Sell your 2016 Lexus RC for cash

The 2016 Lexus RC is a small car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl engines. At 10 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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  • Paid at pickup

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2016 Lexus RC at a glance

Body styleSubcompact Cars
Engines2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl (turbocharged versions available)
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8), Automatic (S6)
DriveRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy19–22 city / 26–32 highway / 21–26 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,150–$3,900 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂348–415 grams per mile
EPA fuel economy score5–6 out of 10
EPA greenhouse gas score5–6 out of 10
Gross vehicle weight rating4,820–4,960 lb
Versions tested by EPA4 configurations: RC 200t, RC 300 AWD, RC 350, RC 350 AWD
Age10 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 10 years old, a 2016 RC is newer than most junk cars, so working parts like the engine, transmission and body panels are in demand from rebuilders and parts buyers.
  • Weight: as a small car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 RC. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the unknown or other, typically around 9,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2016 Lexus RC recalls

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2016 Lexus RC. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Fuel System, GasolineApr 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V222000

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.

Common 2016 RC problems

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2016 Lexus RC with NHTSA. 1 report involved a fire.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Unknown or Other2
  • Vehicle Speed Control2
  • Engine1
  • Fuel/Propulsion System1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages1
  • Service Brakes1

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Unknown or Other9,000 mi

2016 Lexus RC service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 180 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2016 Lexus RC. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment48
  • Electrical System22
  • Structure17
  • Equipment12
  • Equipment11
  • Equipment Adaptive/Mobility10

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2025 · L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

    Some 2005 - 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to re

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2025 · L-SB-0032-25

    Some 2016 - 2020 model year GS F, 2008 - 2014 model year IS F, 2022 - 2025 model year IS 500, 2018 - 2025 model year LC 500, 2021 - 2025 model year LC 500c, and 2015 - 20

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 2025 · L-SB-0043-23 Rev1

    The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this S

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2025 · L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

    Some 2010 - 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2023 · LSB000523

    TSB: Some 2013 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit a hard start and/or MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ?DTC P

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2023 · 23LE02

    DL: On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court. The settlement includes Lexus?s agreement to provi

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2016 Lexus RC.

Air BagsEA21002 · opened Sep 2021, open

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to

Selling a 2016 RC: questions

How much is a 2016 Lexus RC worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2016 RC that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2016 RCs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2016 RC with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Lexus RC; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2016 RC?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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