2006 Lexus RX

▲ Better than typical
2006 Lexus RX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:44.948Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
32
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2006

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2004: 40 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2006 32 2007: 58 complaints 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2010: 77 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 2011 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2014: 12 complaints 2015: 20 complaints 2015 2016: 28 complaints 2017: 47 complaints 2018: 26 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019 2020: 48 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 60 complaints 2023 2024: 60 complaints 2025: 23 complaints 2026: 10 complaints
1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2001 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2003 2004: 40 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2006 32 2007: 58 complaints 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2009 2010: 77 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 2011 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2013 2014: 12 complaints 2015: 20 complaints 2015 2016: 28 complaints 2017: 47 complaints 2017 2018: 26 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019 2020: 48 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2021 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 60 complaints 2023 2024: 60 complaints 2025: 23 complaints 2025 2026: 10 complaints
1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2001 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2003 2004: 40 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2006 32 2007: 58 complaints 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2009 2010: 77 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 2011 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2013 2014: 12 complaints 2015: 20 complaints 2015 2016: 28 complaints 2017: 47 complaints 2017 2018: 26 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019 2020: 48 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2021 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 60 complaints 2023 2024: 60 complaints 2025: 23 complaints 2025 2026: 10 complaints

2006: 32 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199935
200029
200119
200212
20034
200440
200527
200632
200758
200870
200934
201077
201129
201212
201318
201412
201520
201628
201747
201826
201934
202048
202170
202229
202360
202460
202523
202610

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

31% · 10 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-10-01

Also filed under Engine and structure

Hello, I had this issue on my Lexus RX400H recently, and it was diagnosed and repaired by a third party auto repair shop at my expense. I want to know if I have any recourse to recover my cost Approx $700. Thanks!

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-05

Engine

25% · 8 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle runs hot after just five minutes and steam or smoke starts emitting from engine with a strange smell. It left me stranded on a narrow and busy highway where I felt…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-06

Service brakes

22% · 7 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

19% · 6 reports

Steering

16% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Steering fluid was leaking from the right side of the rack and pinion. Making it hard to steer.the rack and pinion must now be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-25

I have been told by the dealer that the power steering rack has developed a severe leak and will cost $1,800 to repair. I have searched the web and found other owners with a similar defect with their Lexus 330's.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-18

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2010-02-16Recall queryClosed 2011-03-01 Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
  2. R
    2010-11-15Service brakes, hydraulic10V499000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V499000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Lexus RX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Lexus RX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lexus RX?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Lexus RX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.