LEXUS RX · model year

2005 LEXUS RX

39 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005LEXUSRX carries 39 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 RX is air bags with 5 filings, followed by unknown or other (5) and structure (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2005 RX. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

39
Complaints
3
Crashes
3
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

39 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
STRUCTURE3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
STEERING2
SERVICE BRAKES2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK1
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC1
POWER TRAIN1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1

Recalls (1)

10V49900021/10/2010

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

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

Recent Complaints

20251120FireENGINE

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California.
The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotive
Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: [XXX] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • The intake manifold melted after the fire
• The engine became “not repairable”
• The fire occurred shortly after their repair
• They offered to “fix it for free,” which indicates awareness of responsibility The fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This incident presents a serious safety hazard because the fire happened shortly after a repair that involved components near the engine and fuel system. Improper or unsafe repair work may cause similar fires for other consumers. This incident is already under active investigation by: • California Depar

20251120FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California.
The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotive
Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: [XXX] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • The intake manifold melted after the fire
• The engine became “not repairable”
• The fire occurred shortly after their repair
• They offered to “fix it for free,” which indicates awareness of responsibility The fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This incident presents a serious safety hazard because the fire happened shortly after a repair that involved components near the engine and fuel system. Improper or unsafe repair work may cause similar fires for other consumers. This incident is already under active investigation by: • California Depar

20251120FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California.
The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotive
Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: [XXX] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • The intake manifold melted after the fire
• The engine became “not repairable”
• The fire occurred shortly after their repair
• They offered to “fix it for free,” which indicates awareness of responsibility The fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This incident presents a serious safety hazard because the fire happened shortly after a repair that involved components near the engine and fuel system. Improper or unsafe repair work may cause similar fires for other consumers. This incident is already under active investigation by: • California Depar

20251004TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Unexpectedly found steel cable has snapped off & the spare tire was gone Like to report this could be a safety issue leading to an accident for fellow driver.

20251004EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:SPARE TIRE MOUNT/RACK

Unexpectedly found steel cable has snapped off & the spare tire was gone Like to report this could be a safety issue leading to an accident for fellow driver.

20250905AIR BAGS

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 contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20250905STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

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 contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20240131AIR BAGS

Over past month Dashboard where airbag is under has become discolored and is CRACKING as if AIRBAG wants out. Other 2005 Toyota vehicles have been recalled bc of Dangerous AIRBAG issues. Should the AIRBAGS in 2005 Lexus’ be too? Afraid to drive now.

20231130SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the Duralast brake master cylinder was inoperable. The contact was informed that the piston in the brake master cylinder had become dislodged, causing the braking system to become less efficient. The mechanic replaced the part. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

Mileage: 210,000

20231130SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

An AutoZone, Durlast brand brake master cylinder failed in less than one year. The piston in the master cylinder dislodged, preventing proper braking in at least two of the four disc brake calipers. The Duralast master cylinder has been retained for inspection. The safety of the driver, passengers, other motorists and pedestrians were placed at risk due to the malfunction of the shoddily manufactured brake component. Braking distance and stopping efficiency were adversely affected. The problem was confirmed by the automobile repair center. The manufacturer has, so far, failed to contact me about the defective brake component. No warning lamps or messages were associated with the master cylinder failure.

20220120UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FRONT DASHBOARD CRACKING AND PEELING OFF - HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES BUT HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE APPEAR ON OTHERS COMPLAINTS. WE HAVE HEARD THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO NOTICES TO DATE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE REPAIRED

20211019UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2005 LEXUS RX 330 Vin# [XXX] Problem: Dashboard crack and peel all over the surface happened on January 2021.I might be eligible for Lexus to cover this approximate $ 800.00 repair at no charge to me. This is WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION. Letter I never get from LEXUS. List of Models Lexus IS covering under this warranty Enhancement 2007-2008 ES 350 2003-2008 GX 470 2004-2006 RX330 2007-2009 RX 350 2005-2008 RX 400h My warranty expire on august 2017 The Dash start cracking and peeling on 2021. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

20211019STRUCTURE

2005 LEXUS RX 330 Vin# [XXX] Problem: Dashboard crack and peel all over the surface happened on January 2021.I might be eligible for Lexus to cover this approximate $ 800.00 repair at no charge to me. This is WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION. Letter I never get from LEXUS. List of Models Lexus IS covering under this warranty Enhancement 2007-2008 ES 350 2003-2008 GX 470 2004-2006 RX330 2007-2009 RX 350 2005-2008 RX 400h My warranty expire on august 2017 The Dash start cracking and peeling on 2021. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

20200506CrashSERVICE BRAKES

PULLING IN TO A PARKING SLOT AT DENTAL OFFICE, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED. WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING THE ROCK WALL SIDE OF THE BUILDING. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

20200506CrashFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

PULLING IN TO A PARKING SLOT AT DENTAL OFFICE, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED. WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING THE ROCK WALL SIDE OF THE BUILDING. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

20200506CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

PULLING IN TO A PARKING SLOT AT DENTAL OFFICE, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED. WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING THE ROCK WALL SIDE OF THE BUILDING. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

20200418SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE PEDAL GOES SOFT WHILE HOLDING BRAKES ON AT A STOP. THE CAR WILL START TO ROLL FORWARD UNLESS MORE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS APPLIED. BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. PUMPING THE BRAKES RESTORES PRESSURE. MY SHOP BLED THE BRAKES TWICE AND FOUND NO AIR IN THE SYSTEM. BLEEDING DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED... *TR

Mileage: 215,216

20191110STEERING

THE RX330 WAS SEEN AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AROUND 121,000 MILES FOR BRAKE PADS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE & INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THERE WAS A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK AND IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RACK/PINION TO A TUNE OF AROUND $2,000! THE SERVICE WAS DECLINED AND THE OWNER WAS INFORMED IT MIGHT BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE STEERING COULD LOCK UP, MAKING IT MORE PROBABLE FOR AN ACCIDENT TO OCCUR. AT PRESENT, THE OWNER IS ADDING PS FLUID TO THE VEHICLE WHEN IT RUNS LOW AND HOPING FOR THE BEST. A FEW MECHANICS HAVE COMMENTED THIS MIGHT BE THE LESS EXPENSIVE OPTION. HOWEVER, WITH A BROKEN RACK/PINION, IT MAKES THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO RESALE. MECHANICS ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE AWARE OF THIS COSTLY MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE 2005 LEXUS. ONE MECHANIC COMMENTED THERE IS A WEAK SPOT IN THE R&P WHICH GIVES, CAUSING THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 121,000

20190811AIR BAGS

ERROR MESSAGE HAS APPEARED REGARDING PASSENGER AIR BAG. AIRBAG ON/OFF INDICATOR GOES ON AND OFF WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SEATBELT WARNING SIGNAL STARTING RINGING WHEN PASSENGER REMOVED SEATBELT AND EXITED THE CAR. STOPED WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON PASSENGER SEAT.

Mileage: 15,000

20190811SEAT BELTS

ERROR MESSAGE HAS APPEARED REGARDING PASSENGER AIR BAG. AIRBAG ON/OFF INDICATOR GOES ON AND OFF WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SEATBELT WARNING SIGNAL STARTING RINGING WHEN PASSENGER REMOVED SEATBELT AND EXITED THE CAR. STOPED WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON PASSENGER SEAT.

Mileage: 15,000

Compare 2005LEXUSRX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 LEXUS RX have?
The 2005 LEXUS RX has 39 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 LEXUS RX?
Yes, the 2005 LEXUS RX has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 LEXUS RX?
The most-complained component for the 2005 LEXUS RX is AIR BAGS with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE.
Is the 2005 LEXUS RX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.