2006 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (17% of complaints).
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 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“After adding gasoline to the tank, gasoline begins dripping from the left rear of the vehicle to the rear of the left rear wheel well. This happens even if the tank is only filled to 2/3 of a tank. I have stopped filling up since when the tank is filled up a LARGE amount of gasoline leaks out onto the ground. FIRE HAZARD while parked or driving. I have seen HUNDREDS of reports of this problem reported online.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2025
“2006 Lexus RX 400h didn't stop even after breaks were applied, it did continue to move forward and slowly push another car for about 15 feet until another car hit a pile of dirt.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2025
“There are multiple recalls on my vehicle and I am experiencing all of the recalls Inverter Failer vehicle stalls out alot. Crank shaft pulley is leaking oil and belt from the power steering maybe detached causing vehicle to stall. Inverter Assembly causing the vehicle to stall and become non drivable. Floor carpet cover and retention clips. And my brake master cylinder leaking fluid causing major break problems. Every item i mentioned is recalls for the vehicle i have”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2025
“The power steering and hybrid system failed and vehicle completely stopped in middle of busy freeway with no prior warnings or issues before. The safety of my son and I, and others around me during the abrupt stop of the engine. I could not move out of way. The vehicle has been serviced for this exact issue during a recall campaign lasting from 2011 to 2014. Ten years later and it is still happening! There were NO warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to this failure. It just passed vehicle inspections for the year”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the ABS warning light illuminated. Upon returning and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle had electrical power but failed to start. The check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V396000 (Hybrid Propulsion System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 227,500.”Owner report · Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 2023
“I am financing a 2006 Lexus rx400h hybrid and the other day I went out to start it up and the light and everything came on but would not display ready and would not start. Check hybrid system with red triangle was on dash display along with several other warning lights, also when I put the key in the ignition it will release in the ACC position. Where I am purchasing the vehicle will not fix it saying my Vin is not part of the recall list and the lexus dealership to me it was to late to have the recalled parts replaced for free. What do I do?”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2023
“Engine dies out as per recall but already did recall and still has same problem and code coming. Out took to Lexus Dealer to check they came out to be battery cooling fans being defective. Got estimates and was crazy amount told them don't repair suv. After talking to Dealer they state the fans has nothing to do with recall and warranty is over.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2021
“My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday 9/29/21. Was inspected on 9/30.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2021
“Car dies after driving for a bit. We've spent over $3k fixing fuel pump, batteries, and others. From what I'm reading it sounds like my car should be on the inverter recall list, but it's not.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2020
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.
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 2006 Lexus RX reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Lexus RX. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Lexus RX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 130,000 miles or less.
Does the 2006 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.