DecodedCars2016 Lexus RC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 300/350 AWD 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 185 in
- Curb weight
- 3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Lexus RC is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,891 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 10% better than the 2016 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 26
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 RC →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300/350 AWD 2dr Coupe | 185 in | 72.4 in | 55.1 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,891 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC 200t | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +10% | $3,150 | 348 |
| RC 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -7% | $3,750 | 396 |
| RC 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -11% | $3,900 | 415 |
| RC 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -11% | $3,900 | 415 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Lexus RC.
Similar 2016 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus RC (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 8, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V222000 · 9,139 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB05 and 26LA05.
Not every 2016 Lexus RC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Lexus RC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Latches/Locks/Linkages — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,239 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus RC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RC years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 RC | 24 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2019 RC | 24 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2018 RC | 26 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2017 RC | 26 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2015 RC | 22 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 14 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →