1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
87,584 miles

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problem #31

Jun 012019

RX 330

  • 220,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the vsc indicator illuminated intermittently. Also, while the vehicle was at a complete stop, the steering wheel would vibrate uncontrollably. In cold weather, the steering wheel would become difficult to maneuver. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 220,000.

- Middleburg, PA, USA

problem #30

Jun 302015

RX 330

  • 121,000 miles
The RX330 was seen at the Toyota dealership around 121,000 miles for brake pads and general maintenance & inspection. Upon inspection, it was discovered there was a power steering fluid leak and it would be necessary to replace the rack/pinion to a tune of around $2,000! the service was declined and the owner was informed it might be dangerous to drive the vehicle because the steering could lock up, making it more probable for an accident to occur. At present, the owner is adding ps fluid to the vehicle when it runs low and hoping for the best. A few mechanics have commented this might be the less expensive option. However, with a broken rack/pinion, it makes the vehicle very difficult to resale. Mechanics are becoming more and more aware of this costly manufacturing defect in the 2005 Lexus. One mechanic commented there is a weak spot in the R&P which gives, causing this problem.

- Fletcher, NC, USA

problem #29

Jun 152018

RX 330

  • 130,100 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the brake system failed and the brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel made a loud noise while being turned. The vehicle was taken to Lexus of annapolis (121 ferguson road, annapolis, md 21409, (410)-266-3333) where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder failed and caused the brake fluid to leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,100.

- Brentwood, MD, USA

problem #28

Nov 152016

RX 330

  • miles
The key broke into the ignition, dealer refused to assist with repair ot new key even though I hadn't had it very long. The stering wheel locks., the tires shake, cords all falling from under the car, the electrical goes in and out including windows and heat. My seat belts lock on me. This car is a mess and I have two children 11,5 and a senior father that has alzeimers that have to be transported in this lemon faily. The dealers wonmt help they make payment and reapir promises and never keep them, I had been experiencing hardships and they used it against me to justify not repairing the car. Yet these issues have been exisitent since day 1. 11/15/2016

- Kenosha, WI, USA

problem #27

Jun 022017

RX 330

  • 110,000 miles
Owner took car in for routine 110,000 mile service (told it would be about $150). Next day was informed by dealer that power steering pump and high pressure power steering hose needed replacement. Had not noticed any symptoms prior to this, no leaking noted beneath car other than water from ac. Dealer said a leak would be from same pan as ac, but power steering fluid would be oily not watery. I explained that I did not have any sign of power steering leak. Parts ($665.94) and labor ($217) for pump = total ($882.94) parts ($528.99) and labor ($294.50) for high pressure steering hose = total ($831.48) this cost was $1700 on top of my 110.000 maintenance charge. Has this been a problem for other owners of 2005 rx 330 ?

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #26

Sep 012016

RX 330

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the power steering. The contact also observed evidence of a power steering fluid leak. The dealer diagnosed that the power steering pump and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #25

Mar 032017

RX 330

  • miles
I am experiencing issues with my steering control and powering steering leaking which has caused a unique noise on sharp turns and while driving in general. My mechanic informed me that my rack and pinions need to be replaced. My 2005 rx 330 currently has 131,000 miles. It's very sad to read previous complaints and Lexus still has not done anything about this issue. This is a known problem that Lexus is aware of - what the hell!

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #24

Jan 202016

RX 330

  • 130,000 miles
My steering locked up was wining took it in rack and pinion is leaking real bad no power steering do to leak..

- Casa Grande, AZ, USA

problem #23

Nov 242015

RX 330

  • 162,000 miles
The alignment has always been an issue and has been adjusted more often then any other car I've ever owned. Until recently I noticed the steering getting stiffer and harder to handle. Changed the fluid several times and it doesn't seem to be the problem. Took it in to get checked, it's the rack and pinion and will cost over $1000 to repair. After speaking with the mechanic he stated "this is a common defect in your Lexus, but they aren't putting in a recall on it." That's ridiculous. As most of us here, we have the safety of our families in our cars. I'm not even finished paying this thing off and it's falling apart. This should be taken much more seriously and should be recalled considering that it looks as if most of these models are having the same issues. It's very scary to drive. But not in my budget...food and clothing first...not fixing a manufacturers error. Manufactured in Canada.

- East Stroudsburg, PA, USA

problem #22

Aug 172015

RX 330

  • 144,572 miles
Dealer mentioned power steering leak in 2014, again in 2015 and previous owner of vehicle took it in to have it looked at due to complaint of problems with power steering in 2012 with water pump and timing belt were changed. My local dealer is stating the repair will cost at least $1000 to repair. Despite recalls on the internet, it seems that the investigation of the 2005 Lexus rx 330 needs to include vehicle manufactured in Canada (mine states Canada). Please help I want to be safe driving my family in this vehicle.

