2005 Lexus RX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 39 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (6), airbags (5), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other RX years?

RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Lexus RX problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	6	15%	▼ down
Brakes	5	13%	▲ up
Airbags	5	13%	— flat
Body & Structure	4	10%	▼ down
Transmission	3	8%	▼ down
Lighting	2	5%	▼ down
Electrical System	2	5%	▲ up
Speed Control	2	5%	— flat
Steering	2	5%	▲ up
Engine	2	5%	▼ down
Fuel System	2	5%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	2	5%	— flat
Latches & Locks	1	3%	new
Seat Belts	1	3%	— flat

Does the 2005 Lexus RX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V499000BrakesOctober 21, 2010 · 728,544 units

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 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. FLUID LEAKING. TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES ARE STATIONED ON THE BOTTOM FRAME OF THE VEHICLE - IN A PLACE WHERE THE EFFECTS FROM ROAD SALT AND WATER ARE THE MOST EXTREME.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 27, 2016

“THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG WAS DESIGNED WITH A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF RESISTANCE FROM THE DASHBOARD. MAJOR CONCERN WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SPEED WITH LESS RESISTANCE FROM DASHBOARD. ALSO CONCERN ABOUT FRAGMENTATION OF DASHBOARD DURING DEPLOYMENT. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 8, 2013

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 6, 2020 · crash

“THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG WAS DESIGNED WITH A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF RESISTANCE FROM THE DASHBOARD. MAJOR CONCERN WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SPEED WITH LESS RESISTANCE FROM DASHBOARD. ALSO CONCERN ABOUT FRAGMENTATION OF DASHBOARD DURING DEPLOYMENT. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 8, 2013

“TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (HUNTING FOR GEARS, JERKING AND HESITATION) ON A 2005 LEXUS RX330 - AWD. HAVE EXPERIENCED NEAR ACCIDENTS DUE TO VEHICLE HESITATION WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, CROSSING INTERSECTIONS, OR MAKING TURNS. WHEN DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR, VEHICLES HESITATES FOR 3-5 SECONDS. HAVE HAD…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 1, 2006

2005 Lexus RX — common questions

Is the 2005 Lexus RX reliable?

It is close to typical for the RX: 39 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2005 RX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), airbags (5 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 2005 Lexus RX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Lexus RX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Lexus RX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lexus RX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RX years to avoid are 2010, 2021, 2008, 2007, 2024, 2023, 2019. The cleanest record among RX years belongs to 2026.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2005 compare to other RX years?

What are the most common 2005 Lexus RX problems?

Does the 2005 Lexus RX have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Lexus RX — common questions

Is the 2005 Lexus RX reliable?

What are the most common 2005 RX problems?

Does the 2005 Lexus RX have recalls?

Is the 2005 Lexus RX under NHTSA investigation?

Which Lexus RX years should you avoid?

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