Buy Lexus RX350 Headlight Assembly

The Lexus RX 350 uses several kinds of front lights across its model years. Early SUVs (2007-2015) rely on H11 halogen or D4S HID bulbs for low-beam duty and 9005 halogen high beams, while the 2016 redesign introduced standard bi-LED projectors and an optional triple-beam LED system that bundles turn signals and cornering lamps in a single sleek module. Adaptive high-beam-or "intelligent" high-beam-became available at the same time and was later refined under a 2022 federal rule that finally let automakers certify adaptive driving-beam headlights in the U.S. Overall, the RX's headlamp assemblies (also called headlamps, head-light housings, or front light units) rank well for safety; trims that carry the premium LED packages earn a "Good" score for illumination from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Common pain points include moisture intrusion on 2007-2009 housings and UV lens haze on older plastic lenses. Simple sealing or polishing fixes most of these problems, but badly flooded lamps often need complete replacement.

Quick Facts

• Model years covered: 2007-2025 RX 350 and RX 350h.
• Bulb essentials: 2007-2015 = H11 halogen or D4S HID (low) + 9005 (high); 2016-2022 = fixed LED modules; 2023-present = full LED with projector or blade-scan AHS. (AUXITO, Boslla)
• Safety grade: LED-equipped RX models score "Good" in IIHS headlight tests; base halogen trims rate lower. (IIHS Crash Testing)
• Water worries: Lexus issued a bulletin on excess head-lamp moisture for 2004-2009 RX models; updated housings seal the leak. (NHTSA, NHTSA)
• Legal rule: U.S. FMVSS 108 governs brightness, aim and now allows adaptive driving-beam lamps (Feb 2022 amendment). (NHTSA, Wikipedia)

Fit & Compatibility

RX 350 headlamp assemblies are not one-size-fits-all. Each generation has unique mounting tabs, electronics, and wiring plugs.

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Always match the assembly to the exact model year and verify if your SUV has auto-leveling or AFS steering motors before ordering. (Lexus USA Newsroom, Lexus USA Newsroom)

Bulb Size Guide

• Low beam (2007-2015): H11 halogen capsule or D4S HID burner, depending on option package.
• High beam (2007-2015): 9005 (HB3) halogen.
• Fog lights (pre-2016): 9006 or H11, trim dependent.
  LED-equipped lamps after 2016 use non-serviceable LED drivers; if a diode fails, replace the complete light unit.
  Details come from multiple independent bulb charts that cross-check OEM part numbers. (AUXITO, Boslla)

Tech Evolution

• 2007: HID xenon optional for sharper cut-off and longer life.
• 2016: Optional triple-beam LED with 18 mini LEDs encircling the L-shaped lenses; standard bi-LED projectors replace halogen. (Lexus USA Newsroom, Lexus USA Newsroom)
• 2020: Adaptive high-beam joins Lexus Safety System + to dim selected LEDs so you can drive with high beams on without blinding traffic. (Lexus USA Newsroom, NHTSA)
• 2023: Blade-scan array sweeps LED light across mirrors to sculpt the beam even more precisely.

Common Problems

• Moisture or fog inside the lamp: Bad lens-to-housing seal or missing bulb cap lets humid air inside. Lexus issued a technical bulletin and updated housings for 2004-2009 RX to cure the leak. (NHTSA, CARspec)
• Lens yellowing: UV breaks down plastic after 5-10 years; AAA says cloudy lenses can cut light by up to 80 %. (AAA Newsroom)
• Ballast failure (HID only): Water drip or age can short the HID ballast, causing one side to flicker and die.
• LED module outage: Rare but requires whole assembly swap because LEDs are not user-serviceable.

Diagnosis Tips

1. Check fuses first-the RX uses separate 10 A fuses for left and right lamps.
2. Look for condensation beads on the inner lens; a hair-dryer test can confirm a leaking seam. (Club Lexus)
3. Swap bulbs side to side (halogen/HID models) to see if the outage follows the bulb or stays with the socket.
4. Scan for codes-later RXs log adaptive-headlight faults that point to stepper-motor or sensor issues.

DIY Replacement

Disconnect the battery to avoid shorts.

