota/Lexus VIN conventions, the 11th character often encodes the assembly plant, though mappings can vary by year and region.


• Review the window sticker (Monroney label), which sometimes lists the country of origin and, in some cases, the specific assembly facility.


• If you have access to service or export documentation, the plant code may be listed there as well.

Note: Plant codes and their mappings can evolve with model-year updates and regional production shifts. When in doubt, contact a local Lexus dealership or the manufacturer for precise decoding.

Summary

The Lexus RX 350 is predominantly assembled in Japan, with production configurations that can vary by market and model year. For an exact determination of where a specific RX 350 was built, rely on the VIN, window sticker, or an official dealer inquiry.

Are any Lexus assembled in the USA?

No, Lexus is not entirely American-made, as it is a Japanese brand, but many models are assembled in the United States and Canada. The brand's manufacturing plants are located in both Japan and North America, including facilities in Georgetown, Kentucky, and Princeton, Indiana, where models like the Lexus ES and TX are produced. 

• Japanese brand, but with North American production: Lexus is the luxury division of the Japanese automaker Toyota. While the majority of its vehicles are built in Japan, Toyota has established manufacturing plants in North America to serve the U.S. market. 
• Models made in the US: The Lexus ES sedan is assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. The newer Lexus TX SUV is produced at the Princeton, Indiana plant. 
• Models made in Canada: The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. plant in Cambridge, Ontario, builds models like the Lexus RX and RX Hybrid. 
• Quality standards: Regardless of the assembly location, all Lexus vehicles are built to the same high-quality standards set by the Toyota Production System, ensuring consistency across plants. 

Is the Lexus RX 350 built 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. 

Where is the Lexus RX 350 made in the USA?

The Lexus RX 350 is not made in the USA but is manufactured in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. The Lexus plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, USA, assembles the Lexus ES, while the Lexus TX is built in Princeton, Indiana.
 
This video discusses where Lexus RX 350 is made and its features: 1mGold PonyYouTube · Dec 21, 2024

• Cambridge, Ontario, Canada: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) produces the Lexus RX and RX Hybrid. 
• Georgetown, Kentucky, USA: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) assembles the Lexus ES sedan. 
• Princeton, Indiana, USA: This plant produces the Lexus TX SUV. 

This video compares the Lexus RX models made in Japan and Canada: 55sAutomotivePressYouTube · Jan 20, 2023

What is the most common problem with Lexus RX 350?

The most common problem with the Lexus RX 350 is a massive oil leak, specifically from the VVT-i oil line, which can lead to rapid oil loss and potential engine failure, especially in older models like the 2010. Other frequent issues include faulty rain sensors, especially in newer models, resulting in wipers that malfunction randomly. Older model years (2007 and 2010) also show a tendency for airbag warning lights and transmission problems, while some 2016 models experienced rough shifting and transmission issues.
 
This video discusses the 2013 Lexus RX 350's common problems, including oil leaks and other issues: 55scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 26, 2022
Engine and oil leaks 

• VVT-i oil line leak: This is a recurring issue, particularly in older models like the 2010, where the oil line can burst, causing significant oil loss and potential engine damage if not addressed immediately. 
• Check Engine light: This can be triggered by various engine issues, including problems with the variable valve timing system. 

Electrical and sensor problems 

• Rain sensor malfunction: Both older and newer models have reported issues with the rain-sensing wipers not functioning correctly or stopping randomly. 
• Airbag warning light: This has been reported across several model years, often linked to codes B0111 and B0116 due to issues like faulty sensors or a depleted airbag backup battery. 
• Infotainment system issues: Problems like malfunctioning touchscreens, unresponsive climate controls, and other glitches have been reported, particularly in recent years. 

Transmission and drivetrain issues

• Rough shifting: Some models, such as the 2016, have been reported to have delayed gear shifts and a lack of smoothness.
• Transmission failure: In the 2016 model year, transmission problems were significant enough to cause concerns about long-term reliability. 

Other potential problems

• Spontaneously shattering sunroofs: Though rare, this has been reported in some model years and is a significant safety concern. 
• Body integrity issues: Some older models, such as the 2010, have experienced body-related issues like rattling doors. 
• Steering mechanism leaks: These can be costly to repair.