Buy Lexus RX350 Tail Light Assembly

Overview

The tail light-also called a tail lamp, rear combination lamp, or brake-light assembly-sits at the back corners of every Lexus RX 350. It glows red so cars behind you can see the SUV at night, brightens for braking, and carries amber turn signals and white reverse lamps. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 says every passenger vehicle sold in the U.S. must have working rear lamps that are red, visible from 1,000 feet at night, and positioned between 15 in. and 72 in. above the road surface. (eCFR)

Fitment & Generations

• 2007-2009 (XU30) - Traditional bulb-type units that use twin-filament 7443 bulbs for stop/park functions. (ManualsLib)
• 2010-2015 (AL10) - First RX 350 to adopt LED stop lamps while keeping standard bulbs for turn and reverse lights. (Club Lexus)
• 2016-2022 (AL20) - Full LED outer housings plus a separate inner lamp on the liftgate; removal requires pulling four interior nuts under the cargo trim. (Club Lexus)
• 2023-present (AL30) - A single blade-style light bar stretches across the tailgate; LEDs handle every rear-lighting job, and the lens wraps into both quarter panels for a wider stance. (Lexus USA Newsroom, Lexus USA Newsroom)

Main Features

• Multi-function design - Combines tail, stop, turn, reverse, and side-marker lights.
• LED advantages - LEDs illuminate about 0.2 seconds faster than bulbs, giving drivers behind an extra car-length to react at highway speed. (Car and Driver)
• Built-in reflectors - Required by FMVSS 108 to stay visible even if the lamps are off. (eCFR)
• Sequential signals - Standard on F-Sport Handling and Luxury grades from 2023 onward. (Lexus USA Newsroom)

Bulb & LED Specs

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Factory bulb numbers come from the RX 350 owner's manual. (ManualsLib, ManualsLib)

Failure Symptoms

• Burned-out bulb or dead LED segment-one side looks dim or dark. (ManualsLib)
• Cracked lens or moisture inside-water beads or fog collect after rain. (Club Lexus)
• Intermittent signal-loose internal socket or harness plug. (Club Lexus)

DIY Replacement Steps

1. Disconnect the battery to avoid shorts. (ManualsLib)
2. Open the liftgate and pull off the small interior trim panel next to the lamp. (Club Lexus)
3. Remove 10 mm nuts (four on 2016-22 models). (Club Lexus)
4. Slide the lamp straight back; do not twist.
5. Unclip the harness, then swap in the new assembly or bulb.
6. Torque nuts to 4 N·m (35 in-lb) and test all functions before re-installing trim. (ManualsLib)

A detailed walk-through with photos is posted on the ClubLexus DIY forum.

Condensation Fix

If you spot fog inside the lens:

• Remove the lamp, dry it with a hair dryer on low, and reseal the perimeter using clear automotive-grade RTV. (Club Lexus)
• Inspect rubber gaskets; replace if torn. Lexus issued service tips advising gasket replacement where water ingress was found on early RX models. (Lexus Owners Club)

Regulations & Safety

Tail lights must meet DOT and SAE rules in FMVSS 108 for brightness, color, and mounting height. (eCFR) Driving with a non-working rear light can lead to a traffic citation and raises crash risk because following drivers can't see your brake signal. NHTSA's free VIN recall lookup lets owners check for open safety campaigns on any RX 350. (NHTSA)

Maintenance Tips

• Clean lenses with mild soap; harsh chemicals can cloud the polycarbonate. (ManualsLib)
• Test all rear lamps monthly; involve a friend or use a garage door reflection.
• Apply dielectric grease to bulb sockets to fight corrosion-especially in humid climates. (Club Lexus)

Upgrade Ideas

Older RX 350 owners often retrofit LED assemblies for a quicker, crisper glow and modern look. Ensure any aftermarket unit carries an SAE/DOT mark so it remains street-legal. (eCFR)

Cost Factors

Prices vary by generation, LED complexity, and whether you choose original-spec parts or aftermarket units. Labor at a repair shop averages 0.6 hours. DIY swaps usually cost only the part itself plus basic hand tools. (Club Lexus)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a tail light do on the RX 350?
A: It shows the SUV's rear position, signals braking, turning, and reversing so others can judge speed and direction. (eCFR)

Q: Which RX 350 years have full LED tail lamps?
A: Model-year 2016 and newer use LEDs for the outer housings; the 2023 redesign adds an LED light bar across the liftgate. (Club Lexus, Lexus USA Newsroom)

Q: How can I tell my bulb is burned out?
A: One side will not light when you press the brake pedal or switch on the headlights-look for an error on the dash cluster, too. (ManualsLib)

Q: What bulb number do I need for a 2014 RX 350 tail/stop light?
A: A dual-filament 7443 bulb per the owner's manual. (ManualsLib)

Q: Is it legal to tint my rear lamps?
A: Dark films can cut light output below FMVSS 108 minimums and may be illegal; check state rules before tinting. (eCFR)

Q: Do I have to disconnect the battery first?
A: Yes-disconnecting prevents accidental shorts or air-bag warnings while working on the wiring. (ManualsLib)

Q: Why is water gathering inside my lamp?
A: A cracked lens or worn gasket lets moisture in; reseal or replace the assembly to stop condensation. (Club Lexus)

Q: Are LEDs brighter than bulbs?
A: LEDs are not always brighter, but they reach full brightness faster and last much longer. (Car and Driver)

Q: Can I upgrade my 2009 RX 350 to LEDs?
A: Yes, direct-fit aftermarket housings exist; verify DOT markings and follow the same removal steps. (Club Lexus)

Q: What hand tools are required?
A: A 10 mm socket, trim-panel tool, and Phillips screwdriver cover most tasks. (Club Lexus)

Q: How tight should the mounting nuts be?
A: About 4 N·m (35 in-lb)-snug but not overtightened to avoid cracking the housing. (ManualsLib)

Q: Does the RX have sequential turn signals?
A: Only 2023-present models with certain option packages provide sequential rear indicators. (Lexus USA Newsroom)

Q: How often should I check my tail lights?
A: Inspect them once a month or before every long trip. (ManualsLib)

Q: Will a dashboard warning always appear for a bad tail light?
A: Not on older bulb-type models; visual checks are still important. (ManualsLib)

Q: Where can I see if my RX has a lighting recall?
A: Use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool for free recall status. (NHTSA)