RX (XU30)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3MZ-FE
3.3L 6-cyl / 230 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2GR-FE
3.5L 6-cyl / 270 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3MZ-FE + 1JM, 2FM
3.3L 6-cyl / 208 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Lexus RX Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
1MZ-FE
3.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2UZ-FE
4.7L 8-cyl / 230 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2004-2009 Lexus RX
That's about 4.0x the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 83 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery & propulsion recalls (2)
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.
Consequence: 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 VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Consequence: 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 vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2006] There are multiple recalls on my vehicle and I am experiencing all of the recalls Inverter Failer vehicle stalls out alot. Crank shaft pulley is leaking oil and belt from the power steering maybe detached causing vehicle to stall. Inverter Assembly causing the vehicle to stall and become non drivable. Floor carpet cover and retention clips. And my brake master cylinder leaking fluid causing major
- [2006] Dear manager: I have this 2006 LEXUS RX400H which has CHECK VSC SYSTEM and CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM problems. When I was driving on the highway, the cruise control button is unable to turn on, when at speed of 65 MPH it will suddenly stall in the middle of the road and the READY light will be off and the vehicle has to be stopped by the emergency lane which is REALLY DANGEROUS. I have searched onl
- [2006] Hello, I had this issue on my Lexus RX400H recently, and it was diagnosed and repaired by a third party auto repair shop at my expense. I want to know if I have any recourse to recover my cost Approx $700. Thanks! VIN Recall Consequence: 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 VEHI
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2006] The power steering and hybrid system failed and vehicle completely stopped in middle of busy freeway with no prior warnings or issues before. The safety of my son and I, and others around me during the abrupt stop of the engine. I could not move out of way. The vehicle has been serviced for this exact issue during a recall campaign lasting from 2011 to 2014. Ten years later and it is still happen
- [2006] Dear manager: I have this 2006 LEXUS RX400H which has CHECK VSC SYSTEM and CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM problems. When I was driving on the highway, the cruise control button is unable to turn on, when at speed of 65 MPH it will suddenly stall in the middle of the road and the READY light will be off and the vehicle has to be stopped by the emergency lane which is REALLY DANGEROUS. I have searched onl
- [2006] The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the ABS warning light illuminated. Upon returning and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle had electrical power but failed to start. The check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A
Regenerative Braking
- [2006] BRAKE ACTUATOR OVERWORKING,BRAKES CHIRP WHEN PEDAL COMPRESSES,ALL DASH WARNING LIGHT ON. "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" - ABS,BRAKE,TRACTION CONTROL,RED CAUTION LIGHT. REGENERATIVE BRAKING NOT WORKING.
- [2006] UNEXPECTED VEHICLE ACCELERATION - LACK OF ADEQUATE BRAKING DURING DISENGAGEMENT OF HYBRID REGENERATIVE BRAKING.
- [2006] I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT BRAKING PROBLEM IN MY 2006 LEXUS RX400H AS DESCRIBED IN RECENT "CAR GUYS" COLUMN. WHILE COASTING TO A STOP WITH FOOT LIGHTLY ON BRAKE PEDAL, IF I SUDDENLY STEP HARDER ON BRAKE, IT SEEMS TO DISENGAGE FOR A SECOND BEFORE THE BRAKE TAKES HOLD AGAIN. MY GUESS, SAME AS THE CAR GUYS, IS THAT THERE IS A SLIGHT DELAY IN SWITCHING FROM REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO REGULAR FRICTION
High-Voltage Battery
- [2006] This vehicle seems to have a well-documented problem with water intrusion that damages the ECU and hybrid battery. The 2006 and 2007 RX400h has the HV battery located under the seat, which is the low spot in the rear section of the car. If water is spilled or the body has a water leak, the water will pool at the center of the battery. Lexus considered this, and added a drain under the battery, b
- [2006] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS RX400 HYBRID. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, DRIVING ON AN INCLINE, OR MAKING TURNS, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, HYBRID CHECK, AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAI
- [2006] AS WE WERE APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT, A WARNING SOUND WENT OFF, FOLLOWED BY THE ENTIRE CAR SHUTTING DOWN AND REFUSING TO TURN ON AGAIN. THE "HYBRID BATTERY FAILURE" WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON, AND WE WERE UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN. WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR TO A PARKING LOT, WHERE WE WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US WE MUST HAVE LEFT THE WINDOWS OPEN - NOT THE CASE, SINCE I
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2006] 1A. AFTER PUTTING THE KEY IN TO KEY HOLE, IF YOUR START THE CAR RIGHT AWAY, IT WILL GIVE YOU A FAILURE "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" OR"SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE STARTING" EVEN IT WAS ALREADY PARKED. 1B. POWER DRAINED IF RADIO WAS ON FOR 10-20 MIN AND CAR WILL NOT START 2. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS COOLED. I HAD TO WAIT FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER PUTTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BEFORE TURNING STAR
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lexus RX, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004-2009 Lexus RX
On a used 2004-2009 Lexus RX, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (234), the body and structure (212) and the engine (193). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 234 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Lexus RX about the brakes.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 212 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Lexus RX about the body and structure.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 193 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Lexus RX about the engine, all engines combined.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Lexus RX about the steering.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Lexus RX about the electrical system.
- Accelerate hard once from a stop and once from 40 mph, and hold a steady highway speed.Safety. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Lexus RX (hybrid and electric versions only) about the electric drive system.
Recalls (8)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Show 3 older recalls
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.
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.
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.
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2009 Lexus RX complaints?
Owners have filed 1,444 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2009 Lexus RX. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the body and trim and the engine.
Is the 2004-2009 Lexus RX a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,444 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2009 Lexus RX. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2009 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA has 1,444 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2009 Lexus RX as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2009 Lexus RX?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2004-2009 Lexus RX vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lexus RX?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the body and trim and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 1,444 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.