LEXUS RX · model year

2006 LEXUS RX

52 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006LEXUSRX carries 52 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 4 fires, 1 injury, 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 2006 RX is electrical system with 10 filings, followed by service brakes (7) and engine (7). 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 2006 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.

52
Complaints
1
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

52 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
SERVICE BRAKES7
ENGINE7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
STEERING5
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
STRUCTURE2
SEATS2
AIR BAGS2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
POWER TRAIN2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1

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

20260113SERVICE BRAKES

Brake system sets a high tone pitch indicating failure accompanied by all Brake, ABS, PS, Traction Control Lights. This is an know failure for Hybrid systems. It can occur completely random, while driving without notice. Complete brake pressure is lost with exception of a hard feel to the pedal that allows some incomplete breaking to occur and can also cause locking of the brakes at slower speeds. We replaced The brake actuator as recommended with factory new in March of 2024 Started much earlier. Problem has returned Summer of 2025.

20251002FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

After adding gasoline to the tank, gasoline begins dripping from the left rear of the vehicle to the rear of the left rear wheel well. This happens even if the tank is only filled to 2/3 of a tank. I have stopped filling up since when the tank is filled up a LARGE amount of gasoline leaks out onto the ground. FIRE HAZARD while parked or driving. I have seen HUNDREDS of reports of this problem reported online.

20250727SERVICE BRAKES

Brake calipers continuously seize up making vehicle unsafe to drive

20250612CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2006 Lexus RX 400h didn't stop even after breaks were applied, it did continue to move forward and slowly push another car for about 15 feet until another car hit a pile of dirt.

20250317ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed

20250317ENGINE

From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed

20250317UNKNOWN OR OTHER

From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed

20250302ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have

20250302SERVICE BRAKES

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 break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have

20250302POWER TRAIN

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 break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have

20241220STEERING

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 happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year

20241220ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year

20241220ENGINE

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 happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year

20231005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 online and found out there were many complains about this issue and LEXUS issued a recall for this type of car and the dealer can change the inverter and ICM free of charge. This recall link is as follows: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf So tonight I am sending this message to see if you can help me to solve this problem.

20231005ENGINE

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 online and found out there were many complains about this issue and LEXUS issued a recall for this type of car and the dealer can change the inverter and ICM free of charge. This recall link is as follows: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf So tonight I am sending this message to see if you can help me to solve this problem.

20231005FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

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 online and found out there were many complains about this issue and LEXUS issued a recall for this type of car and the dealer can change the inverter and ICM free of charge. This recall link is as follows: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf So tonight I am sending this message to see if you can help me to solve this problem.

20230925HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V396000 (Hybrid Propulsion System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 227,500.

Mileage: 227,500

20230905ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall Summary 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

20230527FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am financing a 2006 Lexus rx400h hybrid and the other day I went out to start it up and the light and everything came on but would not display ready and would not start. Check hybrid system with red triangle was on dash display along with several other warning lights, also when I put the key in the ignition it will release in the ACC position. Where I am purchasing the vehicle will not fix it saying my Vin is not part of the recall list and the lexus dealership to me it was to late to have the recalled parts replaced for free. What do I do?

20230527ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am financing a 2006 Lexus rx400h hybrid and the other day I went out to start it up and the light and everything came on but would not display ready and would not start. Check hybrid system with red triangle was on dash display along with several other warning lights, also when I put the key in the ignition it will release in the ACC position. Where I am purchasing the vehicle will not fix it saying my Vin is not part of the recall list and the lexus dealership to me it was to late to have the recalled parts replaced for free. What do I do?

Compare 2006LEXUSRX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 LEXUS RX have?
The 2006 LEXUS RX has 52 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 LEXUS RX?
Yes, the 2006 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 2006 LEXUS RX?
The most-complained component for the 2006 LEXUS RX is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 10 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and ENGINE.
Is the 2006 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.