VehicleVerdict

2005 Lexus Rx330 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 210 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Rx330 year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 6 Rx330 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (32), lighting (32), and steering (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

210

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Rx330 years?

Rx330 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted353 complaints2004: 353 complaints2005: 210 complaints2006: 87 complaints2007: 6 complaints2009: 1 complaints2011: 2 complaints
Rx330 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx330 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Lexus Rx330 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting3215%
Body & Structure3215%
Steering2914%
Transmission199%
Other178%
Speed Control147%
Engine147%
Airbags147%
Electrical System115%
Brakes115%
Tires & Wheels52%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Fuel System42%
Seat Belts21%
Suspension10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2005 Lexus Rx330 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V539000EngineNovember 9, 2011 · 420,326 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.

Consequence

IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

11V112000Speed ControlFebruary 24, 2011 · 769,379 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

06V253000Speed ControlJuly 13, 2006 · 367,594 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING ABOUT ONE YEAR AFTER WARRANTY. IT STARTED AS A SMALL HAIRLINE CRACK. ITS NOW EVERYWHERE. THE AIR BAGS ARE IN DANGER OF POPPING OUT. HERE IS A FORUM THAT EXPLAINS THIS AND SHOWS PICTURES. ITS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN MOST LEXUS VEHICLES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 1, 2010

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS RX330. MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLAMPS CAUSED THE COMPUTER TO FAIL. THE COMPUTER OPERATES THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE TSB. THEY ALSO VOLUNTEERED TO PAY $1,000 TOWARDS THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 14, 2009

“DURING ROUTINE STATE INSPECTION, DEALER INFORMED ME THE POWER STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING AND MUST BE REPLACED. THE COST TO REPLACE THE RACK IS ESTIMATED AT $1600. FROM READING SIMILAR STORIES FOR LEXUS VEHICLES, I UNDERSTAND THE LEAK COULD LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE STEERING SYSTEM AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 4, 2010

“I WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE ON A RAMP AND LEFT THE CAR IN GEAR (DRIVE) AND AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER CAR. THE LEXUS 330 IS SUPPOSED TO PROHIBIT ONE FROM REMOVING THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION WHEN IN GEAR. MY CAR CONTINUES TO ALLOW ME TO REMOVE THE KEY (ENGINE OFF) WHILE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 5, 2011 · crash

“ON SEPT. 6, 2009 WHILE TURNING INTO A GENERAL STORE PARKING SPACE AT LESS THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN HIGH ACCELERATION TO AN ESTIMATED 30MPH OR MORE BEFORE RUNNING OVER PARKING BLOCKS, ATTEMPTED BRAKING AND CRASHED INTO SEATING BENCHES AND BUILDING, AND PROCEEDED TO SHUT DOWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 6, 2009 · crash

2005 Lexus Rx330 — common questions

Is the 2005 Lexus Rx330 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 210 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 6 Rx330 years. It is one of the Rx330 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Rx330 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (32 complaints), lighting (32 complaints), steering (29 complaints).

Does the 2005 Lexus Rx330 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Lexus Rx330. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Lexus Rx330 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Lexus Rx330 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rx330 years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Rx330 years belongs to 2009.

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.