2009 Lexus RX

▲ Better than typical
2009 Lexus RX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:48.889Z

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
34
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

26% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2003 2004: 40 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2009 34 2010: 77 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 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 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2007 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2009 34 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 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2007 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2009 34 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

2009: 34 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.

Engine

26% · 9 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Oil line ruptured spilling causing loss of most engine oil on road and potentially ruining engine. Vehicle currently is at Toyota dealership being rep[aired so is available for inspection. Oil on road of course a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-25

Noticed huge puddle of oil under car after parking in driveway. Had car towed to Lexus dealer. Found oil cooler rubber hose ruptured. Replacement line is now constructed of metal.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-11

Steering

15% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

My 2009 Lexus RX350 has 84000 miles on it and I have just found out that the rack and pinion is leaking oil. The car has been well taken care of and carefully driven since it was bought brand new so it is a surprise.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-28

Air bags

9% · 3 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, she unexpectedly swerved off the road and crashed into a guard rail.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-04

Electrical system

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

Show complaint excerpts

The trunk latch rubber boot melted. Possible electrical issue. The rubber feels like soft tar & leaves marks that are quite difficult to wash off. Car location is not one of the hotter states.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-13

Vehicle speed control

6% · 2 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The car lurches forward with great unintended acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-03

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX. The contact was driving approximately 15 MPH on normal road conditions, proceeding to turn at an intersection. There was pressure applied to the accelerator pedal, followed by no power response.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-01-27

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Lexus RX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Lexus RX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lexus RX?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus RX have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

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