2005 Lexus RX recalls & problems

The 2005 Lexus RX has 1 safety recall and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (5 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints27filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder

NHTSA recall 10V499000 · Oct 21, 2010 · 728,544 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bags	5	0	0	0	80,000 mi
Unknown or other	5	0	0	0	—
Structure Interior panels › Dashboard	4	0	0	0	—
Power train Automatic transmission	3	0	0	0	5,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	2	1	0	1	—
Electrical system	2	0	1	1	—
Exterior lighting	2	0	0	0	—
Steering	2	0	0	0	—
Service brakes	2	1	0	0	—
Fuel/propulsion system	2	1	1	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Master cylinder	2	0	0	0	—
Latches/locks/linkages Hatchback/liftgate › Lock	1	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Sep 7, 2025 · fireEngine
My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California.â¨The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotiveâ¨Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952â¨Phone: [XXX] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: â¢ The intake manifold melted after the fireâ¨â¢ The engine became ânot repairableââ¨â¢ The fire occurred shortly after their repairâ¨â¢ They offered to âfix it for free,â which indicates awareness of responsibility The fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This…
Sep 1, 2025Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
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.
Sep 1, 2025 · 80,000 milesAir bags
The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passengerâs side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driverâs and passengerâs 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.
Jan 1, 2024Air bags
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 Lexusâ be too? Afraid to drive now.
Jul 1, 2023Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
An AutoZone, Durlast brand brake master cylinder failed in less than one year. The piston in the master cylinder dislodged, preventing proper braking in at least two of the four disc brake calipers. The Duralast master cylinder has been retained for inspection. The safety of the driver, passengers, other motorists and pedestrians were placed at risk due to the malfunction of the shoddily manufactured brake component. Braking distance and stopping efficiency were adversely affected. The problem was confirmed by the automobile repair center. The manufacturer has, so far, failed to contact me about the defective brake component. No warning lamps or messages were associated with the master…
Jun 1, 2023 · 210,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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.
Oct 1, 2021Unknown or other
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
Jan 8, 2021Unknown or other
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 complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

RQ10003 · opened Feb 16, 2010 · closed Mar 1, 2011 · led to recall 11V112000Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as…