2005 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Unexpectedly found steel cable has snapped off & the spare tire was gone Like to report this could be a safety issue leading to an accident for fellow driver.”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2025
“The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passenger's side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driver's and passenger's side air bags. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2025
“Over past month Dashboard where airbag is under has become discolored and is CRACKING as if AIRBAG wants out. Other 2005 Toyota vehicles have been recalled bc of Dangerous AIRBAG issues. Should the AIRBAGS in 2005 Lexus' be too? Afraid to drive now.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the Duralast brake master cylinder was inoperable. The contact was informed that the piston in the brake master cylinder had become dislodged, causing the braking system to become less efficient. The mechanic replaced the part. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2023
“Front dashboard cracking and peeling off - have not received any recall notices but have seen this issue appear on others complaints. We have heard there have been recalls but have received no notices to date to be able to have repaired”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2021
“2005 LEXUS RX 330 Vin# [XXX] Problem: Dashboard crack and peel all over the surface happened on January 2021.I might be eligible for Lexus to cover this approximate $ 800.00 repair at no charge to me. This is WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION. Letter I never get from LEXUS. List of Models Lexus IS covering under this warranty Enhancement 2007-2008 ES 350 2003-2008 GX 470 2004-2006 RX330 2007-2009 RX 350 2005-2008 RX 400h My warranty expire on august 2017 The Dash start cracking and peeling on 2021. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2021
“Pulling in to a parking slot at dental office, with my foot on the brake, the car suddenly revved and accelerated forward at a high speed. With my foot still on the brake, the car did not stop until hitting the rock wall side of the building. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2020
“Brake pedal goes soft while holding brakes on at a stop. The car will start to roll forward unless more brake pedal pressure is applied. Brake pedal goes almost to the floor. Pumping the brakes restores pressure. My shop bled the brakes twice and found no air in the system. Bleeding did not correct the issue. They said there is a problem with the master cylinder and it needs to be replaced... *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2020
“Error message has appeared regarding passenger air bag. Airbag on/off indicator goes on and off when someone is sitting on front passenger seat. Seatbelt warning signal starting ringing when passenger removed seatbelt and exited the car. Stoped when I pressed down on passenger seat.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2019
“Transmission cooler lines were severely corroded and needed replacement. Fluid leaking. Transmission cooler lines are stationed on the bottom frame of the vehicle - in a place where the effects from road salt and water are the most extreme.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact RX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Lexus RX reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Lexus RX. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2005 Lexus RX have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.