2009 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 34 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (35% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
34
owner complaints
0
fire reports
82,500
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 82,500 mi)Weak spot: engine (35%)
Common problems
Computed from 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)35% · 9 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)15% · 4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)12% · 3 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)8% · 2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)8% · 2 complaints
Tires8% · 2 complaints
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 123,676, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 250,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2025
“Oil line ruptured spilling causing loss of most engine oil on road and potentially ruining engine. Vehicle currently is at Toyota dealership being rep[aired so is available for inspection. Oil on road of course a safety hazard. Oil line rupture was confirmed by Toyota service department. Vehicle had to be towed into repair shop. Rupture occurred spontaneously while drive at 45 MPH on road. No warning lamps on prior to episode and car was driving fine.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2023
“Mechanic/car inspector found leakage of power steering and rack and pinion faulty, needing replacement rack and pinion assembly when I took car for maryland inspection. It failed. Car purchased at dulles motorcars/ kia subaru in leesburg, virginia with 56,000 miles. Cost of repair is $1800.00. Dealer said there was nothing wrong with the car, however failed inspection. Car was bought on $/1/2021 and inspection on 4/2/2021.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving, my dash lights will come on for no reason. ABS, brake, vsc off, tire pressure and the car stability. When taken to a local oreally store, no codes were detected. Once I turned off the car at home and restarted, the lights turn off. This has happened twice while driving on the highway.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2020
“Rubber oil cooler line developed a leak causing loss of most engine oil within a day. This is a known defect to lexus who replaces this part with a metal part. However, lexus has gotten away with a limited time extended warranty when they should be required to recall all vehicles and fix this known defect. To further harm the consumer, their repair book time is five hours when the actual repair time is closer to one hour for one mechanic! My repair costs were close to $1,000!!! Lexus should be required to recall all affected vehicles and fix this part at no cost to the consumer.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2020
“The oil cooler line is made from rubber and failed. This failure led to the loss of all engine oil and can cause catastrophic engine damage. This happened while car was in motion on a city street.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2019
“My 2009 lexus rx350 has 84000 miles on it and I have just found out that the rack and pinion is leaking oil. The car has been well taken care of and carefully driven since it was bought brand new so it is a surprise. After searching online, it turns out it is a very common problem and a safety issue. A lot of people have voiced their concern while lexus has not recalled this 2009 model as they have done for 2008.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2019
“Noticed huge puddle of oil under car after parking in driveway. Had car towed to lexus dealer. Found oil cooler rubber hose ruptured. Replacement line is now constructed of metal. This appears to be a common issue on these vehicles as evidenced in various lexus forums.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2019
“The trunk latch rubber boot melted. Possible electrical issue. The rubber feels like soft tar & leaves marks that are quite difficult to wash off. Car location is not one of the hotter states. Looks like a malfunction of electrical wires...behicle was stationary when discovered, not positive if occurred while in motion or not.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2019
“My dash is cracked and falling apart. I was told there was a recall on them but I never received it. When I asked the dealership about it, they told me that it was past the allotted time frame to get it fixed or replaced. I park in the garage at home and at work.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines3.3L · 3.5L
Cylinders6
FuelGasoline
Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 · 4x2
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 2009 Lexus RX reliable?
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Lexus RX. The most complained-about area is engine (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Lexus RX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,500 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.