1. Remove ten clips and three bolts to loosen the front bumper cover.
2. Slide the cover forward 4 inches; the headlamp will now reveal two top bolts and one side bolt.
3. Unplug the main harness and lift out the housing.
4. Transfer leveling motor (if equipped) to the new light-keep it clean.
5. Reinstall and aim beams on a level wall 25 ft away. The top cut-off should sit just below head-height. Aim screws turn ⅛-inch per click. (Owner's Manuals)

Care & Cleaning

Cloudy lamps don't always need replacement. AAA's test shows simple wet sanding with 1000-2500 grit followed by plastic polish can restore 60-80 % of lost output. A UV-blocking clear coat keeps the fix from fading quickly. Toothpaste works in a pinch but lasts only weeks. (AAA, AAA Club Alliance)

Safety & Regulations

U.S. law (FMVSS 108) sets limits for brightness, color, and glare. The February 2022 update finally allows adaptive-beam systems, so blade-scan LEDs on the 2023+ RX remain fully legal when marked "DOT." Drivers should still re-aim lights after suspension work to avoid dazzling others. (NHTSA, NHTSA)

Upgrade Ideas

• LED retrofit bulbs: Drop-in H11 LEDs can double lumen output but must meet DOT glare rules and be aimed carefully.
• Projector retrofits: Aftermarket bi-LED projectors fit older housings for a crisp cut-off and wider beam.
• Film or PPF: Clear paint-protection film on new lenses blocks UV and rocks without changing appearance.
• Smart modules: Some owners wire Lexus-grade auto-level sensors to keep retrofit lights legal.

Cost Factors

• Halogen bulb: $10-$25 each.
• HID burner + ballast: $90-$160 per side.
• OEM LED assembly: $700-$1 400 per side, depending on beam count and sensors.
• Pro lens restoration: $100-$200 for both lamps-often cheaper than replacement. Prices exclude labor and taxes. Values come from averaged service-provider quotes, not retailers.

Environmental Notes

LED modules draw about 18-25 W per side-half the power of halogens-while lasting 15-20 years. Lower power means less load on the alternator and a small fuel-savings benefit. HID systems sit in the middle on efficiency but contain trace mercury, so recycle dead bulbs properly at a hazardous-waste center. (Lexus USA Newsroom, NHTSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What headlight bulb does a 2011 RX 350 use?
A: Low beam is H11 halogen unless the SUV came with HID-then it uses a D4S burner. The high beam is always 9005. (AUXITO)

Q: Can I swap halogen lights for Lexus LED assemblies?
A: Not directly. LED housings need different wiring and body-control coding. It's simpler to install quality LED retrofit bulbs in the stock projector and then aim them correctly.

Q: Why do my 2008 headlights keep fogging up?
A: Lexus issued a design update because early seals let water in. You can reseal with silicone, but the long-term fix is a newer housing with the improved gasket. (NHTSA)

Q: How often should headlights be aimed?
A: Check aim each time you replace bulbs, lift or lower the suspension, or see people flashing you at night. The process takes five minutes on a level driveway.

Q: Is it legal to tint my headlights?
A: Any film that cuts light below FMVSS 108 minimums is illegal. Clear UV-protective film is safe; colored or smoke tints usually are not. (NHTSA)

Q: Do foggy lenses really cut light so much?
A: Yes. AAA testing found yellowed plastic can drop usable light to 20 % of new output. (AAA Newsroom)

Q: Does the RX have auto-leveling?
A: HID and LED trims include an electronic leveling motor that adjusts for cargo weight; halogen-only SUVs rely on manual aim screws.

Q: Can I fix a dead LED diode?
A: Individual diodes are soldered to heat-sinks inside the sealed lamp. Replacing the whole assembly is the practical solution.

Q: What is adaptive high-beam?
A: A camera watches traffic; the computer dims only the LEDs that would dazzle other drivers, keeping the rest on high beam for maximum road light. It became legal nationwide in 2022. (NHTSA)

External Resources

• Official Lexus press release on 2016 RX LED design
• IIHS headlight rating detail
• NHTSA FMVSS 108 summary
• AAA guide to cleaning foggy headlights

These links offer further detail on design specs, safety scores, U.S. regulations, and maintenance techniques without steering readers toward any retailer.