VehicleVerdict

2006 Lexus RX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 52 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (25% of the total).

52

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other RX years?

RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted106 complaints1999: 41 complaints2000: 30 complaints2001: 25 complaints2002: 13 complaints2003: 4 complaints2004: 56 complaints2005: 39 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 106 complaints2011: 36 complaints2012: 18 complaints2013: 24 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 32 complaints2017: 58 complaints2018: 33 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 56 complaints2021: 87 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 70 complaints2024: 73 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 1 complaints
RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Lexus RX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1325%
Brakes713%
Engine713%
Fuel System713%
Steering510%
Body & Structure36%
Transmission24%
Other24%
Seats24%
Airbags24%
Driver Assistance12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2006 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.

“My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 29, 2021 · fire

“FOUND OUT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS FAILING AND TOLD FROM TOYOTA THEY HAVE RECALLS ON THE ACTUATOR FOR HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND PRIUS HYBRID. LEXUS STATED THEY DO NOT RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE. FEELS UNSAFE WHEN BRAKING AS IT MAKES LOUD NOISE AND GRINDS A BIT. I'VE READ FORUMS ON OTHER SAME YEAR AND MAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 1, 2020

“Engine dies out as per recall but already did recall and still has same problem and code coming. Out took to Lexus Dealer to check they came out to be battery cooling fans being defective. Got estimates and was crazy amount told them don't repair suv. After talking to Dealer they state the fans has…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 31, 2021

“My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 29, 2021 · fire

“I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK HAS DEVELOPED A SEVERE LEAK AND WILL COST $1,800 TO REPAIR. I HAVE SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND OTHER OWNERS WITH A SIMILAR DEFECT WITH THEIR LEXUS 330'S. IT DOES NOT SEEM THAT THE STEERING RACK IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE FAILING LIKE THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 9, 2011

2006 Lexus RX — common questions

Is the 2006 Lexus RX reliable?

It is close to typical for the RX: 52 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2006 RX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), engine (7 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints).

Does the 2006 Lexus RX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Lexus RX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.