2009 Lexus RX350 problems & reliability
97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Lexus RX350. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (2 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering → | 28 | 29% |
| Structure → | 17 | 18% |
| Engine → | 12 | 12% |
| Power Train | 8 | 8% |
| Unknown OR Other | 8 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 7 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 7 | 7% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 6% |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 4% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 54,872 miles (middle 50% between 30,250 and 86,125 miles), based on 74 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated she notice a crack across the dashboard near the airbag on the passenger’s side that had started to expand. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that there was nothing they could do to assist because the recall had already expired. The vehicle was not…”
Structure · filed Feb 18, 2022
“The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that a crack had formed on the dashboard extending horizontally from the driver’s side instrument panel to the passenger’s side air bag housing. The contact also stated that the dashboard was sticky and appeared to be melting. The contact notified the dealer of…”
Structure · filed Jul 20, 2021
“Upon arriving home and parking in my driveway, a trail of oil lined my path. As soon as it was in park, oil began gushing out into a puddle under the car. Upon further research, it was found that lexus had issues with the oil cooler hose used during manufacturing, being rubber and leaking or bursting. The vehicle was…”
Engine · filed Jul 25, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
160 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Lexus RX350. The 10 most recent:
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Safety Recall 22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 2022
TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or…
L-SB-0006-22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2022
TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address…
L-SB-0004-22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 24, 2022
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be…
Lexus PRO19-02 - · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2022
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Lexus Safety Re · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 31, 2021
TT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
L-TT-0294-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2020
TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to…
L-SB-0002-20 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2020
TT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
L-TT-0235-17 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2020
TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to…
L-SB-0002-20 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2020
TT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
L-TT-0235-17 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2020
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2009 Lexus RX350 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2009 Lexus RX350?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 54,872 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.