2006 Lexus RX330: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 67 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“A shift "lag" may be noted when accelerating from speeds of 10 to 20 mph. A software update for the transmission control module has been released which may correct this concern. Software updates are commonly most effective on newer vehicles. Higher mileage vehicles may exhibit a similar symptom caused by a component failure. However, whenever major transmission repairs are performed the transmission software should be checked and updated as necessary.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2019
“This suv dash board lights come on when you driving. Check engine,vsc,ABS,track off and another on ab symbol like a u down wherr the hot and cold. Ive saw water coming from the muffler.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2018
“The sunroof on our lexus rx 330 shattered while we were driving on a highway at 65 mph. It was not hit by a rock or other debris, it shattered for no apparent reason into many small pieces. Fortunately we had the sunshade closed, otherwise we would probably have been injured by flying glass.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jul 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 lexus rx330 equipped with michelin energy mxv4 (na) tires, size 235/55r18 (na). While the vehicle was at the dealer for service, it was determined that all four tires were dry rotted and unsafe. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The tire and vehicle failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2016
“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 not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 246,357.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2016
“Transmission has a hard time selecting a gear between 2nd and 3rd. It starts to go into 3rd gear then jumps out for a second and then slams back into 3rd. Usually when lightly accelerating. Very noticeable. I have taken it into the dealer 4 times and was told I may just need a new transmission!! It only has 108,000 miles on it. I have never heard of this problem with a lexus! That and the rear differential was diagnosed as bad as well! It's like the entire drive train is garbage!! Very very disappointed with lexus and I hope they will make this right with me. I don't want to be on a trip with my family and it break down on us when I payed for reliability.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2015
“The steering wheel makes a whining noise upon acceleration and when turning the steering wheel in either direction at slow speeds the noise continues. When putting the key in the ignition it makes a buzzing noise.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 lexus rx330. The contact noticed that the dashboard was cracked. The contact received a recall notice regarding the failure approximately two or three years ago. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that the contact would be notified as soon as the part became available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The recall details were not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 lexus rx330. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11v112000 (vehicle speed control); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2015
“Complete engine failure while driving. No leaks. Vehicle was towed to service station and mechanic diagnosed seized engine due to clogged oil intake due to excessive sludge build up. Vehicle oil was routinely changed iaw manufacture guidelines with synthetic oil. Replaced engine with a used engine and after one day of driving the same thing happened on the replacement engine. Currently unable to locate a third engine that doesn't suffer from excessive sludge build up in the engine. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact RX330 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 RX330 reliable?
NHTSA has 67 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Lexus RX330. The most complained-about area is structure (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Lexus RX330 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,349 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Lexus RX330 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal. 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.