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2005 Lexus RXProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2005 Lexus RX, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2005 Lexus RX
68
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years53% below the RX median · #19 of 25 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints262 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage80kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 4, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Lexus RX has problems

26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags50
Structure40
Power train30
Service brakes21
Exterior lighting20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Steering20
Vehicle speed control22
Equipment10
8 other systems83

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2005 Lexus RX recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Foundation components: master cylinder

Recall 10V-499 · Oct 21, 2010 · 728,544 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lexus.

Best & worst years

2005 vs. every other RX year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RX median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2005 Lexus RX, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Unintended and Uncontrolled AccelerationRQ10003 · closed Mar 1, 2011
    Led to recall 11V-112
In owners' words

What RX owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passenger’s side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags. The…
Complaint 11685317 · Sep 5, 2025 · 80,000 miles
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 Lexus’ be too? Afraid to drive now.
Complaint 11569166 · Jan 31, 2024
ERROR MESSAGE HAS APPEARED REGARDING PASSENGER AIR BAG. AIRBAG ON/OFF INDICATOR GOES ON AND OFF WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SEATBELT WARNING SIGNAL STARTING RINGING WHEN PASSENGER REMOVED SEATBELT AND EXITED THE CAR. STOPED WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON PASSENGER SEAT.
Complaint 11243064 · Aug 11, 2019 · 15,000 miles

Own a 2005 RX?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.