2009 Lexus RX350
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 167 |
| 2008 | 126 |
| 2009 | 97 |
| 2010 | 94 |
| 2011 | 30 |
| 2012 | 33 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2015 | 42 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2017 | 46 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: steering — 28 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MY LEXUS HAS JUST 50,000 MILES ON IT GARAGE KEPT, JUST WAS TOLD MY RACK&PINION GEAR WAS LEAKING TO THE TUNE OF 1800.00 DOLLARS. I WAS LOOKING UP LEXUS FORUMS ON LINE, THERE IS QUITE OF LEXUS OWNER'S THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180402
SERIOUS STEERING RACK POWER STEERING FAILURE/LEAKAGE, MECHANIC SAYS COMMON LEXUS AND TOYOTA PRODUCTS AND CAN LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT BY LOSING STEERING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THANK GOD, NO ACCIDENT YET, JUST FACING $1600 REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171223
12% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LEXUS RX350. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING, WENT OVER A CURB, AND DOWN A 7-8 FOOT STEEP EMBANKMENT AND OVER A HIGH CURB AT THE TOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160615
TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON TEXAS HIGHWAY 380 IN DENTON COUNTY, TX. TRAFFIC SLOWED AS IT APPROACHED ENTRANCE RAMP TO I35 SOUTHBOUND. I APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOW VEHICLE, NOTHING HAPPENED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091130
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Lexus RX350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Lexus RX350 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Lexus RX350 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lexus RX350?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus RX350 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.