2005 Lexus RX330
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 287 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 67 |
| 2007 | 5 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: exterior lighting — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.
19% of complaints: structure — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.
18% of complaints: steering — 29 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR WAS PARKED AND A FIRE BROKE OUT UNDERNEATH THE CAR. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT AND SAID THERE WAS LEAKAGE, BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT. I HAD CAR TOWED TO LEXUS DEALER IN LEXINGTON KY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180728
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS RX330. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT LEFT THE GEAR IN DRIVE AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090302
8% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT WITH CENTER DIVIDE AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 45 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20141214
VEHICLE REARENDED A STATIONARY VEHICLE IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. SAN RAMON PD REPORT #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130529
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800
Campaign 06V253000 — check if this car was fixed
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V112000 — check if this car was fixed
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 L
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE
Campaign 11V539000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Lexus RX330 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V253000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V112000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V539000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 Lexus RX330 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lexus RX330?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus RX330 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.