2009 Lexus RX350: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 97 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (29% of complaints); the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
97
owner complaints
1
fire reports
55,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: steering (29%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)29% · 26 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)17% · 15 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)11% · 10 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)7% · 6 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)6% · 5 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)6% · 5 complaints
“The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated she notice a crack across the dashboard near the airbag on the passenger's side that had started to expand. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that there was nothing they could do to assist because the recall had already expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 lexus rx350. While at a fuel station, the contact was alerted by another person that there was oil leaking under the vehicle. The contact had aaa tow the vehicle back home. The vehicle was then towed to lexus of rockville centre (700 sunrise hwy, rockville centre, ny 11570, (516) 665-0166) where it was determined that a hose was leaking oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 92,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
“My dealer just told me that the steering rack kit leakingand needs to be replaced immediately. This common problem in lexus,if there is a problem with this, lexus should be paying for it, not me. The quote is for $1315”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“My lexus has under 20,000 miles on it and it has been garage kept and not seen winters. My dealer just told me that the steering gearbox needs to be replaced immediately. This car is in perfect shape and has hardly been driven. If there is a problem with this, lexus should be paying for it, not me. The quote is for $1450.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2018
“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 miles unfortunately mine has 152,400, so they are denying coverage.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2018
“My lexus has just 50,000 miles on it garage kept, just was told my rack&pinion gear was leaking to the tune of 1800.00 dollars. I was looking up lexus forums on line, there is quite of lexus owner's that have the same problem. And if you don`t take care of this problem it could be quite dangerous. I think lexus should reimburse owner's for there out of pocket expenses.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2018
“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 piece of equipment that went out the back wall of the garage”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2017
“Serious steering rack power steering failure/leakage, mechanic says common lexus and toyota products and can lead to catastrophic accident by losing steering at high speeds. Thank god, no accident yet, just facing $1600 repair. Parts and labor, one year warranty. Do many people have to die before this is addressed??”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2017
“The oil cooler manifold which has rubber hoses leaked completely out. The new parts have a solid metal hose, not rubber! I believe lexus obviously knew the rubber hoses were a cheaper method of cooling, though they are "high pressure" and should have been metal at the time of manufacturing the vehicle! I have seen blog after blog of people with the same issue. Oil all over my driveway and again, I believe the motor has been damaged due to driving home (unaware there was an issue) until I saw the oil everywhere underneath and on the side of the motor.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2017
“Oil coolant manifold. Rubber hoses which are high pressure hoses burst. Engine issues afterwards due to immediate and extreme oil loss. Driving at 55 mph on highway. Lexus dealer stated the replacement part is on "national back order, more than 3,000 units". I have had the vehicle fixed as it is a primary vehicle for my family. Lexus states they will not reimburse unless it is fixed at a lexus dealer....though they do not have the replacement part! No loaner was offered. Cost $321.00 for aftermarket part. There is a service campaign on this issue; sczlc as of 08/01/2014, obviously they are aware of an issue.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2009 Lexus RX350 reliable?
NHTSA has 97 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Lexus RX350. The most complained-about area is steering (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Lexus RX350 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.