2009 Lexus Rx350 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 114 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Rx350 year — the 2009 model ranks #4 of 20 Rx350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (28), body & structure (17), and engine (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
114
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Rx350 years?
What are the most common 2009 Lexus Rx350 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 28 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 17 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 15 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 8 | 7% | — flat |
| Other | 8 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 8 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 7 | 6% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 6 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 6 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WENT TO LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE TODAY & WAS TOLD THAT RACK & PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY IS LEAKING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 51,000 MILES ON IT & HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AT DEALER. NOTICED MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON LEXUS RX VEHICLES. THIS SHOULD BE A…”
“TAKATA RECALL - MY AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. AS I WAS BRAKING TO PARK OUTSIDE MY GARAGE DOOR, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED EXTREMELY FAST. MY LEXUS WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR AND I WAS BRAKING BUT MY SUV DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT THINGS IN THE GARAGE THAT STOPPED ME. I EVEN PLOWED INTO A…”
“I JUST BOUGHT CAR AND 5 DAYS LATER THE OIL COOLER LINE FAILED AND I LOST ALL OIL. IF THIS WAS HANDLED AS A RECALL (I SEARCHED FOR RECALLS BEFORE PURCHASING CAR) IT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF ALREADY, AT THE VERY LEAST I WOULD HAVE KNOWN TO GET IT DONE. LEXUS EXTENDED WARRANTY IS 150,000…”
“MY 2009 LEXUS SUV TOOK OFF ON ITS OWN OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHILE I WAS TRYING TO BACK OUT. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, AND THE ENGINE BEGIN TO REV AND THEN THE CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. IT ACCELERATED OUT THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, INTO A YARD, AND FINALLY STOPPED WHEN IT HIT A HUGE TREE. THE CAR…”
“THE RADIO/CD UNIT WHEN CHANGING STATIONS WILL TURN UNIT OFF AND EJECT A CD FROM THE UNIT. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION THE BACKLIGHT DISPLAY FLASHES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATES THAT NO PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND WHEN TROUBLESHOOTING. *TR”
2009 Lexus Rx350 — common questions
Is the 2009 Lexus Rx350 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 114 complaints put the 2009 model at #4 of 20 Rx350 years. It is one of the Rx350 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2009 Rx350 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (28 complaints), body & structure (17 complaints), engine (15 complaints).
Does the 2009 Lexus Rx350 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Lexus Rx350.
Which Lexus Rx350 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rx350 years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2010, 2009, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among Rx350 years belongs to 2006.
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.