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Lexus RX 2004–2009 problems by year and mileage

2nd generation (RX 330 / RX 400h / RX 350) · XU30

NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,448 complaints, 1,074 with mileageMethod

Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.

The 2004 Lexus RX

Close
Median failure report
46,000 mi
Complaints filed
327
Recalls naming this year
6

Most reported on the 2004

  1. Transmission and driveline74 reports · median 5,500 mi
  2. Hydraulic brake circuit59 reports · median 10,000 mi
  3. Body structure46 reports

Recall areas Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2005 Lexus RX

Close
Median failure report
80,000 mi
Complaints filed
194
Recalls naming this year
4

Most reported on the 2005

  1. Body structure36 reports
  2. Exterior lighting34 reports
  3. Steering31 reports

Recall areas Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2006 Lexus RX

Close
Median failure report
72,000 mi
Complaints filed
253
Recalls naming this year
6

Most reported on the 2006

  1. Electrical system42 reports
  2. Body structure34 reports
  3. Throttle and speed control30 reports

Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Engine and engine cooling · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2007 Lexus RX

Close
Median failure report
75,000 mi
Complaints filed
289
Recalls naming this year
3

Most reported on the 2007

  1. Engine48 reports · median 107,000 mi
  2. Body structure40 reports · median 72,000 mi
  3. Steering36 reports

Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Electrical system · Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2008 Lexus RX

Close
Median failure report
72,000 mi
Complaints filed
253
Recalls naming this year
1

Most reported on the 2008

  1. Throttle and speed control38 reports · median 38,000 mi
  2. Problems owners could not categorise35 reports
  3. Body structure34 reports

Recall areas Hybrid propulsion system — inverter
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2009 Lexus RX

Close
Median failure report
59,000 mi
Complaints filed
132
Recalls naming this year
0

Most reported on the 2009

  1. Steering33 reports
  2. Engine21 reports
  3. Body structure19 reports

When each system fails on this generation →

Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2005; earliest: the 2004, and the 2004 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).

The short answer

“Is the 2004–2009 Lexus RX reliable?”

Median of reported failures
68,000 mi
90% of reports came by
142,000 mi
Reports with mileage
1,074
Recalls
8

Most reported

  1. Body structure14.4% of complaints · median 70,000 mi
  2. Steering11.2% of complaints · median 76,000 mi
  3. Throttle and speed control11.2% of complaints · median 46,000 mi

When each system fails ↓

Documented problems

What each one is ↓

Owners filed 1,448 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004–2009 Lexus RX; body structure leads with 14.4% of them, and half of the 1,074 that record an odometer reading came by 68,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.

No single peak: the middle half runs 35,000 to 105,000 miles.

Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

How many miles does a 2004–2009 Lexus RX last?

On the 2004–2009 Lexus RX, half of the 1,074 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 68,000 miles and 90% by 142,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).

90 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 26 past 200,000 — each one proof that a RX reached that mileage, not that it failed there.

Figure 1 · Lexus RX 2004–2009 · 1,074 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 121 complaints

Mileage at failure, Lexus RX 2004–2009Histogram of 1,074 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 10,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 10,000 miles with 121 complaints, 11.3 percent of the total. No single peak: the middle half runs 35,000 to 105,000 miles. A further 26 complaints, 2.4 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 68,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 26 complaints (2.4%), plotted separately
10%
7,500
25%
35,000
Median
68,000
75%
105,000
90%
142,000
Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–10,00012111.3%
10,000–20,000656.1%
20,000–30,000474.4%
30,000–40,000656.1%
40,000–50,000726.7%
50,000–60,000878.1%
60,000–70,000908.4%
70,000–80,000746.9%
80,000–90,000878.1%
90,000–100,000545.0%
100,000–110,000666.1%
110,000–120,000434.0%
120,000–130,000373.4%
130,000–140,000383.5%
140,000–150,000383.5%
150,000–160,000191.8%
160,000–170,000201.9%
170,000–180,00070.7%
180,000–190,00090.8%
190,000–200,00090.8%
200,000+262.4%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

