2006 Lexus RX
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 70 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 76 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 47 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 46 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 59 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
31% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20211001
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, 20230905
25% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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 unsafe
NHTSA ODI report, 20260906
22% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120925
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, 20111118
SAFETY TIMELINE
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
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
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 AND
Campaign 10V499000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V499000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.