3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,319 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Lexus RX 330:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #22

Jan 082021

RX 330 6-cyl

  • miles
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 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).

- Summerfield , FL, USA

problem #21

Jul 092015

RX 330 6-cyl

  • miles
2005 Lexus RX330. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle dashboard is very sticky, has cracks and needs to be replaced. Dealership informs consumer replacement dashboard still on back order.

- Stuart, FL, USA

problem #20

Apr 012009

RX 330

  • miles
My air vents constantly emit a white powdery substance that collects on the dashboard and within the vents. I have complained to the dealership with concerns of what I am inhaling into my lungs and was told that the calcium coating is coming off of a tube or wire and the calcium then gets blown out of the air vents into the passenger compartment. They also stated that the substance is not harmful if inhaled but I am not sure I believe that. The repair cost would be thousands of dollars because they have to remove my entire dashboard to reach the faulty part. Lexus stated they offered to pay 50% of repair/replacement costs and I do not feel that I should pay a penny as I have done nothing to cause the problem.

- Centerville, OH, USA

problem #19

Feb 012012

RX 330 6-cyl

  • miles
Dashboard has been cracking to no fault of my own- I live in Florida and it cracks due to heat and now the whole dashboard is cracking and pieces falling off.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #18

Oct 112014

RX 330

  • 136,000 miles
While driving on the highway there was a startlingly loud noise from the back, upper left part of the car. After reaching our destination we realized the top molding on the quarter rear driver-side window had ripped off the car while driving at normal highway speeds. This appears to be a common design flaw, based on Lexus chats. This should be a manufacturer covered defect even if the vehicle is no longer under warranty. This could be a serious danger if those hit someone or something.

- Damascus, MD, USA

problem #17

Jun 012010

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
The dashboard is sticky and cracking. It started back in 2009-2010 when my fingernail would catch in the plastic when turning key ignition. Now there are cracks completely across the dash and pieces have fallen off. It is also sticky to the touch. Have brought back to Lexus dealer and twice they have not come back to me with a resolution from customer assistance. Have seen problem with other Lexus and Toyota vehicles and have had other cars in fl that have not had never had issues with the heat such as this. I am the sole owner of this vehicle since 2005.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #16

Jun 282013

RX 330

  • miles
Dash has hairline cracks near front passenger airbag and around ignition and gauges. I have had my dash covered for the past 5 years and also vehicle kept under a carport. Many forums have customers complaining of the same issue. Lexus refuses to do anything about it. I'm concerned if my vehicle was involved in an accident and the passenger airbag deployed the flying debris from dash could possibly put someone's eye out or cause facial injury. Hopefully, this will be investigated and Lexus will have to issue a recall to replace the dash due to the faulty material used to make the dash.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #15

Dec 202011

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
Besides melting/shining/sticky dashboard the whole board is cracked straight from the passenger door to the drivers door. In 2010 when I had it in for service to jm Lexus (margate) I asked about getting it fixed or replaced as I was worried it fall down from where the crack is. The gentlemen's answer was that the car is 6 years old. I explained I have another car that is older without the issues. The repair would be my expense. I now have a car that has reduced resale or trade in value that cost a lot of money.

- Tamarac, FL, USA

problem #14

Jul 162011

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
A crack above the glove box started to appear. If the crack continues, it could cause problems to the electrical system and cause a wreck or life. I bought the Lexus new and paid around $38,000. I love the car, as it looks brand new, except for the dash board. The back seat has hardly been sat in.

- Trussville, AL, USA

problem #13

Mar 012010

RX 330

  • 50,000 miles
Dashboard started cracking about one year after warranty. It started as a small hairline crack. Its now everywhere. The air bags are in danger of popping out. Here is a forum that explains this and shows pictures. Its a major safety issue in most Lexus vehicles www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-first-generation/603916-my-dashboard-is-cracking-9.html.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #12

Jun 042009

RX 330

  • miles
The dashboard has been melting and cracking since June 2009. It has continued to deteriorate through the years to the point that its falling apart.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #11

Jul 022012

RX 330

  • miles
The dashboard of my vehicle has been melting away and cracking. The leather has completely come off in some areas and the entire dashboard has cracks. I contacted Lexus about this issue because it is obviously a manufactures defect. Lexus has been unresponsive in trying to repair my vehicle stating I am out of warranty. Please help!