How to read these figures

Common RX problems, and when they happen

Figure 2 · Lexus RX 2004–2009

When each system fails

Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)

  1. Throttle and speed control162 reportsmedian 46,000middle half 17,000–82,000
  2. Transmission and driveline151 reportsmedian 57,000middle half 5,500–103,000
  3. Body structure209 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 50,000–100,000
  4. Steering162 reportsmedian 76,000middle half 50,000–105,000
  5. Electrical system124 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 51,000–118,000
  6. Problems owners could not categorise143 reportsmedian 87,000middle half 50,000–124,000
  7. Engine136 reportsmedian 108,000middle half 80,000–132,000
  • Your odometer, once entered below

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.

All systems in a table
Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Body structure20914.4%70,00050,000–100,000
Steering16211.2%76,00050,000–105,000
Throttle and speed control16211.2%46,00017,000–82,000
Transmission and driveline15110.4%57,0005,500–103,000
Problems owners could not categorise1439.9%87,00050,000–124,000
Engine1369.4%108,00080,000–132,000
Electrical system1248.6%80,00051,000–118,000
Hydraulic brake circuit1127.7%15,0007,500–43,000
Airbag system1117.7%80,00043,000–113,000
Exterior lighting1067.3%67,00046,000–89,000

Known problems with the 2004–2009 RX

VVT-i Oil Supply Hose (2GR-FE) 2007–2009

Affected: RX 350

The rubber section of the VVT-i actuator oil supply hose degrades and ruptures, causing rapid oil loss, abnormal engine noise, oil pressure warning and cam timing codes (e.g. P0024) that can end in engine failure. Lexus ran a Limited Service Campaign replacing the hose with an all-metal part, covering roughly 374,000 vehicles including MY2007-2009 RX 350.

Instrument Panel (dashboard) 2004–2009

Dashboards crack and turn sticky/shiny/melted under heat and humidity. Lexus ran a Warranty Enhancement Program (ZLD) covering MY2004-2006 RX 330 and MY2007-2009 RX 350, with reimbursement for prior out-of-pocket replacements of roughly $1,500.

Before you buy a 2004–2009 RX: the 3-minute check

Generated from 1,074 mileage-tagged complaints, 8 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 campaigns cover this generation.
  2. Check VVT-i oil supply hose (2GR-FE) on 2007–2009 (RX 350) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
  3. Check instrument panel (dashboard) on 2004–2009 cars.
  4. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.

RX problems by mileage: where your car sits

Type your odometer, or read the table.

earlier past most reports · in window inside the middle half · later before most · reports, not your odds (how to read)

Where each system’s reports sit against common odometer readings
SystemMiddle half of reports, miAt 60k mi43% belowAt 90k mi66% belowAt 120k mi81% belowAt 150k mi92% belowAt 200k mi98% below
Body structure50,000–100,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Steering50,000–105,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Throttle and speed control17,000–82,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Transmission and driveline5,500–103,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Problems owners could not categorise50,000–124,000in windowin windowin windowearlierearlier
Engine80,000–132,000laterin windowin windowearlierearlier
Electrical system51,000–118,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier

Figure 3 · Lexus RX 2004–2009 · 1,074 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Steps at bin edges (how to read it)

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Lexus RX 2004–2009Of 1,074 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 10,000-mile bin edge. 43 percent below 60,000 miles. 66 percent below 90,000 miles. 81 percent below 120,000 miles. 92 percent below 150,000 miles. 98 percent below 200,000 miles. Median 68,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 66% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 81% of reports below
  • 150,000 mi — 92% of reports below
  • 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
  • Median (the 50% line)
  • Your odometer, once entered

Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

2004–2009 Lexus RX recalls (8)

NHTSA records 8 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).

The campaigns cluster around throttle and speed control (2), the hybrid propulsion system (1), the engine and its cooling system (1) (why one area can repeat).

Summaries below shorten NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Sep 2013 · 2006–2008 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemThe vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle.

