VehicleVerdict

2006 Lexus Rx330 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 87 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Rx330 year — the 2006 model ranks #3 of 6 Rx330 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (15), engine (14), and speed control (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

87

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Rx330 years?

Rx330 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted353 complaints2004: 353 complaints2005: 210 complaints2006: 87 complaints2007: 6 complaints2009: 1 complaints2011: 2 complaints
Rx330 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx330 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Lexus Rx330 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1517%
Engine1416%
Speed Control1214%
Lighting910%
Steering89%
Other78%
Electrical System56%
Transmission45%
Brakes33%
Fuel System33%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Seat Belts11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2006 Lexus Rx330 have recalls?

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AT APPROXIMATELY 4 IN AFTERNOON, I HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN FRONT OF MY TOWNHOUSE. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE FROM STOPPING (I WAS JUST ABOUT TO PUT IT IN PARK AND TAKE OUT KEY AND UNFASTENED SEAT BELT) WHEN IT LURCHED FORWARD AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED TO STEER AND PUMP THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 21, 2012 · crash

“BACKING CAR OUT OF GARAGE AND ACCELERATOR AUTOMATICALLY INCREASED HIGH SPEED. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP. CAR HIT GARAGE DOOR AND DAMAGED THE GARAGE DOOR, WALL, FRONT DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL, FRONT BUMPER. APPROX $3600 CAR DAMAGE AND $1500 GARAGE DAMAGE. FORTUNATE THAT NO OTHER DAMAGE OR INJURIES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 20, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS RX330. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DRAIN PIPE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 26, 2016 · crash

“LARGE AMOUNT OF CONDENSATION WITH WATER DROPLETS IN DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. HID BULBS ARE OUT. REPAIR QUOTES ARE FOR $1684.00 PER HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, WITH ADDITIONAL LABOR COSTS OF $315.00. ACCORDING TO REPAIR SHOP THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH LEXUS RX 330 2006 MODELS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 15, 2011

“TOOK VEHICLE TO LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS TOLD STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FLUID LEAK. OVER TIME THIS COULD LEAD TO DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO AND THIS LEAK ISSUE SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON ACCORDING TO VARIOUS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 30, 2013

2006 Lexus Rx330 — common questions

Is the 2006 Lexus Rx330 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 87 complaints put the 2006 model at #3 of 6 Rx330 years. It is one of the Rx330 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Rx330 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (15 complaints), engine (14 complaints), speed control (12 complaints).

Does the 2006 Lexus Rx330 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Lexus Rx330. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 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.