- Jamestown, NC, USA

problem #21

Jul 252015

RX 330

  • 74,000 miles
I have been experiencing issue with my steering control, and a unique noise on sharp turns, so during my next oil change at the Lexus dealership they examined and informed me that my steering rack is seeping oil, and would need a replacement to a cost of $1,800. I drive my car over the weekends with my kids on outdoor trips over the weekend and have only 70K miles, so was a complete shock to learn about this issue. Research has shown me that this is a know issue, and many consumers have similar complain. On contacting Lexus, I was informed that since my car is out of warranty period, there not much they can do although they are well aware of the issue, there was a channel 2 san diego, ca clip on Toyota motors having a recall, but I was informed no such recall is in force, so I am confused. Lexus contact me and ready to pay a partial sum on the part replacement but I would have to bear the labor and much of the cost associated for the part. A similar story that echoed with other users, Lexus needs to address this recall/safety issue at once, before a fatality occurs.

- Lake Oswego, OR, USA

problem #20

Jan 012014

RX 330

  • 109,594 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. While the vehicle was in park, the steering wheel felt loose and a noise was coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. In addition, while in park, there was a noise when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician stated that the steering shaft and the rack and pinion nut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,594.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #19

Dec 022014

RX 330 6-cyl

  • miles
Vehicle failed inspection due to power steering rack leaking.. was referred to dealership who said they could do nothing about it.. called Lexus customer assistance center, twice, and have still not gotten any satisfaction or resolve. So much for Lexus quality..

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #18

Oct 072014

RX 330

  • 108,000 miles
Vehicle starting making noise, took it into an auto repair shop, and was told the power steering fluid was very low. They also stated I needed to replace the rack and pinion. I looked online, and it seems to be an issue with 2005 RX330's. obviously, reading the complaints, there should be a recall for this known problem.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

problem #17

Sep 022014

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 86,422 miles
I was told by the Lexus dealership that I have a power steering rack leak on my 2005 Lexus RX330. To repair the leak will cost approximate $1700. I have contacted the Lexus manufacturer directly about the failure and was informed that was a recall on the power steering back in 2011 but unfortunately my car is not part of recall. I have done extensive research on this problem and found out that this is very common problem that most Lexus owners were having. This confirms that the power steering leak is a manufacture defect and should be included as part of their power steering recall. I hope NHTSA can investigate into this problem further and request Lexus to include the power steering rack leak as part of the recall. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

- Kendall Park, NJ, USA

problem #16

Aug 202014

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Power steering rack unit leaking common problem with many Lexus owners as shown below. Toyota refuses to acknowledge this problem leaving many owners to pay for expensive repairs. I have purchased the replacement part myself and will have my local certified mechanic do the labor. Total cost to me will be over $600 which is far cheaper then the local Lexus dealership charges. Link below shows how many Lexus owners have had this exact problem. www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2005/Lexus/rx+330/steering.

- Rockford, MI, USA

problem #15

Aug 202014

RX 330 6-cyl

  • miles
Power steering rack and pinion assembly O-ring seals fail allowing power steering fluid to leak out into rubber boot. Replacement is recommended average cost to owner $1000, Lexus refuses to cover any of it. My Lexus was inspected by car center located in greenville mi licensed mechanic who confirmed and documented the problem. Called my local Lexus dealer and was told it was my problem.

- Rockford, MI, USA

problem #14

Mar 082013

RX 330

  • 162,557 miles
Leaking power steering rack assembly. Seems to be a very common problem with these RX330's. advised I need a new rack & pinion assembly. Lexus needs a recall for this issue, too many complaints! also told need to replace headlight ballist!

- Lancaster, SC, USA

problem #13

Jul 152014

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
Replaced the front brake pads and rotors yesterday on my 2005 Lexus RX330, on the passenger side I noticed the inner tie rod boot deteriorated and surrounded by oil and/or grease leaking. I was baffled by the poor condition this boot was in, trying to figure out what and how this was caused. During my research online, I soon discovered several complaints of the same defect. The fix is to replace the rack & pinion due to a faulty seal that has caused power steering fluid to leak into the inner tie rod boot and break down and disintegrate the rubber boot. A very costly repair, that I feel the consumer shouldn't have to absorb, being Lexus is aware of this defect. I have 135,000 miles on my RX330. I bought a Lexus for the sole purpose of reliablity and longevity. I'm wondering if I made the wrong choice..... any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

- Roseville, MI, USA

problem #12

May 032014

RX 330 6-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
Vehicle's svc system malfunctions which causes the vehicle's steering to operate erratically-particularly at speeds above 50mph. Please investigate this matter.

- Mt. Vernon, NY, USA

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