    The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power…

    What can happen. The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the…

    The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by…

    NHTSA campaign 13V-396 (2013-09-04).

  2. Nov 2011 · 2004–2006 · Engine and Engine CoolingIn some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in…

    The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 Lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from june 1, 2004 through…

    What can happen. In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of…

    The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no…

    NHTSA campaign 11V-539 (2011-11-09).

  3. Jun 2011 · 2006–2007 · Electrical SystemThe vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle.

    The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 highlander hybrid and Lexus rx400h passenger cars manufactured from february 16, 2005, through august 30, 2006. A module inside the inverter module may contain inadequately soldered transistors that during…

    What can happen. The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the…

    The free fix. Toyota/Lexus mailed an interim owner notification on july 19, 2011 to advise owners of this recall and the fact that they will receive a future notice when parts become available to complete repairs.…

    NHTSA campaign 11V-342 (2011-06-29).

  4. Feb 2011 · 2004–2007 · Vehicle Speed ControlIf this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather…

    The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 Lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center…

    What can happen. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position. A stuck accelerator pedal may result in unintended and…

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

    NHTSA campaign 11V-112 (2011-02-24).

  5. Oct 2010 · 2004–2006 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking…

    The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 Lexus rx, and model year 2006 Lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system…

    What can happen. A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and…

    NHTSA campaign 10V-499 (2010-10-21).

  6. Jul 2006 · 2004–2006 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of…

    The defect. On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with…

    What can happen. This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on july 24, 2006, and should be completed by early september 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at…

    NHTSA campaign 06V-253 (2006-07-13).

  7. Jan 2006 · 2004 · Seat BeltsThe rear seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash.

    The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages." The anchor bolt for the rear, left-hand side seat belt buckle directly behind the driver's seat does not…

    What can happen. The rear seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace free of charge the rear, left-hand side seat belt buckle anchor bolt with an improved one. The recall began on february 3, 2006. Owners may contact Lexus at 800-255-3987.

    NHTSA campaign 06V-023 (2006-01-27).

  8. Nov 2004 · 2004 · Exterior LightingIf the switch is inoperable, the brake lights will not illuminate and can increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Certain passenger vehicles may be equipped with an improperly designed brake light switch. A silicon oxide build-up occurs on the contacts inside the brake light switch, which can make it inoperable.

    What can happen. If the switch is inoperable, the brake lights will not illuminate and can increase the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake light switch. The recall began during december 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

    NHTSA campaign 04V-558 (2004-11-22).

Some of these 8 campaigns also cover Toyota Highlander 2001–2007 (6 of them): the same campaign number appears in NHTSA’s file against both, which means the same defect and the same free repair. 1 of the 8 are specific to this vehicle alone.

Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported

Out of 1,448 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:

Crashes
145 (10.0%)
Fires
15
Injury reports
67
Fatality reports
3

Self-reported and overlapping (how to read these).

RX problems by model year

The 2004 drew the most complaints of this generation, 327, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2009 the fewest, 132. A typical year drew about 253.

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileageMedian milesMost reportedRecalls
200432721446,000Transmission and driveline (74)6
200519414280,000Body structure (36)4
200625320272,000Electrical system (42)6
200728923175,000Engine (48)3
200825318872,000Throttle and speed control (38)1
20091329759,000Steering (33)0

What RX owners reported

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The crack initially developed on the passenger’s side near the air bag enclosure and progressively spread across the dashboard toward the driver’s side. The surface of the dashboard was also sticky. The ignition switch was sticky…

2009 · 50,000 miles · Body structure

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine oil warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it…

2009 · 190,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passenger’s side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags. The local dealer was…

2005 · 80,000 miles · Airbag system

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Owner’s Title was 265,000 based on a Carfax Report. After…

2008 · 278,000 miles · Electrical system

Built from 1,074 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built

Other RX generations

  • RX 1999–2003 637 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
  • RX 2010–2015 349 reports with mileage, most about throttle and speed control
  • RX 2016–2022 165 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system

Other luxury SUVs from the same years