2009 Lexus RX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2009 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (26% of the total).
42
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other RX years?
What are the most common 2009 Lexus RX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 26% | ▼ down |
| Other | 10 | 24% | — flat |
| Steering | 5 | 12% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NOTICED HUGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER CAR AFTER PARKING IN DRIVEWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO LEXUS DEALER. FOUND OIL COOLER RUBBER HOSE RUPTURED. REPLACEMENT LINE IS NOW CONSTRUCTED OF METAL. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ON THESE VEHICLES AS EVIDENCED IN VARIOUS LEXUS FORUMS.”
“WHILE DRIVING, MY DASH LIGHTS WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON. ABS, BRAKE, VSC OFF, TIRE PRESSURE AND THE CAR STABILITY. WHEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL OREALLY STORE, NO CODES WERE DETECTED. ONCE I TURNED OFF THE CAR AT HOME AND RESTARTED, THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.”
“MY 2009 LEXUS RX350 HAS 84000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING OIL. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND CAREFULLY DRIVEN SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW SO IT IS A SURPRISE. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, IT TURNS OUT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND A SAFETY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LEXUS RX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, SHE UNEXPECTEDLY SWERVED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT WAS MOUNTED INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE CHEST…”
“THE TRUNK LATCH RUBBER BOOT MELTED. POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE RUBBER FEELS LIKE SOFT TAR & LEAVES MARKS THAT ARE QUITE DIFFICULT TO WASH OFF. CAR LOCATION IS NOT ONE OF THE HOTTER STATES. LOOKS LIKE A MALFUNCTION OF ELECTRICAL WIRES...BEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN DISCOVERED, NOT POSITIVE IF…”
2009 Lexus RX — common questions
Is the 2009 Lexus RX reliable?
It is close to typical for the RX: 42 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2009 RX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), other (10 complaints), steering (5 complaints).
Does the 2009 Lexus RX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Lexus RX.
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.