Lexus

RX (XU30)

2004-2009 · Midsize SUV ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.4)
1,625 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
21 Fire Reports
153 Crash Reports
Includes data from: RX330RX350RX400H
View all 5 generations of the Lexus RX → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

3MZ-FE

3.3L 6-cyl / 230 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
858 complaints 127.5 per year Gasoline
7 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
209
other
134
electrical
121
body
113
transmission
98

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (209 complaints)
Typical onset: 78,551โ€“147,035 mi Est. repair: $2,000โ€“$3,200 (21 reports)
Electrical System Issues (121 complaints)
Typical onset: 72,500โ€“148,000 mi Est. repair: $762โ€“$8,650 (15 reports)
Body/Trim Issues (113 complaints)
Typical onset: 60,000โ€“105,000 mi Est. repair: $800โ€“$1,928 (15 reports)

2GR-FE

3.5L 6-cyl / 270 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
526 complaints 131.5 per year Gasoline
12 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
122
other
100
body
83
steering
81
safety systems
58

Known Issues

Engine Issues (122 complaints)
Typical onset: 84,250โ€“124,750 mi Est. repair: $321โ€“$3,800 (21 reports)
Body/Trim Issues (83 complaints)
Typical onset: 77,500โ€“111,000 mi Est. repair: $295โ€“$2,500 (5 reports)
Steering Issues (81 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,543โ€“$1,800 (38 reports)

6 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lexus RX regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (211 complaints)
brakes critical
Body/Trim Issues (196 complaints)
body critical
Electrical System Issues (177 complaints)
electrical critical
Steering Issues (155 complaints)
steering critical
Engine Issues (122 complaints)
engine critical

Recalls (7)

13V396000Apr 8, 2013serious
Hybrid Propulsion System

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 Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.

11V342000Jun 28, 2011serious
Electrical System

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 HIGH-LOAD DRIVING, MAY BE DAMAGED BY HEAT CAUSED BY THE LARGE CURRENT. IF THIS OCCURS, VARIOUS WARNING LAMPS, INCLUDING THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT, BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, AND MASTER WARNING LIGHT, WILL BE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

11V112000Feb 23, 2011serious
Vehicle Speed Control

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 CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.

11V539000Sep 10, 2011serious
Engine & Cooling

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 MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.

06V023000Jan 26, 2006serious
Seat Belts

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 HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH.

06V253000Jul 12, 2006serious
Vehicle Speed Control

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 THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.

04V558000Nov 21, 2004serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2004-2009 Lexus RX problems?

The 2004-2009 Lexus RX has accumulated 1,625 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Body/Trim, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lexus RX engine is most reliable?

The 2004-2009 Lexus RX was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2004-2009 Lexus RX a good used car?

The 2004-2009 Lexus RX can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,625 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2009 Lexus RX have?

The 2004-2009 Lexus RX has 1,625 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2004-2009 Lexus RX?

There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2009 Lexus RX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus RX?

Before buying a used Lexus RX, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Body/Trim, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the RX have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004-2009 Lexus RX. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,625 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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