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2009 Lexus RX Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Lexus RX, most often about the engine (32% of complaints, typically around 133,000 miles). It is 10th of 27 RX model years by number of complaints.

Complaints34
Recalls0
Crashes reported1
Fires reported0
Injuries reported1

Most common 2009 Lexus RX problems

  1. Engine

    11 complaints · 32%

    Half of these problems showed up before 133,000 miles.

    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. This appears to be a common issue on these vehicles as evidenced in various Lexus forums.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 133,000 miles
    The oil cooler line is made from rubber and failed. This failure LED to the loss of all engine oil and can cause catastrophic engine damage. This happened while car was in motion on a city street.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 133,506 miles

  2. Other or unspecified

    10 complaints · 29%

    Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.

    Dash is sticky, cracking and crumbling. Tailgate handle so sticky it has to be replaced at my expense of $180. Vehicle is garage kept. I have been on a waiting list for over a year. I would like a new car but no one will take this one.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 80,000 miles
    Back door opener melted rubber boot handle cover for the rear latch. Its part in the garage when not in used and the car is being driven about 1000-2000 miles a month.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 97,000 miles

  3. Steering

    5 complaints · 15%

    I took my Lexus rx350 to my tire shop for alignment and new tires. Upon, inspection of steering rack the technician noticed rack and pinion right boot was wet with power steering fluid. The shop recommended that steering rack needs to be replaced. I have owned toyotas and Lexus all my life and never have steering rack…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 60,000 miles
    I took car in for regular servicing and the mechanic said there is a power steering leak and the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. Apparently, this is a very common problem with the Lexus RX 350. Why hasn't there been a recall?
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 59,100 miles

  4. Air bags

    3 complaints · 9%

    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. The driver's side air bag that was mounted inside of the steering wheel failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruises to the chest and neck area. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 67,000 miles
    The dash above the passenger air bag started cracking and a thick, sticky substance continues to seep out. The vehicle is kept in a garage and the only place the dash is cracking is directly above the airbag.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 85,000 miles

  5. Electrical

    3 complaints · 9%

    Parts named most often: instrument panel.

    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. Looks like a malfunction of electrical wires...behicle was stationary when discovered, not positive if occurred while in…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 172,500 miles
    Odometer fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 123,676, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 250,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2025, at 250,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2009 Lexus RX recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2009 Lexus RX

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lexus RX?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (11 complaints, typically around 133,000 miles); other or unspecified (10 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); steering (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Lexus RX. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2009 a bad year for the Lexus RX?
It is 10th of 27 RX model years by number of complaints, with 34 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Lexus RX years

Lexus RX problems by year