- Miramar, FL, USA

problem #10

Jan 052009

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
In 2009 my dashboard started cracking and peeling. I took it to Lexus of the palm beaches, where I bought it from and they refuse to repair it. They told me that I would have to pay 2000. For the replacement dashboard. I called the Corp. Officer and complained and received a letter stating that they would give me 25% off for the replacement dashboard. That was unacceptable because their product has a defect. I still own this vehicle and the dashboard is totally ripped up. I am afraid that the airbag is going to blow out and cause me or my children injury. As of now Lexus of the palm beaches still refuse to repair the dashboard! I am seeking the attorney who has now filed a law suit.

- Loxahatchee, FL, USA

problem #9

Jan 012010

RX 330 6-cyl

  • miles
Dashboard and side door inside panels are melting and chipping off. Sometimes becomes extremely sticky and hot. There is a glare at times when driving during heat of day.

- Miramar, FL, USA

problem #8

Feb 032014

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles
2005 RX330 dashboard started cracking over the passenger side air bag and air vent on passenger side...called dealer and didn't get anywhere. Began looking up information on google on how to repair dashboards and found many complaints listed and that the dashboards were obviously defective, but Lexus not correcting the problems. Confronted dealer who sold the car and he then admitted that it is a known problem..I could either replace the dash for around $2000 or try to patch/repair it. Called and some repair shops would not repair my dash because the damage was right where the airbag is on the passenger side and they wouldn't touch it. How can a luxury car manufacturer get away with defective dashboards" if the dashboard cracks more severely, will the airbag deploy? one repair company said that they have seen these dashboards crack so bad that they look like a spider web over the whole dash. Is this safe to continue driving like this"

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

problem #7

Apr 082013

RX 330 6-cyl

  • miles
The dashboard is cracking around the passenger side airbag. The airbag was designed with a certain amount of resistance from the dashboard. Major concern with airbag deployment speed with less resistance from dashboard. Also concern about fragmentation of dashboard during deployment.

- Bayamon, PR, USA

problem #6

May 172013

RX 330

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the dashboard melted on the front passenger side of the vehicle. The dashboard became extremely sticky and the plastic traveled toward the passenger side air bag. The manufacturer was notified ofthe failure and was able to assist the contact. The failure mileage was 50,000.

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #5

Feb 122011

RX 330

  • miles
2005 Lexus RX330 while I am driving on freeway a driver rear quarter window's molding felt out off. I contacted Lexus headquarter rise an issue, I do reseach online forums to find down alot of same problems. I talked to Lexus headquarter personnel I think its a manufacture defective, but they denied that. Since my car out of warranty Lexus just pay half of replacement cost. I think it unfair should be replaced by Lexus Corp cost.

- Santa Ana, CA, USA

problem #4

Nov 012009

RX 330

  • 80,000 miles
Various hairline cracks have randomly appeared on the dashboard. They range in size from 1" to 6". one crack has appeared along the area that covers the passenger airbag. This could potentially cause the airbag to malfunction or not work as intended, which could be fatal in an accident. The dashboard issue has been discussed on various online Lexus forums.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #3

Jun 082011

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 60,860 miles
My 2005 Lexus RX330 dashboard has ripped open in several places. One is directly over my passenger side airbag! I bought this vehicle brand new and it has only 60,000 miles. It has been kept in a garage most of the time. This is a defect that has happen to other owners. Lexus should recall these dash boards and replace them. I have been told that it will cost me $1400. Dollars to replace it because it cannot be repaired due to the location over the airbag.

- Loxahatchee, FL, USA

Read the next 2 complaints »